VA glossary

VA disability glossary: the claim terms, in plain English

184 terms you will meet in VA letters, forms, exams and Board decisions, each defined in a sentence or two. The most searched terms have a full page with the rule behind them and what it means for your claim.

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Terms explained in full

All terms, A to Z

A

Abandoned claim: An abandoned claim is one VA stops considering because required action was not taken. Generally, failing to provide requested claim evidence within one year can cause abandonment, requiring a new claim before benefits can be pursued.
Accredited representative: A VA-accredited representative is someone the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved to help claimants prepare, present, and pursue benefit claims, such as a Veterans Service Organization representative, attorney, or claims agent. Accreditation and your appointment of that person or organization are separate steps.
Read the full explanation of Accredited representative
Accrued benefits: Accrued benefits are periodic VA benefits owed but unpaid when a beneficiary died, payable to eligible survivors or qualifying expense payers. Substitution is a separate procedure that lets an eligible person continue a pending claim or appeal.
Survivor benefits guide
ACE exam: An Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) exam is a VA medical evaluation based on existing records and history, sometimes supplemented by an interview, without an in-person clinical examination or testing. A clinician uses that evidence to complete the requested assessment. ACE describes the evaluation method, not whether your claim will be approved.
Read the full explanation of ACE exam
Active duty for training: Active duty for training is qualifying full-time training duty, often performed by Reserve or National Guard members. Disability benefits can follow a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty during that training.
Service and training claims
Adding dependents: Adding dependents asks VA to recognize eligible family members for additional benefits. For disability compensation, an eligible spouse, child, or dependent parent can increase payment when your combined disability rating meets VA's dependency threshold.
Dependent benefits guide
Agency of original jurisdiction: The agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) is the VA office or activity that made the first decision on a benefits claim. For disability compensation, this is generally a Veterans Benefits Administration office rather than the Board.
Agent Orange: Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide mixture used by the U.S. military to remove vegetation. VA presumes certain diseases are service-connected when you meet qualifying herbicide-exposure and disease requirements.
Agent Orange conditions
Aggravation: Aggravation means a condition worsened beyond its natural progression. In-service aggravation concerns a preexisting condition worsened during qualifying service; secondary aggravation concerns additional disability caused by an already service-connected condition.
Aid and attendance: Aid and attendance is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) term for needing another person's regular help with personal care or protection from everyday hazards. It can support increased VA pension or, when service-connected disabilities cause the need, special monthly compensation, with different eligibility rules for each benefit.
Read the full explanation of Aid and attendance
Analogous rating: An analogous rating evaluates a condition not listed in VA's rating schedule using criteria for a closely related condition. VA compares the functions affected, body location, and symptoms rather than simply matching a diagnosis name.
Appeals Modernization Act: The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) created VA's modern decision-review system. It offers three main ways to challenge eligible decisions: a supplemental claim, Higher-Level Review, or a Board appeal, each with different evidence rules.
Compare review options
Apportionment: Apportionment pays part of a beneficiary's VA benefits directly to eligible dependents. New claims are restricted to specified incarceration or institutional-care circumstances; existing awards can continue while their eligibility conditions remain satisfied.
Current apportionment rules
At least as likely as not: At least as likely as not means the evidence supporting a medical connection is approximately balanced with the evidence against it, or stronger. In a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability opinion, it usually describes whether a condition is connected to service or a service-connected disability, without requiring medical certainty or guaranteeing approval.
Read the full explanation of At least as likely as not

B

Back pay: Back pay is VA compensation owed for an earlier period before the correct payment began. The amount depends on the award's effective date, payment-start rules, applicable rates, and payments already received.
Understand effective dates
Benefit of the doubt: The benefit-of-the-doubt rule requires VA to resolve a material issue in your favor when the evidence supporting and opposing it is approximately balanced. The evidence can be nearly equal rather than exactly tied. The rule does not replace missing evidence or require VA to accept every statement as true.
Read the full explanation of Benefit of the doubt
Benefits Delivery at Discharge: Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) lets eligible service members file disability claims 180 to 90 days before separation. VA begins processing while you are still serving, but participation does not guarantee a decision immediately after discharge.
Filing before discharge
Bilateral factor: The bilateral factor is an adjustment to VA's combined-rating calculation for qualifying compensable disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles. It accounts for the added impairment from disabilities on both sides.
Understand disability ratings
Blue Button: VA Blue Button lets you download a report of information from your VA health records, such as notes, medications, and test results. It is a medical-record tool, not a copy of your complete benefits claims file.
Board appeal: A Board appeal asks a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals to review a VA benefits decision. In the modern system, you choose Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or a hearing.
Compare review options
Board dockets: Board dockets organize appeals for review by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. In the modern system, Direct Review, Evidence Submission, and Hearing are separate options with different rules about hearings and additional evidence.
Board of Veterans' Appeals: The Board of Veterans' Appeals is the part of VA where Veterans Law Judges review appeals of benefits decisions. It can grant or deny benefits, or send issues back for more work.
Compare review options
Brokering: Brokering means one VA regional office processes work for another office to help distribute the workload. A brokered claim's location does not, by itself, reveal its likely outcome.
Buddy statement: A buddy statement is a written account from someone who personally observed events, symptoms, or changes relevant to your claim. The writer can be a fellow service member, relative, friend, or coworker.
Write a useful statement
Burial allowance: A burial allowance is a VA payment toward eligible burial, funeral, and related expenses after a veteran's death. Eligibility and the amount depend on the circumstances; it does not necessarily reimburse the full cost.
Burn pits: Burn pits are open areas used to burn waste, including at military locations. Their smoke can contain harmful substances; qualifying service and listed illnesses can support presumptive VA disability benefits under toxic-exposure rules.
Toxic-exposure benefits guide

C

C-file: Your C-file, or claims file, is VA's collection of records used to process your benefits claims. It can include service records, medical evidence, examination reports, correspondence, and decisions; it is broader than your VA medical record.
Request your claims file
C&P exam: A C&P exam (compensation and pension examination) is a medical evaluation VA requests to gather evidence for a benefits decision. In a disability compensation claim, it can address your diagnosis, severity, functional limitations and connection to service. The examiner provides medical findings; VA decides the claim.
Read the full explanation of C&P exam
Caluza elements: The Caluza elements are the three basic parts of a direct service-connection claim: a current disability, an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during service, and a causal link between them. Often called the Caluza triangle, this framework helps identify what the evidence must establish. It does not determine your rating percentage.
Read the full explanation of Caluza elements
Camp Lejeune: Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base in North Carolina where contaminated drinking water created qualifying VA health-care and disability-benefit pathways. Eligibility depends on the benefit, service or residence requirements, and the condition involved.
CAPRI: The Compensation and Pension Record Interchange (CAPRI) is a VA system that gives authorized benefits staff access to medical information used in claims processing. It is a records-access tool, not a disability rating or decision.
CAVC: The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) is an independent federal court that reviews final decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. It checks whether the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) applied the law correctly, using the record before VA, and can send a case back for correction.
Read the full explanation of CAVC
CHAMPVA: CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) is a VA program that shares covered health care costs with eligible spouses, children and survivors of certain veterans. It is separate from the veteran's own VA health care and is generally unavailable to people eligible for TRICARE.
Read the full explanation of CHAMPVA
Chapter 35 (DEA): Chapter 35, also called Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), is a VA education benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans or service members. It generally pays the student a monthly allowance for approved school or training, based on qualifying disability, death or other service circumstances.
Read the full explanation of Chapter 35 (DEA)
Character of discharge: Character of discharge describes how military service ended and affects VA eligibility. When necessary, VA makes its own benefits-eligibility determination; that determination does not change the military's discharge document.
Claim for increase: A claim for increase asks VA to raise the rating for an already service-connected disability because it has worsened. It concerns current severity; challenging an earlier decision uses a decision-review or appeal process.
Claim an increased rating
Claim number: A claim number, often called a VA file number, identifies your benefits record with VA. It is different from a tracking number for an individual claim and may contain your Social Security number.
Claim status steps: Claim status steps are VA's progress labels for processing your claim. Disability claims currently use eight steps, from receipt through a decision; a claim can return to an earlier step when VA needs more evidence.
Understand claim status
Clear and unmistakable error: Clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is a rare, undebatable error of fact or law that changed a final decision's outcome, judged using the record and law then in effect. Disagreeing with how evidence was weighed is not enough.
Understand CUE review
Combat presumption: The combat presumption can let satisfactory lay evidence establish an in-service injury or disease when it fits your combat circumstances, even without an official record. It does not automatically establish every requirement for disability compensation.
Combined rating: Your combined rating is the overall percentage VA calculates from multiple service-connected disability ratings. VA combines them using its remaining-efficiency table, then rounds the final result, rather than simply adding the percentages.
Calculate your combined rating
Competent lay evidence: Competent lay evidence is information someone can reliably provide without specialized training because they personally know or observed the facts. Describing visible symptoms can qualify even when diagnosing their medical cause requires professional expertise.
Continuity of symptomatology: Continuity of symptomatology means symptoms continued after service. For certain chronic diseases listed in VA regulations, that continuity can help establish service connection when a condition was noted during service but chronicity was not adequately established.
Continuous pursuit: Continuous pursuit means timely using an available review or appeal option after each decision on the same issue. Following the applicable deadlines and procedures can preserve an earlier effective date instead of starting over.
Contract examiners: Contract examiners are medical professionals working through companies VA hires to perform claim examinations. They document findings or provide opinions for VA; the examiner does not decide your claim or provide treatment at the examination.
Prepare for an examination
CRDP: Concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) lets qualifying military retirees receive military retired pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation at the same time. It generally requires a VA rating of at least 50 percent, with additional service and payment limits for medical retirees.
Read the full explanation of CRDP
CRSC: Combat-related special compensation (CRSC) is a tax-free military benefit that replaces some or all retired pay waived to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for combat-related conditions. You apply to your uniformed service, which decides whether your VA-rated disabilities qualify as combat related.
Read the full explanation of CRSC

D

DBQ: A DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) is a VA medical form a qualified clinician uses to document a condition's diagnosis, symptoms, severity and functional effects for a disability claim. It supplies medical evidence; it does not itself grant service connection or decide your rating.
Read the full explanation of DBQ
DD-214: A DD-214 is the military's certificate documenting release or discharge from active duty. It records service dates, discharge characterization, and other service information used when applying for veterans' benefits.
Decision Review Officer: A Decision Review Officer (DRO) is an experienced VA benefits employee who can independently review a disputed decision in the legacy appeals process. The officer is not a Veterans Law Judge at the Board.
Decision Review Operations Center: A Decision Review Operations Center (DROC) is a VA benefits processing center specializing in decision reviews and appeal work, including Higher-Level Reviews and actions on Board grants or remands.
Deferred issue: A deferred issue is a part of your claim VA has postponed deciding because more evidence or action is needed. Other issues can be decided while the deferred issue remains open.
Understand claim status
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free VA survivor benefit after a qualifying service-related death. Certain deaths unrelated to service also qualify when the veteran met total-disability requirements; eligible survivors include spouses, children, and dependent parents.
Survivor benefits guide
Diagnostic code: A diagnostic code is a four-digit number identifying the rating criteria VA uses for a disability. It tells you which rules support the assigned percentage, including when an unlisted condition is rated by analogy.
Find rating criteria
Diary date: A diary date is an internal VA reminder for follow-up action on a claim or award. It prompts staff to check or act on an issue; it is not a promised decision or payment date.
Direct service connection: Direct service connection links a current disability to an injury, disease, or event during qualifying military service. It generally requires evidence of the current disability, the in-service occurrence, and a connection between them.
Compare service-connection paths
Disability compensation: Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly VA benefit for qualifying disabilities caused or worsened by military service. Payment generally depends on your disability rating, with additional amounts available for certain dependents or severe disabilities.
2026 compensation rates
Disability rating: A disability rating is the percentage VA assigns to describe the severity of a service-connected condition under its rating rules. Ratings help determine compensation; your combined rating accounts for multiple conditions.
Understand disability ratings
Duty to assist: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a duty to assist: it must make reasonable efforts to help obtain evidence needed to substantiate a benefits claim, including certain records and necessary medical examinations or opinions. Its scope differs for initial claims, Supplemental Claims, and appeals.
Read the full explanation of Duty to assist
Duty to notify: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a duty to notify: it must explain what evidence a claim needs, what you must provide, and what VA will try to obtain. Often called 5103 notice after the statute, it may be included in an application rather than mailed separately.
Read the full explanation of Duty to notify

E

Effective date: An effective date is the date VA recognizes that entitlement to a benefit or rating began. It controls the period an award covers, but payment-start rules can make the first payable month later.
Understand effective dates
End product code: An end product code is a three-digit code VA uses to classify and track claims-processing work. It identifies an administrative work category, not your disability percentage, likelihood of approval, or guaranteed processing time.
Understand end product codes
EP 010: EP 010 is VA's end product category for an initial disability compensation claim with eight or more issues. It describes the work being tracked, not the rating or whether the claim will be granted.
EP 020: EP 020 is VA's end product category for compensation claims after an initial compensation decision, including newly claimed conditions, increased ratings, individual unemployability, and special monthly compensation. It is distinct from the supplemental-claim category.
EP 030: EP 030 is an end product category VA uses for Higher-Level Reviews. Some Board-grant work also uses this category, so the specific claim label matters when interpreting the code.
EP 040: EP 040 is an end product category used for supplemental claims. It also covers specified work to correct duty-to-assist errors found during Higher-Level Review or Board review, so it does not always mean you filed another claim.
EP 110: EP 110 is VA's end product category for an initial disability compensation claim with seven or fewer issues. The issue count determines this classification, not the claim's likely outcome.
EP 130: EP 130 is VA's end product category for dependency work, including adding or removing eligible family members and other changes affecting dependent benefits. It does not indicate that additional payment has already been approved.
EP 290: EP 290 is VA's end product category for specified other eligibility and payment decisions, such as character-of-discharge or substitution determinations. The claim's specific label explains the work more precisely than the three-digit code alone.
EP 400: EP 400 is VA's end product category for correspondence and information actions that do not require a rating or authorization determination. It is not the standard code for a Higher-Level Review.
EP 930: EP 930 is VA's end product category for reviewing or correcting certain previously completed work, such as an overlooked issue. It is not a general code for every Board remand.
Extraschedular rating: An extraschedular rating addresses an exceptional service-connected disability that the regular rating criteria do not adequately describe. VA considers related factors such as marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalization; a difficult condition does not automatically qualify.

F

Failure to report: Failure to report means missing a scheduled VA examination. Without good cause, missing a necessary exam can result in a decision on existing evidence or denial, depending on the type of claim.
Favorable finding: A favorable finding is a fact or legal conclusion VA decided in your favor. Later VA adjudicators are generally bound by it unless evidence identifies clear and unmistakable error in that finding.
Read your favorable findings
Fear of hostile military activity: Fear of hostile military or terrorist activity is a VA rule addressing certain service-related threats in posttraumatic stress disorder claims. When its requirements are met, your testimony alone may establish the claimed stressor.
Flare-ups: Flare-ups are periods when a condition's symptoms become worse than usual. For a joint claim, their frequency, duration, and additional limits on movement or activity help show disability that a single examination may not capture.
Fully developed claim: A fully developed claim, or FDC, is a claim submitted through an optional Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) process in which you provide the required application and available supporting evidence up front and certify that you have no more evidence to submit. VA can still obtain identified federal records and schedule a necessary examination.
Read the full explanation of Fully developed claim
Functional loss: Functional loss is reduced ability to use a body part normally, including limitations in movement, strength, endurance, speed, or coordination. VA must consider those effects when evaluating musculoskeletal disabilities, including limitations caused by pain.

G

Gathering of evidence: Gathering of evidence is the stage when VA obtains information needed to decide your claim, such as service records, treatment records, or examination reports. A claim can return here if later review identifies missing evidence.
Understand claim status
General rating formula for mental disorders: The general rating formula for mental disorders is VA's shared rating standard for many mental health conditions. It evaluates how symptoms affect work and social functioning, rather than assigning a percentage solely from a diagnosis.
Grant rate: A grant rate is the share of a defined group of claims or issues that received a favorable outcome. Board appeal statistics describe appealed matters, not all VA claims, and do not predict your individual result.
Board outcome statistics
Gulf War illness: Gulf War illness is a broad term for persistent health problems affecting some Gulf War veterans. VA's related compensation rules cover qualifying undiagnosed illnesses and medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses, which have distinct requirements.
Gulf War illness guide

H

Helpless child: A helpless child is VA's term for an unmarried child who became permanently unable to support themselves because of a physical or mental disability before age 18. Eligibility can continue beyond the usual dependent-child age limits.
Higher-Level Review: Higher-Level Review (HLR) asks a more senior VA reviewer to reconsider a decision using the evidence already in the record when that decision was issued. You can identify errors, but cannot submit new evidence in this review.
Compare review options
Housebound: Housebound generally means disability substantially confines you to your home and immediate surroundings. For VA compensation, permanent housebound status is one route to special monthly compensation; a separate ratings-based route does not require physical confinement.

I

IDES: The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) is the joint military and VA process for service members whose conditions may prevent continued service. The military decides fitness for duty, while VA evaluates disabilities for proposed benefit ratings.
Service and training claims
Inadequate exam: An inadequate exam is an examination report that lacks the information or support VA needs to decide a claim properly. VA must seek correction when a report is insufficient; an unfavorable opinion is not automatically inadequate.
Incarceration adjustment: An incarceration adjustment changes VA payments because a beneficiary is imprisoned. Disability compensation is generally reduced beginning on the 61st day of incarceration following a felony conviction; the underlying disability rating is not itself reduced.
Independent medical opinion: An independent medical opinion (IMO) can mean a private clinician's assessment submitted as claim evidence. VA regulations also use the term for an outside expert opinion VA obtains when a claim presents medical complexity or controversy. A private opinion and a VA-requested expert opinion follow different processes.
Read the full explanation of Independent medical opinion
Informal conference: An informal conference is an optional conversation with the reviewer handling your Higher-Level Review. You or your representative identify errors in the prior decision; it is not a hearing or an opportunity to add new evidence.
Intent to file: An intent to file tells VA you plan to apply for a benefit while you finish your application. Submitting the qualifying completed claim within one year can preserve that earlier date for benefits.
Start an intent to file

J

JLV: The Joint Longitudinal Viewer (JLV) is a read-only system that lets authorized users view health information from VA, the Department of Defense, and participating outside providers together. It does not replace the underlying medical records.

L

Lay evidence: Lay evidence is information from someone without specialized medical expertise about facts they can observe, such as symptoms, events, or daily limitations. Your own statement and statements from people who know you can both qualify.
Write a useful statement
Legacy appeal: A legacy appeal follows VA's older appeal process rather than the modern decision-review system. It generally concerns decisions notified before February 19, 2019, unless the claimant moved an eligible appeal into the modern system.
Line of duty: Line of duty is a legal finding that an injury or disease occurred or worsened during qualifying service without a disqualifying circumstance, such as willful misconduct. A favorable line-of-duty finding can support a VA claim, but it does not by itself establish a current disability, its connection to that event, or a rating percentage.
Read the full explanation of Line of duty
Loss of use: Loss of use means a body part's remaining function meets VA's specific benefit criteria despite being physically present. For a hand or foot, the test compares its remaining usefulness with an amputation stump and suitable prosthesis.

M

M21-1 manual: The M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual tells VA claims staff how to develop evidence and decide benefits claims. It is administrative guidance, not the statutes and regulations that govern entitlement.
Search the VA manual
Medical literature: Medical literature includes research articles, medical textbooks, and other professional publications offered as claim evidence. It can support a medical explanation, but general research does not automatically establish how an exposure or condition affected you personally.
Military personnel records: Military personnel records document your service history, such as assignments, duties, evaluations, awards, and disciplinary actions. They can help establish service events or exposures and are separate from your service treatment records.
Military sexual trauma: Military sexual trauma (MST) means sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. It describes an experience, not a diagnosis; resulting physical or mental health conditions may qualify for disability compensation.
Mental health claims guide
Monday Morning Workload Report: The Monday Morning Workload Report (MMWR) is VA's recurring report on benefits claims inventory and workload. It describes groups of claims, not your place in line or a guaranteed date for your decision.
MOS: A military occupational specialty (MOS) identifies a service member's military job. Job duties can help document what happened during service or possible exposures, but the job title alone does not prove a disability claim.
Mustard gas and Lewisite: Mustard gas and Lewisite are chemical warfare blister agents. VA has special service-connection rules for certain diseases following specified full-body exposures during service; not every chemical exposure or illness meets those rules.

N

National Work Queue: The National Work Queue (NWQ) is VA's system for distributing claims-processing work across regional offices. It allows work to move according to workload and capacity rather than remain exclusively at your local office.
Nehmer class member: A Nehmer class member is a qualifying Vietnam veteran with a covered herbicide disease, or an eligible survivor of one who died from that disease. Special rules may permit an earlier effective date for covered awards.
New and relevant evidence: New and relevant evidence is information VA did not previously have in the actual record that tends to prove or disprove something at issue in your claim. It need not have been created after the earlier decision.
Nexus: A nexus is the connection between your current disability and military service, or between your disability and an already service-connected condition. Medical evidence often establishes it; applicable presumptions can supply the legal link.
Understand nexus letters
Nexus letter: A nexus letter is a medical professional's written explanation of how your current condition is connected to military service or a service-connected disability. Its value depends on the reasoning and evidence supporting that connection.
Understand nexus letters
Non-rating claim: A non-rating claim is VA benefits work that does not require a disability rating decision, such as many dependency changes. It can still affect eligibility or payment even though it does not assign a disability percentage.

O

Original claim: An original claim is the first claim you file for a particular VA benefit, such as disability compensation. A later claim for a different disability is not necessarily an original claim for compensation.
File a disability claim
Overpayment: A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) overpayment occurs when VA determines that it paid more benefits than a person was entitled to receive, creating a debt unless corrected or waived. Challenging whether the debt is valid, requesting forgiveness, and arranging repayment are different options with different requirements.
Read the full explanation of Overpayment

P

PACT Act: The PACT Act is a 2022 federal law expanding VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. It adds presumptions that can establish the service connection of specified conditions when a veteran meets the qualifying service requirements.
Read the full explanation of PACT Act
Painful motion: Painful motion is pain when moving a joint. VA's joint-rating rules recognize qualifying painful motion as disability and may support the joint's minimum compensable rating even when measured movement alone would not.
Pain and functional loss
Paired organs: The paired-organ rule can compensate specified combinations of a service-connected disability and a qualifying non-service-connected disability in the opposite organ or extremity as though both were service-connected. It applies only to listed combinations and severity requirements.
Pending decision approval: Pending decision approval is an older VA claim-status label for review of a proposed decision before it is finalized. It does not tell you whether benefits were granted or guarantee a completion date.
Understand claim status
Period of war: A period of war is a span of dates defined by federal law for veterans' benefits. Serving during one can meet a wartime-service requirement even if you never served in combat.
Permanent and total: Permanent and total (P&T) means VA considers your disability total and reasonably certain to continue throughout your life. A total rating alone does not establish permanence; total disability can also be based on individual unemployability.
Understand disability ratings
Predetermination: Predetermination is VA's process before a proposed adverse action becomes final, such as certain benefit reductions or severance of service connection. The notice explains the proposed change and the opportunity to submit evidence or request a hearing.
Understand rating protections
Preparation for decision: Preparation for decision is an older VA claim-status label meaning a recommended decision is being documented. VA can still request more evidence; the label does not establish your final rating or outcome.
Understand claim status
Preparation for notification: Preparation for notification is a VA claim-status label meaning VA is preparing the letter explaining its decision. It remains a step for some claim types; the disability-claim tracker now uses a separate eight-step sequence.
Understand claim status
Prestabilization rating: A prestabilization rating is a temporary VA rating after discharge for a qualifying unstable disability or incompletely healed injury affecting employability. It addresses the immediate recovery period before VA can assign a regular rating.
Presumptive condition: A presumptive condition is a disease VA legally links to specified service, exposure, or other qualifying circumstances. If you meet the rule's requirements, you do not need a separate medical opinion proving that link.
Check presumptive conditions
Presumptive service connection: Presumptive service connection uses a legal rule linking a listed condition to qualifying service or exposure. You still must establish the required diagnosis and qualifying circumstances, but need not separately prove the presumed causal connection.
Secondary and presumptive claims
Priority processing: Priority processing means VA gives an eligible claim expedited handling because of qualifying circumstances, such as terminal illness or severe financial hardship. It affects handling priority, not the evidence requirements or entitlement to benefits.
Probative value: Probative value is how much a piece of evidence helps establish a disputed fact. VA considers factors such as accuracy, reasoning, and the source's knowledge; a longer report or more impressive title does not automatically carry greater weight.
Protected rating: A protected rating has legal safeguards against reduction. Longstanding evaluations receive stronger protection, including a twenty-year floor generally reducible only for fraud; the separate ten-year rule protects service connection, not the percentage.
PTSD stressor: A posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stressor is a traumatic event linked to the claimed diagnosis. VA's evidence requirements vary with the circumstances, including combat, hostile activity, captivity, or personal assault.
Pyramiding: Pyramiding is compensating the same disability or symptom more than once under different diagnoses. VA prohibits it, but separate ratings can be appropriate for distinct manifestations that do not overlap.

R

Radiation-exposed veteran: A radiation-exposed veteran, under VA's presumptive rules, participated in a specifically defined radiation-risk activity. Other documented radiation exposures may be evaluated under separate claim-development rules; exposure alone does not establish entitlement for every disease.
Range of motion: Range of motion (ROM) measures how far a joint moves, usually in degrees. VA uses it in many joint ratings alongside other required findings, such as painful movement and additional limitations during repeated use or flare-ups.
Rating codesheet: A rating codesheet is the structured summary attached to a VA rating decision. It records disability codes, service-connection status, percentages, effective dates, and other rating information, such as special compensation or future examinations.
Read a rating decision
Rating decision: A rating decision is VA's formal determination on disability-related issues, including service connection, percentages, and effective dates. It explains the evidence and reasons; the accompanying notification tells you the outcome and your review options.
Read your decision letter
Rating reduction: A rating reduction lowers a previously assigned disability percentage. VA must meet the applicable reduction rules, including evidence standards and, when required, advance notice and an opportunity to respond; the condition can remain service-connected.
Understand rating protections
Rating Veterans Service Representative: A Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR), often called a VA rater, is a VA employee who evaluates claim evidence, applies benefit laws and the disability rating schedule, and prepares rating decisions. The rater makes benefit determinations; a medical examiner supplies medical findings and opinions.
Read the full explanation of Rating Veterans Service Representative
Regional office: A regional office is a local Veterans Benefits Administration office that provides benefits services and processes claims. Your claim may be worked by another office through VA's national workload system.
Remand: A remand sends an appealed issue back for additional evidence, correction of an error, or other required action before a new decision. It is not itself a grant or denial of the benefit.
What follows a remand

S

Schedule for Rating Disabilities: The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, often called VASRD, is the set of rating criteria in 38 CFR Part 4. VA uses it to assign disability percentages based on the condition's effects and the applicable diagnostic code.
Find rating criteria
Secondary service connection: Secondary service connection recognizes a disability caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition. For aggravation, compensation covers the additional disability attributable to that condition, rather than the disability's entire underlying severity.
Secondary and presumptive claims
Service connection: Service connection is VA's recognition that a disability resulted from, was worsened by, or is otherwise legally linked to qualifying military service. It establishes eligibility for disability compensation, although a zero percent rating ordinarily pays no monthly compensation.
Compare service-connection paths
Service treatment records: Service treatment records, or STRs, document military medical and dental care and can help establish symptoms, injuries, illness, or treatment during service for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claim. Some hospital, mental health, and off-base records may be stored separately rather than included in the main STR file.
Read the full explanation of Service treatment records
Severance of service connection: Severance of service connection removes VA's recognition that a disability is connected to service. It differs from lowering a rating and requires applicable notice, proof, and protection rules to be met.
Understand rating protections
SMC-K: SMC-K is special monthly compensation for specified service-connected losses, including loss or loss of use of a creative organ, hand, or foot. It can add compensation without requiring an overall 100 percent disability rating.
Understand SMC-K
SMC-L: SMC-L is a level of special monthly compensation for qualifying service-connected disabilities, such as loss of use of both feet, specified blindness, permanent bedridden status, or the need for regular aid and attendance.
Special monthly compensation guide
SMC-S: SMC-S is special monthly compensation for a single service-connected disability rated total plus either separate disabilities independently rated at least 60 percent or permanent housebound status from service-connected disabilities. Meeting the percentage route does not require confinement at home.
Special monthly compensation guide
Special issue: A special issue is a claim-specific indicator in VA's processing system identifying a condition, claim type, or circumstance needing particular handling. The indicator helps staff process the claim; it is not a benefit decision.
Special monthly compensation: Special monthly compensation (SMC) is additional VA compensation for qualifying severe service-connected disabilities or needs, such as loss of use of a limb or regular help with daily activities. Different levels have different eligibility rules.
Special monthly compensation guide
Staged rating: A staged rating assigns different disability percentages to different periods covered by the same claim or appeal. VA uses it when the evidence shows the condition's severity changed during the period being decided.
Statement of the case: A statement of the case (SOC) explains the evidence, rules, and reasons for VA's decision during a legacy appeal. A supplemental statement of the case is a separate update issued when further review is required.
Station of jurisdiction: The station of jurisdiction is the VA office with administrative responsibility for your benefits record or claim. It can differ from the office temporarily assigned to perform claims-processing work.
Subsequent development: Subsequent development refers to follow-up work to obtain or clarify information for a VA claim. If you see a document labeled Subsequent Development Letter or SUBSEQUENT_DEVELOPMENT, the label alone does not tell you what VA needs, who must respond, or whether the claim will be granted.
Read the full explanation of Subsequent development
Supplemental claim: A supplemental claim asks VA to reconsider a previously decided issue using new and relevant evidence. It can also request review based on a change in law; worsening of an already rated condition generally calls for an increased-rating claim.
Compare review options
Survivors pension: Survivors pension is a tax-free VA benefit for eligible surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans. Eligibility depends on the veteran's service and the survivor's income, net worth, and other requirements.
Survivor benefits guide

T

TDIU: TDIU (total disability based on individual unemployability) pays VA disability compensation at the 100 percent rate when your service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is lower. Marginal employment, including some protected work, does not necessarily disqualify you.
Read the full explanation of TDIU
TDRL: The Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) is a military retirement status for an eligible service member whose disabling condition is not yet stable enough for a final retirement determination. Your service periodically reevaluates the condition through a process separate from disability ratings assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Read the full explanation of TDRL
Temporary total rating: A temporary total rating pays disability compensation at the 100 percent rate for a limited qualifying period, such as specified hospitalization or recovery from treatment of a service-connected condition. It does not establish permanent total disability.
TERA: A toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) is a service activity requiring an exposure-tracking entry or otherwise recognized by VA under its toxic-exposure rules. Identifying one can affect claim development, but does not automatically establish service connection.
Toxic-exposure claims guide
Title 38 CFR: Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) contains federal regulations governing veterans' benefits. For disability claims, Part 3 addresses entitlement and claims rules, while Part 4 contains the disability rating schedule.
Read the governing rules
Treating physician opinion: A treating physician opinion is a medical assessment from a doctor who has cared for you. Familiarity with your history can strengthen its value, but VA does not automatically give it more weight than another well-supported opinion.

V

VA claims backlog: The VA claims backlog is the subset of pending rating-related compensation and pension claims that have been waiting more than 125 days since receipt. It is a workload measure, not all pending VA claims, a count of individual veterans, or a guaranteed decision deadline.
Read the full explanation of VA claims backlog
VA Form 10182: VA Form 10182 is the Board Appeal request, also called a Notice of Disagreement. You use it to identify disputed VA decisions and choose Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
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VA Form 20-0995: VA Form 20-0995 requests a supplemental claim after a VA decision. You identify the issue for review and submit or identify new and relevant evidence, or explain the change in law supporting review.
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VA Form 20-0996: VA Form 20-0996 requests Higher-Level Review of a VA decision. You identify the disputed issues and may request an informal conference to explain errors; the review uses the record that existed when VA made the earlier decision.
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VA Form 21-0781: VA Form 21-0781 documents traumatic events during military service that relate to a claimed mental health disorder. It covers conditions beyond posttraumatic stress disorder and helps VA identify supporting evidence.
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VA Form 21-0966: VA Form 21-0966 records an intent to file for compensation, pension, or survivors pension and dependency and indemnity compensation. A qualifying completed application within one year can preserve the intent-to-file date as a potential effective date.
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VA Form 21-10210: VA Form 21-10210, Lay/Witness Statement, records what you or someone else personally knows about facts supporting a VA claim. It can describe an event, observable symptoms, or how a condition affects daily life.
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VA Form 21-22: VA Form 21-22 appoints a recognized Veterans Service Organization to represent you on VA claims. Appointing an individual accredited attorney, claims agent, or other individual representative instead uses Form 21-22a.
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VA Form 21-4138: VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, lets you submit a written explanation or additional facts supporting a VA benefits claim. It does not replace the application or review-request form required for that benefit.
Complete a supporting statement
VA Form 21-4142: VA Form 21-4142 authorizes VA to request private medical records for your claim. The companion Form 21-4142a identifies the providers and treatment dates so VA knows where to request those records.
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VA Form 21-4192: VA Form 21-4192 requests employment information from an employer for an unemployability claim. It documents work dates, earnings, time lost, concessions, and why employment ended.
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VA Form 21-526EZ: VA Form 21-526EZ is the application for disability compensation and related compensation benefits. You use it for an original claim, a newly claimed condition, or an increase for an already service-connected condition.
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VA Form 21-674: VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance, reports school attendance for a dependent child who is at least 18 but under 23. It helps VA decide eligibility for benefits based on that attendance.
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VA Form 21-686c: VA Form 21-686c is the Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents. It reports family changes that can affect VA benefits, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
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VA Form 21-8940: VA Form 21-8940 is the application for increased compensation based on unemployability. It documents how service-connected disabilities affect your ability to work, along with your employment, education, and training history.
Choose the right form
VA pension: VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for qualifying wartime veterans who meet service, financial, and age or disability requirements. Unlike disability compensation, pension does not require the qualifying disability to be connected to service. Your countable family income affects how much pension you can receive.
Read the full explanation of VA pension
VA rating criteria terms: VA rating criteria terms are the words in the disability rating schedule that describe the symptoms, limitations, measurements, or treatment needed for a percentage. Their meaning depends on the condition's diagnostic code. Understanding them helps you describe what happens and identify evidence that shows how your condition affects you.
Read the full explanation of VA rating criteria terms
VBMS: VBMS stands for Veterans Benefits Management System, the electronic system the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to process benefit claims and manage claim documents. Veterans generally use VA.gov and records-request procedures rather than signing directly into VBMS; authorized representatives have separate access requirements.
Read the full explanation of VBMS
Veterans Benefits Administration: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is the part of VA that administers benefits such as disability compensation, pension, education assistance, and home loan programs. It is separate from VA's health-care administration.
Veterans Health Administration: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the part of VA that provides health care through its medical facilities and programs. It is separate from the Veterans Benefits Administration, which administers disability compensation.
Veterans Law Judge: A Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) is an attorney at the Board of Veterans' Appeals who decides appeals of VA benefits decisions. The judge can also conduct a hearing if your appeal includes one.
Veterans Service Organization: A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) supports veterans and their families. VA-recognized organizations have accredited representatives who can help you prepare claims and represent you before VA without charging for that assistance.
Find a VSO
Veterans Service Representative: A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) is a VA benefits employee who helps develop and process claims, including gathering evidence and preparing award and notification information. A VA VSR is not the same as an accredited representative you appoint to act on your behalf.
Read the full explanation of Veterans Service Representative
VMET: Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET), also called DD Form 2586, summarizes military occupations, training, and related civilian skills reported by your service. It helps you prepare resumes and job applications, but it is not a medical record or a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability decision.
Read the full explanation of VMET

W

Willful misconduct: Willful misconduct means deliberate wrongdoing, or wrongdoing with reckless disregard of likely consequences. For VA benefits, it generally must directly cause the injury or disease at issue; merely violating a rule does not automatically meet that standard.

Z

Zero percent rating: A zero percent rating means VA recognizes a service-connected disability but its severity does not warrant a compensable percentage under the applicable criteria. It generally pays no compensation by itself, while preserving the service-connected status.

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Claim Raven explains VA rules in plain English so you can work your own claim. It is not legal advice, and Claim Raven is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For step-by-step help, start with the VA Disability Claims Guide.