A service-connected disability refers to an illness or injury that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. This doesn't necessarily mean that the disability happened while in combat; it can also be due to any activity during service, whether it was training, duty, or any other military-related task. The VA determines whether a disability is service-connected based on evidence, such as military records, medical exams, and statements.

A disability rating is a percentage the VA assigns to quantify the severity of a Veteran's service-connected disability. The rating system ranges from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10, and reflects how much the disability decreases the Veteran's overall health and ability to function. This rating then determines the amount of compensation a Veteran will receive. A higher percentage indicates a more severe disability, resulting in higher monthly compensation.

If the VA assigned an incorrect rating, you can challenge their decision by proving that you qualify for a higher rating. Remember, if your conditions have worsened since you last applied, you can submit a new claim asking for an increased evaluation.

A "first-time filer" (FTF) is a term used to describe a Veteran who is applying for VA disability benefits for the first time. This could be a newly discharged service member or a long-term Veteran who has recently decided to pursue benefits for disabilities related to their service.

To get started, you'll need access to your VA.Gov or My Healthevet account — If you don't have either of these accounts, don't worry; we can guide you through getting your account active. The next step is to contact our team by filling out the form or scheduling an appointment, and our team will guide you through the rest.