What three things do I need to win a VA disability claim?
Almost every service-connection claim comes down to three elements:
1) A current, diagnosed condition.
2) An in-service event, injury, or exposure.
3) A "nexus" — a medical opinion linking the in-service event to your current condition.
Missing any one of the three is the most common reason claims are denied.
What is a nexus letter and do I need one?
A nexus letter is a written medical opinion linking your current condition to your service. A strong one states the condition is "at least as likely as not" related to service and explains the medical reasoning. It matters most when the connection is not already obvious in your records.
What is a secondary service-connected condition?
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition — for example, depression secondary to chronic pain, or sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. You still need a nexus linking the secondary condition to the primary one.
What education benefits am I eligible for?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) can pay tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a books stipend based on how long you served; the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) pays a flat monthly amount. Use the estimator for rough figures.
How does the VA combine my disability ratings?
The VA does not add your ratings together. It uses "whole person" math (38 CFR 4.25): each rating applies only to the remaining healthy percentage, combined highest-first, then rounded to the nearest 10%. Two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%.
Can I be paid at the 100% rate without a 100% rating?
Possibly, through TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). If service-connected conditions keep you from holding substantially gainful employment and you meet the rating thresholds (generally one condition at 60%, or a combined 70% with at least one at 40%), you can be paid at the 100% rate.
What is the difference between DIC and Survivors Pension?
DIC is a flat, tax-free monthly payment to survivors when a Veteran died from a service-connected condition (or was rated 100% long enough) — it is not based on income. Survivors Pension is a needs-based benefit for survivors of a wartime Veteran with limited income and net worth.