Guides library
VA Disability Guides
41 published guides covering ratings, claims, exams, and benefits.
Alimony and VA Disability Payments: What Veterans Need to Know
Read this VA disability guide.
Read guide →AL Amyloidosis and Agent Orange VA Disability Claims Guide
Read this VA disability guide.
Read guide →Airport Parking Benefits for Disabled Veterans
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Read guide →Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: What Veterans Need to Know
Learn how the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry works, how to enroll, and how it can support your VA disability claim.
Read guide →Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: 2026 Update
The VA Burn Pit Registry was redesigned in 2024 with automatic enrollment for over 4.7 million veterans. Learn about eligibility, the opt-out process, and how the registry impacts your VA benefits.
Read guide →Aggravation of Pre-Existing Depression in VA Claims: Rules Explained
Learn how the VA evaluates the aggravation of pre-existing depression under 38 CFR 3.306 and 3.322. Understand how to prove your claim and get a higher rating.
Read guide →Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions: VA Disability Claim Rules
Learn how the VA evaluates claims for aggravated pre-existing conditions under 38 CFR 3.306, baseline rating deductions, and 2026 pay rates.
Read guide →Agent Orange Presumptive Locations Updated: 5 New Areas Under PACT Act
Learn about the 5 new Agent Orange presumptive locations added by the PACT Act in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll, plus new conditions like hypertension.
Read guide →Agent Orange Presumptive Diseases: Complete VA List for 2026
Get the complete VA list of Agent Orange presumptive diseases for 2026. Learn about cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and other illnesses covered under the Agent Orange Act and PACT Act.
Read guide →Agent Orange in Thailand, Guam, and Beyond: PACT Act Locations Explained
Learn about Agent Orange presumptive exposure in Thailand, Guam, Laos, Cambodia, and Johnston Atoll under the PACT Act. See the new locations, dates, and how to file.
Read guide →Agent Orange C&P Exam Expectations: What Vietnam-Era Veterans Need to Know
Learn what to expect during a VA C&P exam for Agent Orange-related claims. Discover presumptive conditions, what the examiner evaluates, and how to prepare.
Read guide →Age and TDIU: Can the VA Deny You for Being "Old"?
Read this VA disability guide.
Read guide →Adjustment Disorder VA Disability Ratings and Claims Guide
Learn how the VA rates Adjustment Disorder for veterans. Understand service connection, rating criteria, C&P exams, and strategies to win your disability claim.
Read guide →Adding Dependents to Your VA Disability: How to Increase Your Monthly Payments
Learn how to add dependents to your VA disability claim. Step-by-step instructions for VA Form 21-686c, who qualifies, and how much more you can receive each month.
Read guide →Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care via VA Community Care: What Veterans Need to Know
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Read guide →Active Duty vs. Reserve: VA Disability Rules Explained
Read this VA disability guide.
Read guide →ACE Exams for VA Disability Claims: What Veterans Need to Know About Acceptable Clinical Evidence
Learn how VA ACE exams (Acceptable Clinical Evidence) work without an in-person C&P exam. Discover when they're used and how to protect your claim.
Read guide →Accrued Benefits for Surviving Families: A Complete Guide
Read this VA disability guide.
Read guide →Abandoned VA Claims: What They Are and How to Fix Them
Learn what an abandoned VA claim is, how the one-year evidence deadline works, and what to do if your claim was abandoned including filing a new claim.
Read guide →A Beginner's Guide to VA Disability Benefits: Eligibility, Ratings, and Claim Steps
Master the VA disability claims process with this beginner's guide covering eligibility rules, 2026 pay rates, service connection, and step-by-step filing.
Read guide →90% VA Rating: Why It's the Hardest Jump to 100% and How to Get There
Learn why moving from a 90% to 100% VA rating is so difficult, plus strategies like secondary claims, TDIU, and understanding VA math to secure full benefits.
Read guide →80% VA Rating: How to Push Higher and Secure 100% Compensation
Learn how to increase your 80% VA rating to 100% through secondary claims, TDIU, and appeals. Discover 2026 benefits and proven strategies for veterans.
Read guide →70% vs. 100% Mental Health Ratings: Understanding the VA Criteria
Learn the crucial differences between a 70% vs. 100% VA mental health rating, how to bridge the gap under 38 CFR 4.130, and when to file for TDIU.
Read guide →70% VA Rating: Why It's the Sweet Spot for Appeals and TDIU
Learn why a 70% VA rating is the strategic sweet spot for appeals. Discover TDIU eligibility, how to increase to 100%, and key appeal strategies under the AMA.
Read guide →60% VA Rating: TDIU Eligibility and What It Means for Your Claim
A 60% VA rating meets one key TDIU requirement. Learn the full eligibility criteria, how to apply for unemployability, and extraschedular options for veterans.
Read guide →50% VA Rating: Free VA Healthcare Explained | Priority Group 1 Benefits
Learn how a 50% VA rating unlocks free VA healthcare with no copays. Discover Priority Group 1 benefits, 2026 pay rates, and what care is covered for veterans.
Read guide →40% VA Rating: 2026 Monthly Pay, Benefits, and Strategies for Veterans
Learn about the 40% VA rating including 2026 monthly pay of $795.84, healthcare benefits, dependent compensation, and proven strategies to increase your rating.
Read guide →38 CFR Part 3 and Part 4 Quick Reference for VA Disability Claims
Quick reference guide to 38 CFR Part 3 (Adjudication) and Part 4 (Rating Schedule). Learn the key regulations that govern VA disability claims and appeals.
Read guide →30% VA Rating: How to Add Dependents and Boost Your Monthly Pay
Learn how to add dependents to your 30% VA rating. See 2026 pay rates for spouses and children, plus tips for filing VA Form 21-686c successfully.
Read guide →2027 VA Disability Rate Projections: What to Expect Next Year
2027 VA disability rates are projected to increase between 2.8% and 3.9%. See what a 100% veteran could receive, when the official COLA is announced, and how to plan.
Read guide →2026 Veterans Preference and Employment Rules You Need to Know
Learn about the 2026 updates to Veterans Preference, USERRA, and VA hiring. Get the latest on federal job application rules, reemployment rights, and employer responsibilities.
Read guide →2026 VA Disability Pay Rates: Breaking Down the 2.8% COLA Increase
See the 2026 VA disability pay rates with the 2.8% COLA increase. Find your monthly compensation amount based on rating and dependents, plus effective dates and SMC rates.
Read guide →20% vs. 33% VA Attorney Fees: Understanding the Difference
Learn the difference between 20% and 33% VA attorney fee structures. Discover the 20% direct-pay rule, when higher fees may be charged, and how to protect your back pay.
Read guide →20% VA Rating: Monthly Pay, Key Benefits, and What Veterans Must Know
Learn the 2026 monthly pay for a 20% VA disability rating and discover key benefits like healthcare, VR&E, and federal hiring preference for veterans.
Read guide →100% VA Rating: Schedular vs. TDIU Key Differences Explained
Understand the key differences between a 100% schedular VA rating and TDIU. Learn about eligibility, work restrictions, and which path may be right for you.
Read guide →100% Mental Health Rating Requirements: VA Disability Rules Explained
Discover the exact requirements for a 100% VA mental health rating. Learn about total occupational and social impairment, 38 CFR 4.130, and how to prove your claim.
Read guide →10% VA Rating: Benefits, Pay, and What You Need to Know
Discover the 2026 monthly pay for a 10% VA rating plus key benefits like healthcare, federal hiring preference, and strategies for increasing your rating.
Read guide →10 C&P Exam Mistakes That Can Hurt Your VA Claim
Learn the top 10 C&P exam mistakes to avoid, how to prepare properly, and what to do to maximize your chances of a favorable VA rating.
Read guide →0% VA Service Connection: Unlocking Benefits, Healthcare, and Future Claim Strategies
Discover the critical benefits of a 0% VA service connection, including healthcare access, future claims, and how to protect your rating for long-term compensation.
Read guide →"Poking the Bear": When Is It Worth the Risk for VA Claims?
Learn when filing new VA claims is worth the risk of a rating reduction. Understand the 5-year rule, 100% P&T risks, and how to use the Intent to File safely.
Read guide →'At Least as Likely as Not' Explained: VA's Standard of Proof for Disability Claims
Learn what 'at least as likely as not' means for VA disability claims. Understand the 50% standard of proof, how it affects nexus letters, and the benefit of the doubt rule.
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