Types of VA disability claims and when to file
Find out when you can first file a claim for service-connected benefits—and what to do if you want to request more benefits or have new evidence to support a claim we denied in the past.
You can still file a claim and apply for benefits during the coronavirus pandemic
Get the latest information about in-person services, claim exams, extensions, paperwork, decision reviews and appeals, and how best to contact us during this time.
Go to our coronavirus FAQs
Learn when to file claims
- Original claim—file your first claim for disability compensation.
- Increased claim—file a claim for more compensation for a disability that we’ve already determined to be service connected and that’s gotten worse.
- New claim—file a claim for added benefits or other benefit requests related to an existing service-connected disability.
- Secondary service-connected claim—file a claim for a new disability that’s linked to a service-connected disability you already have.
- Special claim—file a claim for special needs linked to your service-connected disability.
- Supplemental Claim—provide new evidence to support a disability claim that was denied.
Programs to help speed up your claim decision
Fully developed disability claims