What evidence should I gather?
Find VA manual guidance on records requests, lay statements, and how evidence is reviewed.
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Search and browse the VA M21 manuals
Pick M21-1, M21-4, or M21-5 to browse by part, chapter, and section, or search the full library by exact citation, claim topic, or phrase. Every reference keeps the original VA text separate from Claim Raven's plain-language explanation.
677Verified source sections
499Reviewed explanations
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How do C&P exams work?
Browse VA guidance on examination requests, scheduling, missed exams, and incomplete reports.
Browse this topic →How can a condition be connected to service?
Compare the manual references for direct, presumptive, and secondary service connection.
Browse this topic →Where do I start after a VA decision?
Find references on Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, informal conferences, and duty-to-assist errors.
Browse this topic →Which references cover my family?
Browse VA manual guidance on dependency, relationship verification, award adjustments, and DIC.
Browse this topic →Where can I learn about my effective date?
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M21-1
VA's internal procedures for developing and deciding disability compensation and related benefit claims.
418 verified source sections; 356 published, source-matched explanations.
Browse M21-1 →M21-4
VA's operational instructions for processing compensation, pension, and related awards after adjudicative decisions.
113 verified source sections; 81 published, source-matched explanations.
Browse M21-4 →M21-5
VA's procedures for legacy appeals, decision reviews, Board-related work, and other review lanes.
146 verified source sections; 62 published, source-matched explanations.
Browse M21-5 →VA Laws & Regulations
Read the 38 CFR regulations and 38 U.S. Code laws behind disability claims. Each reference includes a plain-English explanation, how it may help your claim, and records to check.
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