Filing for VA benefits can feel like solving a 5‑variable equation: evidence, timelines, forms, medical opinions, and follow‑through. Miss one term and your result can collapse. Use the 25 checkpoints below to keep your claim on a solid footing.

1. #1 Filing the wrong form or missing required forms

   Using the incorrect form (e.g., 21‑526EZ vs. 20‑0995) or omitting ancillary forms can stall or sink a claim.

   Avoid it: Confirm the exact form for your claim type (original, supplemental, or higher‑level review). Cross‑check current VA form numbers and editions.

   Pro move: Keep a form checklist in your file; date‑stamp everything you submit.

2. #2 Missing filing deadlines (intent to file, appeals windows)

   Late submissions can forfeit back pay or end your path to appeal.

   Avoid it: File VA Form 21‑0966 (Intent to File) to lock in an effective date while you gather evidence.

   Track: Calendar all suspense dates for decisions, HLRs, supplemental claims, and Board appeals.

3. #3 Weak or missing nexus evidence

   Without a credible medical link between your current condition and service, strong symptoms alone rarely win.

   Avoid it: Obtain a detailed medical opinion using “at least as likely as not” language with rationale, records citations, and literature where applicable.

   Strengthen: Add lay statements describing onset, continuity, and functional impact.

4. #4 Assuming VA will gather all evidence for you

   VA has a duty to assist, but third‑party records and private opinions often need your action.

   Act: Proactively request private medical records and submit them with a cover page listing each document.

   Verify: After a request, confirm the records actually made it into your claims file.

5. #5 Incomplete service treatment or personnel records

   Gaps in service records can undercut in‑service events or exposures.

   Fix: Request your STRs and OMPF; add buddy statements to fill gaps and corroborate events.

   Organize: Index records chronologically with labels; highlight key entries.

6. #6 Not addressing secondary conditions

   Ignoring conditions caused or aggravated by a service‑connected disability leaves benefits on the table.

   Identify: Screen for secondary issues (e.g., depression from chronic pain, sleep apnea aggravated by PTSD).

   Support: Provide nexus opinions explaining causation or aggravation.

7. #7 Under‑documenting functional loss

   Ratings hinge on how conditions limit work and daily life, not just diagnoses.

   Detail: Keep a symptom diary; describe frequency, duration, severity, and work impact in statements and exams.

   Examples: Missed workdays, accommodations, assistive devices, limitations in ADLs.

8. #8 Poor preparation for C&P exams

   Casual or inconsistent answers can undermine credibility and ratings.

   Prepare: Review your file; bring a concise symptom summary. Be honest, specific, and consistent with records.

   Follow up: If an exam is inadequate or inaccurate, challenge it in writing with specifics.

9. #9 Submitting disorganized evidence dumps

   Bulk uploads without structure slow review and bury key facts.

   Curate: Use a cover letter, numbered exhibits, and an index. Point adjudicators to exact pages.

   Label: Name files with dates and short descriptors (e.g., 2025-03-18_Private-Ortho-Report.pdf).

10. #10 Ignoring presumptive conditions/exposures

    Presumptives (toxic exposures, Gulf War, Agent Orange, burn pits, etc.) ease evidentiary burdens but are often overlooked.

    Check lists: Compare your diagnoses and service locations/eras to current presumptive lists.

    Document: Provide evidence of qualifying service and current diagnosis; don’t over‑argue causation when presumption applies.

11. #11 Overlooking TDIU or extraschedular paths

    Veterans unable to maintain substantially gainful employment may qualify for TDIU even without a 100% schedular rating.

    Evaluate: If work isn’t feasible due to SC conditions, assess eligibility for TDIU and submit vocational evidence.

    Evidence: Include employer statements, earnings records, and expert reports if available.

12. #12 Not keeping contact info current

    Missed letters = missed deadlines.

    Update: Immediately change your address, phone, and email in VA systems and on pending claims.

    Backup: Add a trusted representative’s contact for redundancy.

13. #13 Missing or refusing C&P exams

    No‑shows can trigger denials. If you can’t attend, reschedule with documentation.

    Confirm: Note time, place, and examiner; arrive early with ID and any assistive devices you use.

    Record: After the exam, write a 1‑page summary of what was asked and answered.

14. #14 Inconsistent statements across records

    Discrepancies between forms, medical notes, and exams damage credibility.

    Align: Review prior statements before submitting new ones. If facts changed, explain why.

    Proof: Cite dates, locations, and documents consistently.

15. #15 Using vague language

    “Sometimes,” “kinda,” and “not too bad” won’t map to rating criteria.

    Be specific: Use numbers (e.g., panic attacks 3×/week), durations, and effects on work/ADLs.

    Map: Review the rating schedule for your condition to understand thresholds.

16. #16 Not opening mail or checking VA.gov inbox

    Requests for information and exam notices are time‑sensitive.

    Routine: Check weekly; set digital alerts. Scan key letters into your claim file.

    Respond: If VA asks for evidence, reply with exactly what they requested, labeled and indexed.

17. #17 Evidence quality over quantity (or vice versa)

    Too little is weak; too much unfocused material hides the signal.

    Balance: Include the best few items for each element: current disability, in‑service event, nexus, and rating impact.

    Summarize: Use a one‑page cover letter to frame the evidence.

18. #18 Not leveraging accredited representatives

    VSOs, agents, and attorneys can spot issues and deadlines you might miss.

    Choose wisely: Verify accreditation and fee structure; clarify who handles what.

    Collaborate: Share a neatly organized evidence set with them.

19. #19 Ignoring mental health claims due to stigma

    Mental health disabilities affect ratings, employability, and access to care.

    Speak up: Describe symptoms, treatment, and functional impact. Consider statements from family or coworkers.

    Continuity: Maintain treatment to document persistence/severity.

20. #20 Not appealing strategically

    Choosing the wrong review lane or re‑submitting the same weak evidence wastes time.

    Plan: For factual errors, consider HLR; for new evidence, use supplemental; for legal/complex issues, consider Board review.

    Target: Fix the exact deficiency cited in the prior denial.

21. #21 Overlooking combined ratings math

    VA math isn’t simple addition; small increases can tip you into a higher combined rating or qualify you for SMC.

    Calculate: Use a VA combined ratings calculator and consider bilateral factors where applicable.

    Explore: Assess eligibility for SMC (housebound, loss of use, aid & attendance).

22. #22 Forgetting to claim dependents or special status

    Marital status, children, parents, and special circumstances affect payment rates and eligibility for benefits.

    Update: Submit dependency forms and documentation promptly when life events change.

    Verify: Check that dependents appear correctly in your award letter.

23. #23 Not tracking what VA received

    Assuming an upload “went through” is risky.

    Confirm: Save transmission receipts and screenshots; check your eFolder for each item.

    Resubmit smartly: If something’s missing, re‑send with a cover note referencing the original attempt.

24. #24 Assuming denials are final

    Many denials turn on fixable gaps—lack of nexus, inadequate exam, or missing records.

    Diagnose: Read the reasons and bases section carefully. Target the weakness in your next step.

    Escalate: Consider expert opinions or vocational assessments where appropriate.

25. #25 Going it alone when the claim gets complex

    Complex cases (multiple issues, aggravation, rare diseases, MST, exposures) benefit from experienced help.

    Team up: Engage an accredited VSO/agent/attorney for strategy and deadlines.

    Document trail: Keep a master index and timeline of your claim events.

Disclaimer: This guide is informational and does not create a client‑representative relationship. For personalized advice, consult an accredited representative.