Am I eligible for VA disability benefits?

Last Updated: 7/9/2025

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If you are a veteran of the U.S. military and living with a physical or mental health condition, you may be eligible for disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA disability compensation is designed to provide financial and medical support for veterans whose conditions were caused or worsened by their military service.

Eligibility is made up of service, condition and evidence requirements. Here’s how to tell whether you’re eligible or not.

Service Requirements

If you haven’t served, then you’re not eligible – but what does “served” exactly mean?

What types of military service qualify me for VA disability benefits?

To be eligible for VA disability benefits, you must have served in one of the five branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. Your service can be classified as:

• Active duty: full-time service in the military.
• Active duty for training (ADT): training required for Reserve and National Guard members.
• Inactive duty training (IDT): weekend drills and other part-time training for Reservists and Guard members.

Veterans who served in the National Guard or Reserves must have been called to federal active duty (under Title 10 orders) to qualify for VA disability benefits. State deployments, such as those under Title 32, generally do not count unless they involved full-time active-duty service.

Does my discharge status affect my eligibility?

Yes, to qualify for VA disability benefits, your discharge status must be under conditions other than dishonorable. Acceptable discharge statuses include:

• Honorable: fully eligible.
• General (under honorable conditions): eligible but may face limitations.
• Other than honorable (OTH): may require review by the VA to determine eligibility.

If you received an OTH or dishonorable discharge, you may be able to apply for a discharge upgrade or request a Character of Discharge review to gain eligibility.

Did I serve long enough to qualify for VA disability benefits?

If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty. However, exceptions exist if:

• You were discharged early due to hardship, service-related injury or illness.
• You completed the required term of service before your discharge.

For National Guard and Reserve members, eligibility depends on whether you were called to federal active duty and whether your injury or illness occurred during active-duty service.

Qualifying Disabilities

There are a range of conditions which will qualify you, and there needs to be a connection between your time in service and your condition.

What types of conditions qualify for VA disability benefits?

To qualify for VA disability compensation, you must have a current physical or mental health condition. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Physical disabilities: Chronic pain, hearing loss, respiratory issues, back injuries, amputations.
• Mental health conditions: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Presumptive conditions: Illnesses linked to Agent Orange exposure, Gulf War Syndrome, or burn pit exposure.

How do I prove my condition is service-connected?

To qualify, your disability must be service-connected, meaning it was caused or worsened by your military service. This connection can be established in three ways:

1. Direct service connection: You developed the condition during military service (e.g., a back injury from a training accident).
2. Aggravated conditions: A pre-existing condition worsened due to military service (e.g., asthma that became severe due to exposure to environmental hazards).
3. Post-service connection: A disability developed after service but is linked to active duty (e.g., lung disease due to toxic exposure).

How does my disability rating affect my compensation?

The VA assigns a disability rating to determine compensation amounts. To receive VA disability benefits, your rating must be at least 10% disabling. If your condition is severe, you may receive a higher rating, increasing your compensation.

Evidence Requirements

You must provide the right evidence to help the VA make an informed decision on your case.

What medical records do I need?

To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must provide medical evidence proving your condition exists and is connected to your service.

• Essential documents include:
• Military service treatment records.
• VA or private medical records.
• Independent medical evaluations.

If your service records are missing, you can request them through the National Archives or VA Records Management Center.

How do I establish a nexus between my condition and military service?

A nexus is the link between your medical condition and military service. To establish this, you may need:

• Medical opinions (nexus letters) from doctors.
• Buddy statements from fellow service members or family.
• VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams assessing your condition.

What should I do if I think I qualify?

If you believe you qualify, while AVA can only assist with appeals, we provide information about how to file your initial VA claim.

You may also apply through one of these methods:

• Online: Submit your claim at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
• By mail: Send VA Form 21-526EZ to the VA Claims Intake Center.
• In person: Visit a VA regional office for assistance.

After applying, the VA will review your case, schedule medical evaluations and notify you of their decision.

What if my claim is denied?

Many claims are denied due to lack of evidence or errors. If this happens and the decision is 12 months or less old, Allsup Veterans Appeals (AVA) can help.

Allsup Veterans Appeals^℠ (AVA) provides experienced guidance to help you secure the benefits you’ve earned through your service. Since 2012, AVA has delivered VA appeals representation focused on the unique needs of veterans.

Our VA-accredited Claims Agents, some of whom are veterans, understand the VA process. We know what it takes to create an accurate, successful claim.

Working with AVA means you will receive expert guidance, precise submission of your appeal, handling of complex processes, communication with the VA and the support you need when you:

• Are denied service connection for a disability.
• Need to determine the best path for your VA appeal.
• Need a Higher-Level Review.
• Must file a Supplemental Claim.
• Need to appeal to the BVA.
• Must file a Notice of Disagreement.