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    VA Claim Readiness Score

    Is my VA claim ready to file? Answer 4 quick questions and get a readiness score with next steps.

    Free · No account needed · Private · About 4 minutes

    VA Claim Readiness Score illustration

    How it works

    1. 1

      Answer 4 quick questions

      Tell us about your diagnosis, your service, your records and any past decisions.

    2. 2

      Get your score

      See a readiness score and which parts of your claim look strong.

    3. 3

      See next steps

      Get a plain-language list of what may help before you file.

    What you get

    • A readiness score for your VA claim
    • Which of the three key pieces you may have
    • Common gaps, like missing records or no medical link
    • Next steps you can take on your own

    What this tool does

    • • Checks your claim against the three things the VA generally looks for
    • • Points out common gaps before you file
    • • Suggests free next steps and tools

    What this tool does not do

    • • Does not predict the VA's decision or your rating
    • • Does not file a claim for you
    • • Does not give legal or medical advice

    Is my VA claim ready to file?

    The VA generally looks for three things in a disability claim: a current diagnosis, an event, injury or exposure during service, and a medical link, often called a nexus, between the two.

    A diagnosis alone is not enough. Many claims are denied because the link to service is missing or weak. Service treatment records, current medical records and statements from people who know you can all help.

    If you are not ready yet, you do not have to rush. Filing an Intent to File may protect your start date for up to one year while you gather evidence.

    Common questions

    What the VA needs to approve a disability claim is generally three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury or exposure, and a medical link between the two. Service records, current treatment records and lay statements from people who know you can support each part.

    The difference between a diagnosis and a service connection is that a diagnosis names your condition, while a service connection shows it was caused or made worse by your military service. The VA pays for service-connected conditions, so you need both, plus a medical link.

    A nexus letter is a statement from a doctor that explains whether your condition is at least as likely as not linked to your service. It is not always required, but it may help when your records do not clearly show the link. The VA still decides.

    You may want to file an Intent to File before your claim is ready. It can protect your start date for up to one year while you gather evidence. If the VA approves your claim within that year, back pay may start from the Intent to File date.

    Common gaps in VA claims include no current diagnosis, no record of the event in service, no medical link, and missing private treatment records. Missing a condition that often goes with another, like back pain and nerve pain in the legs, is also common.

    No, a high readiness score does not mean the VA will approve your claim. It means you may have the main pieces in place. The VA reviews your evidence and C&P exam and makes its own decision. The score is a planning tool only.

    Yes, the VA claim readiness score is free, and you do not need an account. It takes about four minutes. You get your score and a list of next steps you can take on your own.

    Keep going

    Free form helper

    DIY VA Intent to File Helper

    Free form helper

    DIY VA Disability Claim Builder

    Guide

    VA Disability Claim Evidence Checklist

    Guide

    What Really Happens at a C&P Exam

    Article

    The Difference Between a Diagnosis and a Service Connection

    Article

    VA Disability Claim Process: Which Path Is Right for You?

    Words to know

    Last updated September 2026. For general information only, not legal or medical advice.

    Sources: VA: Evidence needed for your claim · VA: How to file a disability claim

    How the VA Filing Success Score calculates your readiness score

    This score is a checklist turned into a number. It measures how complete and organized your claim file looks. It does not predict whether VA will approve you, and nothing here is sent to VA.

    Each answer earns points. A DBQ or medical opinion from the last 12 months earns 8, and one from 12 to 36 months ago earns 5. Having your C&P exam notes earns 8, or 4 if you have only requested them. Gathered private medical records earn 8, and some records earn 5. A written nexus opinion tying your condition to service earns 8, while a verbal one earns 4. Dependents that are current, or none to add, earn 8.

    Your claim status adds up to 10. Rated and seeking an increase earns 10, filed and waiting or on appeal earns 8, not filed earns 7, and denied earns 6.

    Common paired conditions add 5 each, up to 25. These are radiculopathy with back pain, hearing loss with tinnitus, instability with knee pain, sleep apnea with PTSD, and prostrating attacks with migraines.

    Reporting no file gaps earns 10. Otherwise you start at 15 and lose 5 for each gap, like missing service treatment records.

    A decision within the last 12 months earns 10. Having no decision yet earns 8, and an older one earns 6. Feeling confident about your review lane earns 10, chosen but unsure earns 6, and not chosen yet earns 3. Answering "not sure" usually earns 2 or 3 points.

    The total is capped at 100. Scores of 0 to 49 read "needs work", 50 to 79 "almost there", and 80 or more "ready".

    A worked example: recent DBQ 8, C&P notes in hand 8, some private records 5, verbal nexus 4, dependents current 8, filed and waiting 8, back pain with radiculopathy 5, no gaps 10, no decision yet 8, review lane not chosen 3. That totals 67, which is almost there. A written nexus letter would add 4 more points.

    What you'll need before you start

    Your claim status and the date of any decision. Check the claim status tool on VA.gov.

    Any DBQ or medical opinion, with its date. Your doctor's office can confirm whether one was completed.

    Your C&P exam notes. You can ask VA for them, or find them in your C-File.

    Private treatment records from non-VA doctors, plus any nexus letter. Ask whether it is written or was only said aloud.

    Your dependents as VA has them on file, your main conditions, and whether you have picked a review lane: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board appeal.

    The evidence VA expects in a disability claim is described on the Department of Veterans Affairs evidence needed for your disability claim page.

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