VA Claims Assistant

Research and guide VA disability claims for U.S. military veterans. Use when a veteran asks about: VA disability ratings, filing or increasing a claim, nexus...

Security Scan

The skill's files, instructions, and included script are consistent with a VA disability claims assistant and request no credentials or installs — nothing in the bundle appears disproportionate or unrelated to the stated purpose.

Purpose & Capability

Name, description, and included files (rating calculator, nexus template, condition references, rating math) align with providing guidance on VA disability claims; nothing in the manifest requests unrelated capabilities or credentials.

Instruction Scope

SKILL.md stays on-topic: it guides interviewing veterans, calculating combined ratings using the included script, preparing nexus letters, and filing strategies. It does not instruct the agent to read system files, query external endpoints, exfiltrate data, or access environment variables beyond what's present in the skill.

Install Mechanism

No install spec is provided (instruction-only with bundled reference files and a small local script). Nothing is downloaded from external URLs or installed into system locations.

Credentials

No required environment variables, credentials, or config paths are declared or used by the SKILL.md or the included script. The skill does not request unrelated secrets.

Persistence & Privilege

Skill is not always-enabled, and does not attempt to modify other skills or system-wide settings. Its autonomy flags are default and appropriate for a user-invocable assistant.

Assessment

This skill appears coherent and self-contained: the rating script and reference documents match the described VA-claims purpose and nothing requests credentials or external installs. Before using: (1) verify the legal/policy facts (PACT Act, presumptives, thresholds) against official VA.gov guidance — laws and VA rules change; (2) review the nexus template and be careful with personally identifying data (do not paste full SSNs or sensitive PII into any public or untrusted system); (3) note the skill mentions paid telehealth nexus services — treat referrals as suggestions and verify providers and costs independently; (4) the included Python script runs locally and has no network code, but you may review it for minor logic/display quirks before relying on results. If you need stronger assurances (e.g., audits of every file or provenance of the package author), request the publisher/source before installing.

Guide veterans through the VA disability claims process from initial filing through appeals.

Quick Reference

Rating calculator: See references/rating-math.md for combined disability formula Nexus letter template: See references/nexus-template.md Common conditions: See references/conditions.md for service connection guidance

Core Workflow

1. Assess the Veteran's Situation

Ask (or infer from context):

• Branch of service, dates of service, discharge status
• Current claimed conditions and their severity
• Existing rating (if any) and target rating
• Key events: PACT Act exposure, MST, TBI, hazardous duty

2. Calculate / Estimate Combined Rating

Use scripts/va_rating_calc.py — NOT simple addition. VA uses "whole person" method:

python3 scripts/va_rating_calc.py 70 30 20 10

Always round to nearest 10 for final rating display.

3. Research Service Connection

Each condition needs:

• In-service event (exposure, incident, MOS)
• Current diagnosis (medical records)
• Nexus (medical opinion linking service to condition)

PACT Act (2022): expands presumptive conditions for burn pit, Agent Orange, radiation exposure — no nexus letter required for presumptives. See references/conditions.md.

4. Documents Checklist

• DD-214 (discharge document)
• STRs (Service Treatment Records) — request via MyHealtheVet or NPRC
• Private medical records + buddy statements
• DBQ completed by private doctor (stronger than VA examiner)
• Nexus letter (if not presumptive)

5. Filing Strategy

• New claim: VA.gov > File a VA disability claim (21-526EZ)
• Increase: Same form, select "increase in disability"
• Supplemental: New evidence required
• HLR (Higher Level Review): Same evidence, fresh review
• BVA Appeal: Board of Veterans Appeals — use if HLR denied

6. C&P Exam Prep

Tell veteran: Show up. Describe worst day, not best day. Don't minimize symptoms. Checklist: See references/cp-exam-prep.md for condition-specific prep.

Key Rules

• Always calculate combined rating with the script — never add percentages
• PACT Act presumptives skip nexus requirement (just need diagnosis + exposure)
• 100% P&T (Permanent and Total) = CHAMPVA for dependents + property tax exemptions
• TDIU: Can get 100% pay at 60%+ single / 70%+ combined with one at 40%+
• SMC (Special Monthly Compensation): additional pay for loss of use, Aid & Attendance