Veterans who have a service-connected injury, illness, or medical condition and want to file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often have one key question — how do I get my VA disability claim approved? VA Benefits Attorneys may be able to help with this quick list of 4 Tips to Get Your VA Disability Claim Approved. We hope that this list will help you file a successful claim and receive the disability compensation that you have earned with years of service to our country.

How To File a Successful VA Disability Claim

How do I file a successful disability claim? Many veterans ask this exact same question. They may not understand how to start the process, what documents they need to prove their claim, or they may have had a previous claim denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This list of tips to help get your VA disability claim approved will provide you with a general framework of the steps you should take to file a successful claim.

Here are four tips to help you file a successful VA disability claim:

1. Know and Understand the VA Claims Process

Knowing is half the battle.

This saying can be applied to many different scenarios — but is valuable when you approach the VA claims process. Veterans know that the military and government can be complicated and complex, which makes a clear understanding of how this process works incredibly important. Veterans need to know the criteria for a VA disability claim, which documents are needed to prove your claim, how the general process works, and how long it takes for a VA disability claim to be approved. It is equally important for veterans to know what each step of the claims process requires, which means paying close attention to deadlines and attending appointments — like your Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam. 

2. Collect the Right Medical Documents and Evidence

The success or failure of your VA disability claim hinges on your ability to provide the right documents and evidence to prove your injury, illness, or medical condition is service-connected. Having the right evidence and documentation filed with your claim will increase the chances of your disability claim being approved. You will want to include your service records, medical evidence, Nexus letters, buddy statements, and your own personal statement. Key documents you need to make sure are included are your — Form DD-214, Service Treatment Records,  and medical records that show a current diagnosis. 

3. Structure Your VA Disability Claim

The more organized and structured your claim is, the greater chance your disability claim is successful the first time. Provide the key pieces of evidence you need to show that your injury, illness, or medical condition is service connected — don’t leave anything out. Provide personal statements, buddy statements, and Nexus letters to illustrate how your medical condition has a negative impact on your day-to-day life at home and at work. Make sure to include any information relevant to your claim — which includes any secondary service-connected conditions.  

4. Contact a Veteran Benefits Attorney

We know that the VA claims process can be a lot and it can be intimidating if you have never tried to file a claim — but a veteran benefits attorney can help in a variety of ways. We can review your case to make sure you have dotted all of your i’s and crossed all of your t’s when you file your initial claim and provide advice. If your disability claim is denied, we have the knowledge and resources to help you appeal your denied claim and receive the benefits you deserve.

READ MORE: How Will VA Disability Rates Change in 2026? 

Are you intimidated by the VA disability claims process? We understand and we want to help with this list of 4 Tips to Get Your VA Disability Claim Approved that provides a quick look at the steps you need to take to file a successful claim. 

Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for more information on how we can help you get your disability claim approved!