The Department of Veterans Affairs assigns disability ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. For IBS and GERD, the VA uses specific diagnostic codes under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities among veterans, often caused or worsened by exposure to loud noises during military service. When veterans seek disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), understanding how hearing loss is evaluated and rated is crucial.

Intent to File can protect your effective date and back pay. Learn how it works, how to submit it, and what happens if you miss the 1-year deadline.

VA ratings are not added. Learn VA math, how combined ratings are calculated, why rounding matters, and how small increases can change pay

Every Veteran who has ever walked into a VA appointment and struggled to remember when a symptom started, how bad a flare-up was, or what a doctor said three visits ago knows this feeling: your memory is not enough. Your claim file needs more. Your body deserves more. And now, there's a tool built for exactly that.

The Compensation and Pension exam is the single most influential event in most VA disability claims. It’s the moment where your condition gets translated into a number — your disability rating — that determines your monthly compensation for potentially the rest of your life. And yet, most veterans walk into their C&P exam completely unprepared. This guide changes that. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and what to say (and

Opening your VA decision letter and seeing “service connection denied” hits like a gut punch. You know your condition is real. You know it’s connected to your service. And now the very government you served is telling you otherwise.

Applying for VA benefits can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the process can make it much easier. Veterans who have served in the military and have disabilities related to their service may be eligible for compensation and other benefits. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to apply for VA benefits, what to expect, and how to improve your chances of approval.

Navigating the appeal process with the legacy Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) can feel overwhelming. Many veterans and their families face challenges understanding how to move forward when a claim is denied or when they disagree with a decision. This guide breaks down the BVA appeal process into clear, manageable steps. It also highlights helpful services that can support veterans through this journey.

Let's get something out of the way first: Your mental health condition is real. It is valid. And if it's connected to your service, you deserve compensation for it. Mental health claims are among the most common—and most frequently underrated—VA disability claims. Let's make sure yours is done right. The VA's Approach to Mental Health Ratings The VA rates all mental health conditions under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR § 4.130). This means wh