Your first disability claim

1. Identify what you are claiming

List each condition and the service event, injury, illness, or exposure you believe relates to it. For a typical service-connection claim, VA considers a current condition, an in-service event or condition, and a connection between them. Presumptive and other special rules may change the evidence needed.

2. Organize evidence and submit

Identify service records, treatment providers, relevant private records, and firsthand statements. Use the current disability application instructions. If you need time to prepare, read our Intent to File guide and track the deadline for completing your application.

Do not use a new-claim application automatically for an issue VA already denied. A decision-review option may be the appropriate route.

3. Follow the claim

Save a copy and submission confirmation. Check correspondence for requests, respond by the stated date, and attend any scheduled claim exam. Keep your contact information current. After a decision, read every issue and the review instructions before choosing a next step.

Keep exploring

Check the current requirements