My Claim Packet

Your first claim · free starting guide

You don’t need to know every VA term to begin.

Start with your questions and the records you have. My Claim Packet helps you organize them. You can file directly with VA or ask an accredited representative for help.

Make something useful right now

The free worksheet has three short steps: your military job, service details, and conditions to discuss. Skip anything you don’t know. Print it or save it as a PDF for your appointment.

Preparing a worksheet does not file a claim or protect a filing date. Check timing first ↓

Start my free worksheet

No account, payment, Social Security number, or records upload needed.

Start with the situation you are in

My first claim ↓New condition or increase · VA.gov ↗Disagree with a decision · VA.gov ↗

Already have a decision? Keep the letter and its date with your notes. Use VA’s decision-review guidance or an accredited representative to check your options and deadlines.

  1. 1. Check timing before gathering everything

    You can let VA know you plan to file before your full claim is ready. This is called an intent to file. It may preserve an earlier potential start date for benefits if VA approves your claim and you meet its requirements.

    VA calls the start date for awarded benefits the effective date. Starting certain applications on VA.gov can automatically notify VA of your intent to file. Check VA’s instructions for your application and the deadline to finish it.

    Work on this site does not protect a filing date. Neither the free worksheet nor a paid packet submits an application or an intent to file.

    Check VA’s filing and timing instructions ↗

  2. 2. List the records you have

    List discharge and service records, relevant VA or private treatment records, and supporting statements. Note what you have and what you need help locating. VA can help obtain some evidence; a missing item on our checklist does not mean you cannot apply.

    A useful note: “Hearing appointment at my VA clinic; approximate month known. I need help finding the visit notes.” Keep originals in a separate folder. You do not need to upload them here to make a list.
    Look up a condition and its evidence guidance →

  3. 3. Write down what you personally remember

    • What happened, and when did you first notice symptoms? Mark dates as approximate if needed.
    • How often do symptoms occur, and what does an ordinary difficult day look like?
    • What changes have you noticed in work, sleep, movement, or daily tasks?
    • What do you not remember, and what questions need a clinician or representative?

    Use your own words. Do not copy a sample veteran’s experiences into your statement.

    Try a fictional example from answers to PDF →

  4. 4. Take the next step with VA or a representative

    Apply directly through VA, or ask a VA-accredited representative to help. “Accredited” means VA recognizes them as qualified to help with benefit claims.

    A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) has accredited representatives who help with VA benefit claims for free. Ask whether the representative is available before making an appointment.

    File directly with VA ↗

    Official online application, paper form, and other filing methods.

    Find accredited filing help ↗

    Find and appoint a representative through VA’s directory.

    Bring your worksheet, available records, and questions. Ask: “What is already in my file? What needs review? Who will submit the application, and how will I receive confirmation?”

  5. 5. Keep your confirmation and watch for VA requests

    After filing, keep a copy of what you submitted. Respond to VA’s requests and attend any scheduled claim exams.

    Read what happens after filing ↗

Where the optional paid workspace fits

Keep saved drafts, update evidence checklists, and export an organizer for review. It costs $9.99/month while subscribed. It does not include individual legal or medical advice, representation, or filing.

See a sample packetCompare free and paid

Ready to put your notes in one place?

Start with what you remember. Leave anything you’re unsure about blank, then print your worksheet to take to a representative.

Start my free worksheet

No account or payment needed. This worksheet does not file a claim or protect a filing date.

Educational only. Independent of VA. No guaranteed outcomes. Official links reviewed September 27, 2026. Follow VA’s current instructions for your application.