VA Disability Claims 101: What Every Veteran Should Know

Get the Benefits you’re Owed. Without the Stress. VETCOMM US Can Help.

You’ve successfully completed your service contract. You’re commended for the incredible courage and sacrifice you made for this country. But now, as you step into civilian life, you’re faced with a new kind of battle—navigating a complex VA system that doesn’t come with a manual. Suddenly, the benefits you were promised feel distant or out of reach, buried beneath confusing forms, inconsistent information and overwhelming wait times. The hard truth is, many veterans miss out on the compensation and care they’ve earned simply because they don’t understand the VA disability claim process. That’s where VETCOMM US comes in. We’re here to break down the essentials, walk you through what to expect and make sure you don’t leave a single benefit on the table. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of filing a VA disability claim—what you’re entitled to, when to file and how VETCOMM US makes the process faster, easier and more successful.

When your VA disability claim is approved, you may be entitled to monthly, tax-free compensation based on the severity of your service-connected conditions. But the benefits don’t stop with you—they can extend to your spouse, children and even dependent parents. The higher your disability rating, the more benefits become available, including additional monthly payments for dependents. Here’s a breakdown of what you may qualify for:

• Monthly Disability Compensation
  Tax-free payments made each month. Your rating (0–100%) determines the amount, and those with dependents receive higher rates.
  
  
• VA Healthcare
  Access to medical care through VA hospitals and clinics. This can include specialty care, prescriptions, mental health support and in some cases, dental and vision services.
  
  
• Education and Training Benefits
  Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other programs, veterans and qualified family members can receive tuition assistance, housing stipends and funds for books and supplies.
  
  
• Housing Assistance
  This includes VA-backed home loans with no down payment, grants for adaptive housing modifications for disabled vets and property tax exemptions in some states.
  
  
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
  For veterans with service-connected disabilities that impact employment, this program offers career counseling, job training, resume help and financial support for schooling.
  
  
• Adapted Vehicle Grants
  Assistance for purchasing a specially equipped vehicle or modifying your current one, helping you regain mobility and independence.
  
  

These benefits can dramatically improve your quality of life—but only if you access them. VETCOMM US helps ensure you receive the maximum compensation and full range of support you’ve earned—not just the minimum the system is willing to offer.

The VA receives claims for a wide range of service-connected conditions, but some are more common than others. According to the VA’s Annual Benefits Report, the top claimed conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, back and joint issues, migraines and sleep apnea. What many veterans don’t realize is that secondary conditions—disabilities that develop as a result of another service-connected condition—are also eligible for compensation. For example, a veteran with chronic back pain might later develop depression due to their limited mobility, or weight gain and sleep apnea from inactivity. Both the primary and secondary conditions may be compensable if properly documented. VETCOMM US helps you identify all potential claimable conditions—including the ones most veterans overlook.

Your effective date determines when your VA disability benefits begin. That means the earlier you file, the more back pay you could receive if your claim is approved. In most cases, your effective date is either the day the VA receives your completed claim or the date you submitted your Intent to File—as long as you submit the full claim within one year of filing the intent. Filing even one day earlier can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in retroactive compensation, especially if your rating is high or includes dependents. That’s why it’s critical to get your ITF on file immediately, even if your full claim isn’t ready. VETCOMM US guides you step-by-step through the Intent to File (ITF) process to ensure it’s submitted accurately and on time, protecting your eligibility and helping you secure every dollar you’re owed.

The best time to file a VA disability claim is as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms of a service-connected condition—even if you’re still serving or don’t have all your supporting documentation yet. In fact, you can and should start documenting your medical issues while still on active duty. Keeping detailed records through your military treatment facility (MTF) or reporting injuries and symptoms to your command or medical staff helps create a clear service-connection trail. If you’re within 90 days of separation, you may even qualify for the VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, which fast-tracks your claim.

Waiting too long after separation can result in gaps in your documentation and unnecessary delays in receiving compensation. Even if you're still gathering your medical records or aren’t sure how strong your case is, starting the process early gives you a major advantage. With VETCOMM US, you get guided, expert support to make sure no time is wasted and your claim is built on a solid foundation from the start.

If you’ve filed a VA disability claim, chances are you’ll be scheduled for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This medical evaluation—conducted by a VA healthcare provider or a contracted third party—is used to determine if your condition is service-connected, its severity and how it affects your daily life. Almost everyone filing a new claim, requesting an increase or appealing a denial will need to attend this exam, which may include physical assessments, diagnostic questions or mental health evaluations depending on your condition.

Preparing for the C&P exam is essential. You should be ready to clearly explain your medical history, how your condition began and worsened and how it impacts your daily activities. Gathering relevant medical records, service treatment documents and personal statements beforehand will strengthen your case. 

VETCOMM US supports you through this process by helping you understand what to expect, coaching you on how to describe your symptoms confidently and ensuring you have the right documentation. This guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls that can lead to lower ratings or denials, so you can approach your exam fully prepared and informed.

You can file your VA disability claim online at VA.gov, by mail with VA Form 21-526EZ, or in person at a regional VA office. While these options are available to everyone, many veterans who file alone run into delays, missing documents or denied claims. Free help from Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) exist, but they’re often overwhelmed with cases, making it difficult to receive timely, personalized support.

That’s where paid services like VETCOMM US stand out. For veterans who don’t want to wait or risk filing errors, VETCOMM US provides professional, guided support from start to finish. You’ll get personalized help identifying your strongest claims, submitting accurate paperwork and avoiding costly mistakes—without the months-long wait or limited availability that often comes with free options. Investing in support from VETCOMM US means getting your claim done faster, more efficiently and with a higher chance of success.

VETCOMM US takes the stress out of the VA claims process with a step-by-step system built by veterans, for veterans. From submitting your Intent to File, to gathering medical evidence, to preparing for your C&P exam—we guide you through it all. We break down complex VA jargon, help avoid common mistakes and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Many of our clients go from frustration to approval in just weeks. Our mission is straightforward: to help you secure your benefits quickly, clearly and with confidence. 

Don’t let the complexities of the VA system keep you from the compensation and care you’re owed. Sign up today for a free claim review and let VETCOMM US guide you step-by-step to a faster, smoother approval.