The VA does not grant claims because a veteran deserves it — it grants claims that are proven. And proof comes from evidence. Almost every strong claim is built from the same six categories. Know them, and you can see at a glance what your claim has and what it is missing.
The 6 categories
- 1. Diagnosis evidence. A current, documented diagnosis from a qualified provider. Without a present diagnosis, there is nothing to rate.
- 2. Service-connection evidence. Records that tie the condition to your service — service treatment records, personnel files, deployment and exposure records.
- 3. Nexus opinion. A licensed provider’s opinion that your condition is “at least as likely as not” related to service. This is the bridge between categories 1 and 2 — and the most common missing piece.
- 4. Severity evidence. How often, how intense, and how disabling the condition is. Severity sets your rating percentage, and it is the most under-documented category by far.
- 5. Lay (personal) statement. Your own first-hand account of what happened and how it affects you.
- 6. Buddy statements. Corroboration from people who witnessed the event or see your symptoms — fellow service members, family, coworkers.
Where claims usually fall short
Most veterans nail categories 1, 2, and 5 but come up short on 3 (nexus) and 4 (severity). If you only fix two things, make them a solid nexus and complete severity documentation — that is where ratings are won or lost.
Run the evidence checklist — free
Use the free AVOY Evidence Checklist to see which of the six categories your claim has covered, then take the gaps to AVOY Veteran Navigator AI for an educational plan on how to fill them.
Important disclaimer — educational use only (tap to expand)
Educational information only — not legal, medical, or claim representation, and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For help filing or appealing, contact a VA-accredited VSO (often free), claims agent, or attorney. For current rates, forms, and deadlines, see VA.gov.
