★ The VA Claims Hub
⏱ ~5 min read

All chapters

71 chapters across 12 parts covering the full VA disability claim process — start anywhere.

Most important to read first

📖 A note before you begin 🧭 The three pathways 🧮 How combined ratings work ⏱️ Intent to File 🔗 Secondary service connection 🌍 The PACT Act ✍️ Nexus letter — magic language 💯 TDIU

Full chapter index

Part 1 Foundations 7 chapters

  1. A note before you begin
  2. What VA disability is
  3. The three pathways
  4. Three elements every claim must prove
  5. How combined ratings work
  6. What each rating unlocks
  7. 2026 compensation rates

Part 2 Before you file 7 chapters

  1. Intent to File (21-0966)
  2. The 1-year post-discharge window
  3. BDD / Quick Start (pre-discharge)
  4. Pulling your STRs
  5. Pulling your C-File
  6. VA health care + TERA screening
  7. VSO vs. attorney vs. claim shark

Part 3 Building the claim 10 chapters

  1. The five elements
  2. Getting a diagnosis
  3. The nexus letter — magic language
  4. Lay evidence doctrine
  5. Continuity of symptoms doctrine
  6. Personal statements (21-4138)
  7. Buddy statements (21-10210)
  8. Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
  9. Documenting flare-ups
  10. Benefit of the doubt

Part 4 Secondary service connection 6 chapters

  1. What "secondary" actually means
  2. Causation vs. aggravation
  3. Common high-yield chains
  4. Multi-hop chains
  5. Writing the secondary nexus letter
  6. ED secondary to mental health

Part 5 Special pathways 8 chapters

  1. Presumptive list overview
  2. The PACT Act (full 2026)
  3. TERA screening
  4. Camp Lejeune Justice Act
  5. Agent Orange / Blue Water Navy
  6. Gulf War undiagnosed illness
  7. Chronic disease 1-year presumption
  8. Aggravation of pre-existing

Part 6 The C&P exam 3 chapters

  1. What the C&P exam is + how to win it
  2. Common examiner traps
  3. Inadequate exam doctrine

Part 7 After you file 2 chapters

  1. Reading your rating decision
  2. Effective dates and back pay

Part 8 Appeals 5 chapters

  1. AMA appeals overview
  2. Supplemental Claim (lane 1)
  3. Higher-Level Review (lane 2)
  4. Board Appeal (lane 3)
  5. Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE)

Part 9 Maximizing compensation 5 chapters

  1. TDIU (paid at 100% rate)
  2. Permanent and Total (P&T)
  3. Special Monthly Compensation ladder
  4. Aid and Attendance
  5. Increased rating claims

Part 10 Protection & endurance 5 chapters

  1. 5-year rule
  2. 10-year rule (SC protection)
  3. 20-year rule (rating protection)
  4. Static disability + P&T designation
  5. Handling re-examinations

Part 11 Collateral benefits 8 chapters

  1. CRDP and CRSC (retirees)
  2. CHAMPVA
  3. Chapter 35 DEA (dependent education)
  4. State property tax exemptions
  5. VR&E / Chapter 31
  6. Specially Adapted Housing
  7. Automobile allowance
  8. VA dental

Part 12 Filing scenarios 5 chapters

  1. Filing your first claim
  2. Reservist / National Guard claims
  3. Spouse and family involvement
  4. MEB / PEB / IDES (active duty)
  5. Build your file — pre-claim checklist

71 chapters total. Use the previous/next buttons at the bottom of any chapter to read straight through, or jump to whatever you need.

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