BENEFITKARMA
    Free VA Tool

    What's Your VA Filing Success Score?

    Answer 4 quick questions to see if you're underrated, what you might be missing, and the 3 steps to take this week.

    It's free and takes under 30 seconds! Refine your results after.

    Find What's Stuck

    Discover why your claim may be stuck or why you might be underrated

    Spot Missed Conditions

    Learn about conditions Veterans often overlook that could apply to you

    Get Your 3-Step Plan

    Receive a personalized action plan you can start today

    What You'll Get

    Your VA Filing Success Score with plain-English explanation
    Why you may be stuck or underrated
    Top 3 missed condition pairings to check
    A simple 3-step plan for this week
    Instant on-screen results + emailed plan

    How It Works

    1

    Answer 4 Quick Questions

    Takes under 30 seconds

    2

    See Your Score

    Plus a snapshot of what may be stuck

    3

    Act on Your Plan

    3 steps to take this week

    Commonly Missed Condition Pairings

    Many Veterans don't know these related conditions could increase their rating

    back painRadiculopathy

    Often overlooked because Veterans focus on back pain itself, not the nerve symptoms.

    Check for: Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in arms/legs

    tinnitusHearing Loss

    Many Veterans file for tinnitus without getting a current audiogram.

    Check for: Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments

    knee painInstability/Meniscus

    Knee range of motion is often the only thing measured at C&P exams.

    Check for: Knee giving way, locking, or swelling after activity

    ptsdSleep Apnea

    Sleep problems are often attributed only to PTSD without checking for apnea.

    Check for: Loud snoring, waking up gasping, or daytime fatigue despite sleeping

    migrainesProstrating Episodes

    Medical records may show "headaches" without noting severity or frequency.

    Check for: Episodes that force you to lie down and stop all activity

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, 100% free. We want you to understand your situation before taking next steps.

    No. This is an educational tool only. Your answers are not sent to the VA.

    The score is based on common patterns we see, but every situation is unique. Use it as a starting point.

    That's okay! "Not sure" is always an option. Uncertainty itself tells us where you might need help.

    No. BenefitKarma provides education and tools. Only you (or an accredited representative) can file with the VA.

    VA disability questions, answered

    The questions veterans most often ask before filing a claim.

    The VA does not add your ratings together. It uses a method called VA math, which looks at your remaining ability after each condition. So a 50% rating plus a 30% rating does not equal 80%. The VA also rounds to the nearest 10%. Our free calculator does the math for you.

    An Intent to File tells the VA you plan to apply for benefits. Once filed, it locks in your effective date for one year. If you are approved later, your back pay starts from that date. It takes minutes to file and can be worth thousands in retroactive benefits.

    Most VA disability claims take four to six months from filing to decision. Complex claims with many conditions or missing records can take longer. Filing an Intent to File first protects your effective date so a longer review does not cost you back pay.

    The VA needs three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and a medical link between the two. Strong claims include service medical records, current treatment records, lay statements from people who knew you, and a clear personal statement explaining how the condition affects your daily life.

    Yes. Your Claims File, or C-File, is your complete VA record. You have a legal right to a copy. We help you request it the right way so the VA cannot lose, delay, or split your request. Reviewing your C-File is the single best way to prepare for a strong claim or appeal.

    No. You can file directly with the VA at no cost. Many veterans use a free Veterans Service Officer through the VFW, DAV, or American Legion. Accredited attorneys and claims agents can help with appeals and usually only get paid if you win. Choose the path that fits your situation.

    A Compensation and Pension exam is the medical exam the VA uses to rate your condition. Show up on your worst-day terms, do not minimize symptoms, and bring a list of how the condition affects work and daily life. The examiner is evaluating you, not treating you, so be specific and honest.

    Some ratings can be reduced if your condition improves, but the VA must follow strict rules. Ratings in place for five years are protected from most reductions, ratings at the same level for ten years are protected from being severed, and ratings at age 55 or older rarely face re-exams.

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