VA terminology
Board Appeal
Review of a VA decision by a Veterans Law Judge. Direct Review, Evidence Submission, and Hearing options have different evidence rules. Check your decision notice for the deadline.
Veteran education · Terminology glossary
VA terms, in plain language.
Understand common claims terms and abbreviations, with related guides and official VA references.
Reviewed October 17, 2026 · Serving veterans nationwide
Find the meaning. Then read the context.
Short definitions help you understand a letter or a conversation. They do not determine eligibility, choose a review option, or replace the instructions in your decision notice.
Search stays in this browser. No account or personal information is needed.
Board AppealCombined ratingC&P examDeferredEffective dateHigher-Level Review (HLR)Intent to File (ITF)Lay evidence / buddy statementNew and relevant evidenceNexus / medical nexusPresumptive conditionSecondary service connectionService connectionSupplemental Claim
No matching terms. Try a shorter word or clear the search.
VA terminology
Combined rating
The overall percentage VA calculates when you have more than one disability rating. Individual percentages are combined using VA math rather than simply added.
VA terminology
C&P exam
A compensation and pension claim exam helps VA evaluate a claimed disability. VA requests an exam when more information is needed; not every claim requires one. It is different from a treatment appointment.
VA terminology
Deferred
VA has postponed deciding an issue while additional development is completed. A deferral itself is neither a grant nor a denial of that issue. Read any requests and check the status of each condition separately.
VA terminology
Effective date
The date VA assigns as the start of entitlement to an awarded benefit. It is different from the day money arrives. Claim type, filing history, and exceptions can affect it.
VA terminology
Higher-Level Review (HLR)
A new review of a decision by a more experienced reviewer using the existing record. You cannot submit new evidence with this option. An optional informal conference lets you identify errors.
VA terminology
Intent to File (ITF)
Notice that you plan to file a claim, which can reserve a potential earlier effective date. You have one year after notifying VA to complete and file the claim. It does not guarantee an award.
VA terminology
Lay evidence / buddy statement
A statement based on firsthand knowledge, such as observations of symptoms or an event. Explain what you personally saw or experienced. A lay statement does not replace medical evidence when medical expertise is needed.
VA terminology
New and relevant evidence
For a Supplemental Claim, new evidence was not previously considered by VA. Relevant evidence tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue. A newer date alone does not make a record relevant.
VA terminology
Nexus / medical nexus
A connection between a current condition and military service, or a service-connected disability. A medical nexus opinion explains a clinical connection and its reasoning. A diagnosis alone may not establish the required link; evidence requirements vary.
VA terminology
Presumptive condition
For specified conditions and qualifying circumstances, VA presumes a relationship to service. You still need to meet the applicable service, diagnosis, and other requirements. Not every exposure or diagnosis qualifies.
VA terminology
Secondary service connection
A disability caused or made worse by an already service-connected disability. Evidence must support the relationship; simply having two diagnoses does not establish it.
VA terminology
Service connection
VA recognizes that a disability is linked to military service under the applicable rules. Direct claims generally involve a current condition, an in-service event or condition, and a link between them. Other routes have different requirements.
VA terminology
Supplemental Claim
A decision-review option generally requiring new and relevant evidence for a previously decided issue. Special rules can apply after a law change. Timing can affect the effective date, so read your notice before waiting.
Definitions reviewed October 17, 2026. Official references open in a new tab. Rules can change; check the current source and your own notice for claim-specific instructions.
Free consultations · Nationwide
Have questions about the process?
Start a conversation with Patriot Summit Veteran Resources.