START HERE · 9 GUIDED ROUTES
Where are you right now?
Choose the situation that sounds most like yours. We'll show the action to take now, what to gather, and where to go next.
Choose one starting point
Nine possible routes—not nine steps.
Junction 01
Start or file
Begin here if VA benefits or disability claims are new to you.
- Starting point 1. Route 01Where do I even start?You recently left the military and need to know what benefits you've earned and how to start getting them.Just Separated / Brand New5 steps · About 10 min to readJust Separated / Brand New5 steps · About 10 min to readFollow this route
- Starting point 2. Route 02How do I file my first claim?You know you need to file but don't know the steps, the forms, or what evidence to gather.Filing a First Claim6 steps · About 12 min to readFiling a First Claim6 steps · About 12 min to readFollow this route
Junction 02
A claim or rating changed
Choose the route that matches the decision, condition, or rating in front of you.
- Starting point 3. Route 03My claim got denied. Now what?Your claim was denied, you have concerns about a C&P exam, or you're stuck waiting with no answers.Denied or Stuck5 steps · About 10 min to readDenied or Stuck5 steps · About 10 min to readFollow this route
- Starting point 4. Route 04My condition got worse.Your service-connected condition has worsened and you want to file for an increase or add secondary conditions.Increasing Your Rating4 steps · About 8 min to readIncreasing Your Rating4 steps · About 8 min to readFollow this route
- Starting point 5. Route 05What does my rating actually get me?You have a rating and want to identify which compensation rules and separate benefit programs to check.Understanding Your Rating4 steps · About 8 min to readUnderstanding Your Rating4 steps · About 8 min to readFollow this route
- Starting point 6. Route 06I'm 100% P&T — what else might I qualify for?You have a 100% Permanent & Total status. Here's where to check which additional benefits you and your family may qualify for.100% P&T Veterans10 benefit areas · Complete P&T guide100% P&T Veterans10 benefit areas · Complete P&T guideFollow this route
Junction 03
Service or family situation
Start with the service history or family relationship that applies.
- Starting point 7. Route 07I was Guard or Reserve — do I qualify?You served in the National Guard or Reserves and want to know what VA benefits apply to you.Guard & Reserve Veterans5 steps · Guard & Reserve specificGuard & Reserve Veterans5 steps · Guard & Reserve specificFollow this route
- Starting point 8. Route 08My spouse or parent is a veteran.You're a spouse, child, or caretaker of a veteran and want to understand dependent and survivor benefits.Family Members5 benefit areas · About 8 min to readFamily Members5 benefit areas · About 8 min to readFollow this route
- Starting point 9. Route 09I lost my veteran. What survivor benefits may apply?You're the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran who has died and want to understand programs that may apply.Survivor & Gold Star Benefits6 benefit areas · Complete survivor guideSurvivor & Gold Star Benefits6 benefit areas · Complete survivor guideFollow this route
Is it too late to file?
No. There is no deadline to file a VA disability claim. Veterans have successfully filed first claims decades after separation. It's never too late to get the benefits you earned.
Direct tools
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