What is a Claim?

A VA claim is a formal request for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as defined in 38 C.F.R. Chapter 1, Part 3. Our Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) throughout Cook County are here to assist you—at no cost—in filing new claims or appeals for VA benefits.

What Evidence Must Show for Service Connection

To establish service connection for a disability, the evidence submitted must meet specific criteria under VA guidelines. A successful claim generally requires the following three elements:

• You had an injury in service, or a disease that began in or was made permanently worse during service, or there was an event in service that caused an injury or disease; AND
• A current diagnosed medical condition: You have a current physical or mental disability. This may be shown by medical evidence or by lay evidence of persistent and recurrent symptoms of disability that are visible or observable; AND
• A relationship exists between your current disability and an injury, disease, symptoms, or event in service. This may be shown by medical records or medical opinions or, in certain cases, by lay evidence. This can be completed at the Compensation and Pension Exam. 

Veteran Service Officers can assist in collecting the necessary documentation and personal statements, and in identifying medical evidence that supports your claim for service-connected benefits.

Claims Process Overview

VA claims typically follow eight phases:

1. Claim Received
2. Under Review
3. Evidence Gathering
4. Evidence Review
5. Preparation for Decision
6. Pending Decision Approval
7. Preparation for Notification
8. Complete

Each step varies based on claim complexity and evidence requirements. Submitting a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) may help speed up the process.

Primary Types of Claims

• Original Claim – First-time filing
• Increased Claim – Seeking higher rating
• Special Claim – Includes vehicle grants, temporary 100%, or unemployability
• New Claim – Not related to any prior service-connected issues
• Secondary Claim – Caused by an existing service-connected condition
• Supplemental Claim – Requires new and relevant evidence after prior denial

Expedited Claims

Claims may be prioritized for reasons such as:

• Homelessness
• Financial hardship
• Serious or terminal illness
• Former POW status
• Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipients
• Over age 85
• ALS diagnosis

Track Your Claim

You can track your claim status by calling your VSO at (312) 433-6010, visiting VA.gov, or calling 1-800-827-1000.

Find an accredited representative or VSO

Get More Information

Play our videos to learn more about how VA disability ratings and compensation work: 
Compensation 101: How did I get this rating? (YouTube)
Compensation 101: What is disability compensation? (YouTube)
Compensation 101: What is service connection? (YouTube)