Claims Assistance

Claims Overview

Federal law allows the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide disability benefits to veterans who were injured, developed a condition, or had a condition worsen during their military service. To qualify, you must have been released under honorable conditions.

Filing a VA disability claim is a legal process.
To receive benefits, you must submit a claim that shows you are eligible. This includes providing military records, medical evidence, and any other documents that support your case.

While you can file a claim on your own, it’s strongly recommended that you work with an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO). VSOs understand the claims process, know what evidence is needed, and can represent you at every stage — including appeals. Their help is free.

WDVA has VSOs available across Washington counties and in tribal communities. They support veterans, dependents, and survivors throughout the entire claim and appeal process.

How WDVA Can Help You File a VA Claim

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is here to help veterans, families, and survivors understand and apply for the benefits they may qualify for. Our Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are trained to guide you through the claims process and represent you at every step.

We can help you access benefits such as:

• VA Disability Compensation
• VA Pension and Survivors Pension
• Aid and Attendance
• VA Health Care
• Other federal, state, or county benefits

Whether you’re just getting started or need help with an appeal, your VSO will make sure you have the information and support you need.

How to File a Claim

Step 1: Contact a Service Officer

You can find a Service Officer near you by visiting the county map on our website. Your VSO will explain what benefits you may be eligible for and help you create a plan to gather the documents and evidence needed for your claim.

Bring Helpful Documents to Your Appointment

If you can, bring:

• Your DD214 or other discharge papers
• Marriage certificates or divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for any dependents
• Any service medical records you have
• Medical records showing your current condition
• Medical records showing when or how the condition began

If you don’t have these records, your VSO can help you request them.

Step 2: Gather evidence and build your Claim together with your VSO

To receive VA disability benefits, you must provide evidence that supports your claim. In most cases, you’ll need to show three things:

• You served in the U.S. Armed Forces
• You have a current disability
• Your disability was caused by, or made worse during, your military service

 

Evidence can include:

• military service records,
• medical records, or
• written statements from people who know what happened or how your condition affects you. These personal statements are often called “buddy letters.”

Your disability evaluation is based on the evidence you submit and the results of your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Because the VA uses this information to make a decision, it’s important that everything you provide is accurate and complete. Your Service Officer will help you gather and organize this information.
Some claims may qualify for faster processing through the VA’s Fully Developed Claim program if all necessary evidence is submitted upfront.
When you file a claim with help from a Service Officer, you will sign a VA Appointment of Representation form. This allows your VSO to officially act on your behalf when preparing and submitting your claim.

 

Step 3: Attend the required VA Compensation and Pension Exam

After your claim is filed, the VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam helps document the current impact of your condition. 
 

What to Expect at the VA Exam

To approve your claim, the VA must confirm that your disability is currently affecting your health. This usually happens during a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam or, in some cases, an Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) review. The VA will schedule your exam and let you know the date, time, and location.

A C&P exam typically includes a physical exam focused on the area related to your disability. Depending on your condition, it may also involve tests such as lab work, X-rays, or other diagnostics. The examiner’s job is to create a clear picture of how your disability impacts you right now.

After your exam, the examiner prepares a medical report and sends it to the VA. The VA uses this report, along with the evidence you provided, to make a decision on your claim.

Step 4: Receive your Decision

A Federal VA rater will be assigned to review your claim and evidence.

If approved, the VA will assign a disability rating from 0 to 100 percent based on how severe your conditions are.

You will get a decision letter by mail. You can also check your claim status at VA.gov.

Step 5: Meet with your Service Officer to review the decision letter

Whether your claim is approved or denied, reviewing the decision with your VSO is important. They can help you understand the results, next steps, and any additional state or local benefits you may now qualify for.

If Your Claim Is Denied

If you disagree with the VA’s decision, you have options. You should meet with your VSO to determine what next steps are available to you. Appeals must be filed within one year of the date on your decision letter.

You can appeal in one of three ways:

Option 1: Supplemental Claim

You submit new and relevant evidence—information the VA did not previously have, and that could help prove part of your case.
This evidence can be provided through your VSO, or you can ask the VA to gather records from a VA Medical Center, another federal agency, or your private health provider.
The VA will not accept a Supplemental Claim unless new and relevant evidence is included.
The VA’s goal for deciding Supplemental Claims is about 125 days.

Option 2: Higher‑Level Review

A more experienced VA review specialist takes a second fresh look at your claim using the evidence already on file.
You cannot add new evidence at this stage.
You may request a one‑time phone call with the reviewer to talk through the previous decision.
The VA’s goal for Higher‑Level Reviews is also about 125 days.

Option 3: Board Appeal

Your case is reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).

You can choose one of three review options:

• Direct Docket: No new evidence, no hearing. Estimated processing time is about one year.
• Evidence‑Only Docket: You may submit new evidence for 90 days after filing your appeal. This option takes more than one year.
• Hearing Docket: You may request a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge. After the hearing, you have 90 days to submit additional evidence.

Virtual hearings and video hearings are available.
In‑person hearings currently have a wait time of 3–4 years.

After reviewing your case, the judge may approve or deny each issue, or send your case back to the VA regional office to gather more information.

If You Still Don’t Agree with the Decision

If you disagree with the outcome of your appeal, talk with your VSO about your next steps.
Depending on the situation, you may:

• File another Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence
• Request a Higher‑Level Review of a Supplemental Claim decision
• File a Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)
• Appeal a Board decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)

You have 120 days from the date of the Board’s decision to appeal to the CAVC.
Board decisions cannot be reviewed through a Higher‑Level Review.