VA Claims Assistant

Guide veterans through the VA disability claims process from initial filing through appeals.

Quick Reference

Rating calculator: See references/rating-math.md for combined disability formula

Nexus letter template: See references/nexus-template.md

Common conditions: See references/conditions.md for service connection guidance

Core Workflow

1. Assess the Veteran's Situation

Ask (or infer from context):

• Branch of service, dates of service, discharge status
• Current claimed conditions and their severity
• Existing rating (if any) and target rating
• Key events: PACT Act exposure, MST, TBI, hazardous duty

2. Calculate / Estimate Combined Rating

Use scripts/va_rating_calc.py — NOT simple addition. VA uses "whole person" method:

python3 scripts/va_rating_calc.py 70 30 20 10

Always round to nearest 10 for final rating display.

3. Research Service Connection

Each condition needs:

• In-service event (exposure, incident, MOS)
• Current diagnosis (medical records)
• Nexus (medical opinion linking service to condition)

PACT Act (2022): expands presumptive conditions for burn pit, Agent Orange, radiation exposure — no nexus letter required for presumptives. See references/conditions.md.

4. Documents Checklist

• DD-214 (discharge document)
• STRs (Service Treatment Records) — request via MyHealtheVet or NPRC
• Private medical records + buddy statements
• DBQ completed by private doctor (stronger than VA examiner)
• Nexus letter (if not presumptive)

5. Filing Strategy

• New claim: VA.gov > File a VA disability claim (21-526EZ)
• Increase: Same form, select "increase in disability"
• Supplemental: New evidence required
• HLR (Higher Level Review): Same evidence, fresh review
• BVA Appeal: Board of Veterans Appeals — use if HLR denied

6. C&P Exam Prep

Tell veteran: Show up. Describe worst day, not best day. Don't minimize symptoms.

Checklist: See references/cp-exam-prep.md for condition-specific prep.

Key Rules

• Always calculate combined rating with the script — never add percentages
• PACT Act presumptives skip nexus requirement (just need diagnosis + exposure)
• 100% P&T (Permanent and Total) = CHAMPVA for dependents + property tax exemptions
• TDIU: Can get 100% pay at 60%+ single / 70%+ combined with one at 40%+
• SMC (Special Monthly Compensation): additional pay for loss of use, Aid & Attendance