Filing a new VA disability claim can be a daunting task. This article tells you exactly how to file a new VA disability claim by helping you understand what should be claimed and how to go about doing it.

If you’re new to the VA disability process, this page will walk you through exactly what to do, what evidence you need, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow down or sink claims.

This guide is written for first-time filers, but even experienced veterans use it to stay organized. As always, this is not a substitution for getting help from a VSO or accredited agent. Use this information as a supplement to help you to understand the process and possibly prepare for meetings with a VSO.

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1. Before You File: Understand What You’re Claiming

Before starting a VA claim, you need to clearly identify:

✔ Your medical conditions

List every condition you plan to claim.
Examples: tinnitus, back pain, migraines, PTSD, sleep apnea, knee pain.

✔ How each condition is connected to service

Every claim must fit into one of these categories:

• Direct Service Connection
  The condition began in service or was caused by something that happened in service.
• Secondary Service Connection
  A service-connected condition caused or aggravated another condition.
  Example: PTSD → insomnia; knee injury → back pain.
• Presumptive Conditions
  The VA automatically assumes certain conditions came from service (exposure, deployments, burn pits, Gulf War, Agent Orange, etc.).

If you’re not sure which category your condition falls under, don’t worry—this guide walks you through it below.

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2. Collect the Evidence You Need

Evidence is the heart of your claim. The stronger your evidence, the faster and smoother your claim will go.

Essential Evidence Types

1. Service Treatment Records (STRs)
   These show diagnoses, injuries, or symptoms that happened while serving.
2. VA or Private Medical Records
   Shows you currently have the condition and how severe it is.
3. Nexus Evidence
   Something that connects your current condition to your military service. This can come from:
   • Your doctor
   • A specialist
   • A psychologist
   • A certified medical provider
   • A private nexus letter (if needed)
4. Lay Statements
   Simple statements written by you, family, or coworkers describing symptoms, impact, or how long the condition has existed.

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3. Decide HOW You Want to File

There are three main ways to file a new claim:

Option A: File on VA.gov (Most Common)

You can upload evidence and track everything online.

Option B: File using a VSO

VSOs are free, but experiences vary. This is why I created the VA Claims Dashboard. It’s a tool to help you brainstorm and come up with your own strategy before visiting the VSO. I am hoping this will give veterans the power and information to have a productive first, second and even third meeting with their VSO. The VA Claims Dashboard is a paid tool that I created with Google Sheets. Don’t worry it’s priced low enough to be affordable and helps me cover costs associated with this website. Check it out here.

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4. Step-by-Step: How to File a New Claim on VA.gov

Step 1: Log into VA.gov

Go to VA.gov → Disability → File a Claim.

Step 2: Select “New Claim”

This is for conditions you have never filed for before.

Step 3: Upload Your Evidence

Attach:

• Doctor records
• Nexus letters
• Lay statements
• DBQs (if you have them)

Step 4: Submit

The VA will receive your claim and schedule a C&P exam if needed.

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5. Prepare for Your C&P Exam

The C&P exam is one of the most important parts of your claim. A few tips:

• Be honest, not heroic.
• Discuss your worst days, not your best days.
• Explain functional limitations (standing, sleep, concentration, lifting, walking).
• Mention flare-ups.
• If something hurts every day, say so.

Your claim often depends on how the examiner documents your symptoms and severity.

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6. Tracking Your Claim

Once submitted, you can track it on:

• VA.gov
• Google Chrome Extension VA Claims Tracker

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7. What If You Need a Nexus Letter?

Many veterans—especially those without STR documentation—need a professional medical opinion.

Options include:

• Your personal doctor
• Your specialist
• A psychologist
• A telehealth provider
• A paid nexus letter doctor (if needed)

If your doctor won’t write one, you can check the Nexus Letter Directory, where you may find a provider who offers paid IMOs or nexus letters.

Note: Using a paid service is completely optional and not required.

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8. After Your Claim Is Submitted

The VA typically follows these steps:

1. Evidence gathering
2. C&P exams
3. Review phase
4. Preparation for decision
5. Decision

This can take anywhere from 30–180+ days depending on the complexity of your claim.

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9. If Your Claim Gets Denied

Don’t panic—many first claims do.

Your options include:

• File a Supplemental Claim with new evidence
• Request a Higher-Level Review
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

(I have a guide for appeals as well—linked on the “Start Here” page.)

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10. Final Tips for Success

• Keep everything organized (the dashboard can help).
• Have a strategy (the dashboard can help with this, too).
• Be consistent across evidence, statements, and exams.
• Don’t exaggerate—but don’t downplay symptoms either.
• If it’s real, and it limits you, say it clearly.

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Resources

• VA Claims Dashboard (Paid tool: helps you organize evidence & claim strategy)
• Nexus Letter Directory (Find providers who offer medical opinions)
• YouTube Channel (Free guides for claims, secondary connections, and rating criteria)

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Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Straightforward explanation of what they need:

• Service records
• Medical records
• Buddy statements
• Nexus letters (if needed)
• Personal statement

CTA:
➡️ See Example Evidence Packets
➡️ See Nexus Letter Directory

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Step 3: Write Your Personal Statement

Explain what a strong VA statement actually looks like.
Give a simple formula they can follow.

CTA:
➡️ Personal Statement Template
➡️ Watch the “How to Write Your Statement” Video

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