60+ terms · Plain English
VA Terms in Plain English
Every acronym, buzzword, and piece of VA jargon — decoded. Search for any term or browse by category.
Claims & Evidence
16Ratings & Compensation
8Appeals & Reviews
5Benefits Programs
12Healthcare
3Education & Employment
4Service & Discharge
10People & Organizations
4Why knowing these terms matters
Understanding VA language is the difference between a strong claim and a denied one. When you know what “nexus” means, you know your doctor needs to write a connection letter. When you know what “effective date” means, you know to file an Intent to File before gathering evidence. Every term here is a tool in your toolbox.
- ✓File an ITF first — it locks in your back pay date even before you finish your claim
- ✓Get a nexus letter — without it, even well-documented conditions can be denied
- ✓Understand VA Math — your combined rating isn't a simple sum, and knowing the formula prevents surprises
- ✓Know your appeal options — Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal each have different rules and timelines
Related Guides
Now that you know the language, put it to work.
Related Journeys
Veterans who use this page are often on one of these paths.
Just Separated / Brand New
“Where do I even start?”
Filing a First Claim
“How do I file my first claim?”
Understanding Your Rating
“What does my rating actually get me?”
Denied or Stuck
“My claim got denied. Now what?”
Increasing Your Rating
“My condition got worse.”
100% P&T Veterans
“I'm 100% P&T — what else am I entitled to?”
Family Members
“My spouse or parent is a veteran.”
Survivor & Gold Star Benefits
“I lost my veteran. What am I entitled to?”
Guard & Reserve Veterans
“I was Guard or Reserve — do I qualify?”
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