For direct online access to VA benefits and resources, create an account here.

The one key that’s most likely to unlock a VA disability claim for a veteran, the process that envelopes its, and reap successful approval that’ll guarantee either the compensation or care required is — aside from eligibility — not impairment rating, and most certainly not the effective date.

It’s service connection and — constructed from both lay and medical evidence — it functions, more or less, as the primary argument for receiving disability in answering the fundamental question: did one’s military service cause the issue the claim is trying to solve or improve.

For more information about filing a claim or, to file one online, click here.

Once filed, you can check on the status of a claim or appeal by clicking here.

For assistance, check out these links to pro bono attorney services. If you haven’t yet enrolled in the VA health care system, click here.