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 letters, buddy statements, DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires), PACT Act eligibility, toxic exposure benefits, VA buddy statements, C&P exam preparation, supplemental claims, appeals (HLR/BVA), combined rating calculations, or any VA benefits question. Covers the full claims lifecycle from initial filing through Board of Veterans Appeals.

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