VA Claims: From Filing to Decision

Filing a VA disability claim requires understanding the process from beginning to end and preparing all necessary evidence before submission.• Call 1-800-827-1000 to establish an intent to file, which gives you one year to prepare your claim while preserving your effective date• Collect medical evidence from both VA and private healthcare providers to support your claim• Submit all conditions on the same initial 526-EZ form to maintain your original effective date• Consider working with an accredited Veterans Service Officer who has VBMS access rather than filing alone• When denied, explore all three appeal options: Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board of Veterans Appeals• Consider independent medical opinions (IMOs) to strengthen your case in the appeals process• Be persistent — many successful claims face initial denials but succeed through proper appeals• Watch for symptoms of depression after receiving benefits as you adjust to your new normal• Utilize online resources like "VA the Redneck Way" and "How Disability Works" to educate yourselfTune in live every Thursday at 7 PM EST and join the conversation! Click here to listen and chat with us. Visit J Basser's Exposed Vet Productions (Formerly Exposed Vet Radioshow) YouTube page by clicking here.