Filing for VA disability benefits can feel like decoding a complex manual made of acronyms and legal jargon. Whether you’re applying for the first time, requesting an upgrade, or appealing a decision, mastering these 20 key terms can give you a significant advantage—and help steer clear of common mistakes. These definitions are simplified so you can confidently navigate the claims process.
🧩 Foundations: Service Connection & Supporting Evidence
- Service Connection
To receive VA disability compensation, you must prove your condition is linked to your military service—through a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event or injury, and documentation that connects the two. - Nexus
Also known as the medical connection, a nexus is proof (often via a medical opinion) that ties your current disability to your service. A clear nexus is crucial—without it, your claim may be denied. - Lay Evidence
These are personal statements—yours or from others—describing your symptoms or how your condition affects your life when medical records fall short. - Buddy Letter
A type of lay evidence from someone who witnessed your condition—like a fellow service member, spouse, or friend—that offers insight into your experience and supports your claim. - Service Treatment Records (STRs)
These are your official military medical records that show treatment received during service. They help establish your condition’s origin and severity.
📝 Forms, Exams & Documentation
- C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam)
A medical exam arranged by the VA to confirm your diagnosis, assess how it affects you, and determine its link to service. The exam results strongly influence your claim outcome. - DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire)
A standardized form used by examiners to record findings from your C&P exam. A well-completed DBQ can significantly strengthen your claim. - VA Form 21-526EZ
This is your main application for VA disability compensation. You can submit it online, by mail, or in person. - VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim Request)
Used if the VA has already made a decision (after Feb 19, 2019), and you want them to review it again based on new, relevant evidence. - VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim)
A general-purpose form you can use to provide additional details—like describing your symptoms or providing a personal account.
🔍 Understanding Conditions & How Impairment Is Evaluated
- Presumptive Condition
Certain diseases (such as those linked to Agent Orange or burn pits) are automatically presumed to be service-related under specific conditions—meaning you don’t need to provide a detailed nexus. - Chronic Condition
A long-term or frequently recurring condition that can support your claim even if you lack STRs—as long as you can show it began during service. - Aggravation
This term applies when a service-related condition gets worse due to service. You can receive disability benefits for the increased severity. - Secondary Service Connection
When a service-connected condition leads to another disability (for example, knee arthritis caused by a limp), that new condition may also be eligible for compensation. - Functional Impairment
This measures how much your condition interferes with daily living and work. The VA uses this to determine disability ratings.
🏅 Ratings, Compensation & Appeal Terms
- Combined VA Rating
The VA uses a specific formula to combine multiple disability percentages into a single overall rating—rounded down to the nearest 10%. - SMC (Special Monthly Compensation)
Extra tax-free compensation beyond your regular rating if you’re severely disabled—such as loss of limbs, sight, or other specific needs. - TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)
If your service-connected disability prevents you from working, the VA may grant you 100% compensation even if your combined rating is below 100%. - VA Effective Date
This is the date that determines when your benefits begin. It’s usually the date the VA receives your claim or your “intent to file.” - Appeals Modernization Act (AMA)
Enacted in 2019, AMA is the current VA appeals system. It replaced the old appeals process and includes options like supplemental claims and higher-level reviews. vaclaimsinsider.com
✅ Final Takeaway
Mastering these 20 terms empowers you to:
- Build a stronger, more evidence-based claim
- Better understand what the VA is looking for
- Navigate the forms, exams, and appeals process more effectively
Knowing what each term means and how it applies to your own situation can make the difference between a denied claim and the compensation you deserve.
✅ Call to Action: Get Your DD214 the Easy Way
Build your evidence first BEFORE you file your claim. Touchstone can help you assemble your evidence, to acquire your OMPF and service medical records. Once you file your claim, the VA will pull your records. It’s better to have your copies first, so you have a complete record in advance and nothing gets lost in the interim. Don’t wait until you need it—secure your records now so you’re ready when opportunity (or urgency) comes knocking.
👉 Visit DD214Easy.com today to start your request in minutes.
Whether it’s for VA benefits, a job, a home loan, or peace of mind, they do the work so you don’t have to.
Your service deserves recognition. Your DD214 ensures it.
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