Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming. The forms, the deadlines, the medical evidence — it’s a lot to handle, especially when you’re dealing with health issues at the same time. Unfortunately, many veterans make simple mistakes that delay or even sink their claims.
Here are the 10 most common VA claim mistakes — and how you can avoid them to get the benefits you’ve earned.
1. Filing Without a Current Medical Diagnosis
The VA doesn’t grant benefits for symptoms alone. If your records only say “back pain” without a doctor’s diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, your claim will likely be denied.
✅ Fix: See a VA or private doctor first and get your condition documented clearly.
2. Not Proving Service Connection
Even with a diagnosis, you need to show your condition is linked to your service. Without service records, buddy statements, or incident reports, the VA may rule it unrelated.
✅ Fix: Gather your service treatment records, line of duty reports, or sworn statements from fellow service members.
3. Skipping the Nexus Letter
The nexus is the bridge between your diagnosis and your service. Without it, the VA can argue your condition isn’t military-related.
✅ Fix: Ask a doctor for a written opinion that says, “It is at least as likely as not that this condition is due to military service.”
4. Missing Deadlines
The VA has strict timelines for filing, responding to requests, and appealing decisions. Missing even one deadline can reset your effective date — costing you months or years of back pay.
✅ Fix: Track your claim status on VA.gov and set reminders for every deadline.
5. Incomplete Evidence Submission
Some veterans file with only part of their medical history, assuming the VA will gather everything. This leads to delays and denials.
✅ Fix: Always submit a complete evidence packet, including civilian medical records and supporting statements.
6. Downplaying Symptoms at C&P Exams
Many veterans understate their pain or limitations during Compensation & Pension exams. Unfortunately, VA raters rely heavily on these reports.
✅ Fix: Be honest and specific about your symptoms, even if it feels uncomfortable.
7. Not Claiming Secondary Conditions
If one service-connected disability causes another, you may be entitled to additional benefits. Too many veterans only claim the primary issue.
✅ Fix: File for secondary conditions (e.g., depression caused by chronic pain, migraines caused by TBI).
8. Waiting Too Long to File
Some veterans put off filing for years, thinking they can do it “later.” Unfortunately, you only get back pay from the date you file — not when your condition started.
✅ Fix: File as soon as possible, even with partial evidence, to lock in an early effective date.
9. Assuming the VA Will Do the Work for You
The VA does help gather records, but they won’t build your case. If you don’t provide strong evidence, the VA won’t go out of its way to find it for you.
✅ Fix: Take ownership of your claim. Organize and submit the strongest evidence you can.
10. Giving Up After a Denial
Many veterans quit after their first denial. But appeals are common — and often successful once missing evidence is added.
✅ Fix: Don’t give up. File a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal with new or stronger evidence.
Final Thoughts
The VA disability process can be frustrating, but most mistakes are avoidable. If you focus on the three pillars of every claim — diagnosis, service connection, and nexus — and avoid these 10 pitfalls, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of success. Avoiding these mistakes is just one part of winning your claim. For a step-by-step breakdown of the three things you must prove, check out our full guide on How to Always Win a VA Disability Claim
Remember: persistence pays off. Even if your claim is denied at first, many veterans win on appeal once they strengthen their evidence.
FAQ
Q: Can I refile if my claim was denied years ago?
Yes. You can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence at any time.
Q: What’s the fastest way to fix a denied claim?
A Higher-Level Review is often faster than a full appeal, but it depends on your case.
Q: Do I need a lawyer?
Not for the first claim. VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations) are free. But a lawyer may help at the appeal stage