Step-By-Step - Filing for VA Disability

Instructions for Filing a New or Increase claim

1. Go to va.gov and Sign in.

2. In the Disability box (top right most box), click File a claim for compensation or File for a VA disability increase.

3. It's going to check for any applications already in progress, then it'll ask you the question "Are you on active duty now?" Select as appropriate.

4. A new question will appear below that and ask "Are you filing a new claim or are you disagreeing with a VA decision on an earlier claim?" Select I'm filing a claim for a new condition or for a condition that's gotten worse.

5. A green button that says File a disability claim online will appear, click on it.

6. It will take you to another screen that explains the process of filing, click the green button that says Start the Disability Compensation Application >>.

7. It will pull your profile information and pull up your existing Intent to File. if you didn't already have an Intent to File submitted/active, then it would create one for you. The intent to file is important because it is used when Determining back pay. The page will also tell you when it will expire, RECORD THAT DATE so you don't forget it!

8. Click Continue.

9. It will show you your personal information including Name, Date of Birth, and Gender. Assuming that's all correct, click Continue. If anything is incorrect, follow the instructions on the page to correct it.

10. It will show you your contact information on file including phone number, email address, and mailing address. MAKE SURE THESE ARE CORRECT, they will use this information to communicate with you through the whole process and what they will share with the examiners. If anything is incorrect, hit Edit and correct the information. If it is correct, click Continue.

11. It will show you your military service details, make sure it is correct. If it is incorrect, again click Edit to update it. If it is correct, click Continue.

12. It will ask you whether you are claiming a new condition (not currently rated or service-connected) or One or more of my rated conditions that have gotten worse (increase), make your selection and click Continue.

13. If you selected new it will ask you how it is related to service and allow you explain how it is related to service. Alternatively, if you selected an increase, it will show you a list of your currently rated disabilities with check boxes next to them. Check the box for every condition that you would like evaluated for an increase. Check all that apply. Click Continue.

14. It will ask you if you would like more information on additional disability benefits, select Yes or No. Click Continue.

15. It will show you a summary of the conditions that you are including on your claim. Review the list to ensure you selected every condition you wanted to be evaluated for. If you missed something, click go back and add it. If everything you want is listed, click Continue.

16. It will tell you that on the next few screens it will be asking for new and relevant evidence. You do not need to submit any evidence that was submitted with an earlier claim. Click Continue.

17. It will ask you if there is any evidence you'd like them to review as part of your claim. Select Yes. It will ask you what type of evidence you want them to review as part of your claim. Select all that apply (VA medical records, Private medical records, Supporting (lay) statements or Other evidence). Click Continue.

18. If you selected VA medical records, it will ask you what VA medical facility you were seen at for which condition and what the date of the first visit to that facility. If you were seen by multiple VA locations, add them all here. Click Continue.

19. If you selected Private medical records, it will ask you if you want to upload them yourself or if you'd like them to get the records from your doctor. We recommend you upload them yourself otherwise it may delay your claim as they wait for evidence from your private doctor. Click Continue. It will take you to a page to upload the medical records.

20. If you selected Supporting statements or other evidence, it will ask you to upload that here. Upload relevant documents and click Continue.

21. It will take you to a summary of evidence that it will upload with your claim. Verify its everything you want and click Continue.

22. It will explain that you'll receive a call from the VA or an appointed exam provider. Click Continue.

23. It will have you verify your banking information. Update this so they can direct deposit your back pay and regular payments into the correct account and you can access the funds quickly once your claim has been closed out with a decision. Click Continue.

24. It will ask you if you are at risk of homelessness or are homeless. Select the applicable option and click Continue.

25. It will ask if you are terminally ill. Select the applicable option and click Continue.

26. It will ask if you are currently a VA employee. Select the applicable option and click Continue.

27. It will give you the option to submit a Fully developed claim, which indicates that what you just uploaded is everything they need from you to make a decision. If you have more to upload later, select No, I have some extra information that I'll submit to VA later. Click Continue.

28. It will give you a review of your complete application with an opportunity to edit any section if needed. Then you will need to check the box that says I have read and accept the privacy policy. Then click the blue Submit application button.

29. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK, YOU JUST DID A HUGE THING! YOU'VE SET THE BALL ROLLING AND YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY!

The next step in the process besides waiting and more waiting is attending a Compensation and Pension Examination.