If you are a veteran and you are applying for VA disability benefits, one of the biggest hurdles is proving that your medical condition is service-connected. In simple terms, that means showing the VA that your health problem is directly tied to your military service. The process can feel overwhelming, but if you know what evidence to gather and how to present it, you can make your case much stronger.
Documents you need to support your claim
The first step is pulling together the basic documents that the VA will ask for. These records show the VA who you are, what your service history looks like, and what medical problems you are dealing with.
The VA generally requires:
- Your DD214 or other separation papers
- Your service treatment records (STRs)
- Any private medical records, like doctor’s reports, X-rays, or test results
- Lay evidence, which is testimony from you or someone else who knows about your condition
Even if you think the VA already has some of these records, it is best to provide copies yourself to avoid delays.
What counts as medical evidence
Medical evidence is a big part of proving service connection. This is where you want to provide as much detail as possible.
- Reports from doctors or specialists
- Results of medical tests, such as MRIs, blood work, or X-rays
- Notes from hospital visits
- VA medical records if you have been treated in a VA facility
The key is making sure your records clearly show both the current diagnosis and any connection to your time in service.
Using lay evidence and buddy statements
Sometimes medical records alone do not tell the whole story. That is where lay evidence comes in. Lay evidence is written testimony from you, your family, or fellow service members.
You can use:
- A personal written statement explaining when your condition began and how it affects you
- A buddy statement (VA Form 21-10210) from someone you served with who saw what happened
- Statements from family members who have seen how your condition impacts daily life
These statements can help fill in gaps, especially if your medical records are missing or incomplete.
When service records are missing
Many veterans worry because their records were lost in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. If this happened to you, do not panic. The VA can help reconstruct your records, and lay evidence becomes even more important in these cases.
Different types of claims and evidence needed
The evidence you need depends on the type of claim you are filing.
- Disability claim for active duty service: Show you have a current condition, that something happened in service (injury, illness, or event), and that there is a medical link between the two.
- Claim for training-related conditions: Prove you were injured or became ill during training and that the condition continues today.
- Increased claim: If your service-connected condition has gotten worse, you need updated medical evidence to show how much it has progressed.
Fully developed claims program
If you want a faster decision, you can use the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program. To do this, you must:
- Submit VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)
- Turn in all your medical and lay evidence at the same time
- Attend any VA exams that are scheduled
By certifying that you have no additional evidence, you give the VA the chance to review your claim more quickly.
Getting help with your claim
You do not have to go through this process alone. Many veterans work with accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). They can help you gather records, write statements, and make sure you submit the right forms.
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