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How to file your VA disability claim on VA.gov

Filing your own claim is very doable. Here is the whole path, step by step.

Gather: your DD-214, current medical records (proof you have it now), service records (the link to service), and a list of every condition to claim, including secondaries.
Lock your effective date: file an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966); online filing captures it automatically. Why this matters →
File the claim: VA Form 21-526EZ at va.gov. Add secondaries and any condition that got worse.
Add evidence: your records, a personal statement (21-4138), and buddy statements.
Go to your C&P exam if VA schedules one. How to prepare →
Track it on va.gov; a decision typically takes a few months. See the 8 stages →

Get organized first
Wingman builds your evidence checklist and statements before you file, for free.
Open Wingman free →

Related guides:
All guides How a VA claim works

Education only. Wingman is a free, veteran-built self-help tool. It is not legal advice, not VA-accredited, and it never files anything for you. Every claim turns on your own facts and current VA rules — always confirm anything important with a free accredited VSO (find one at va.gov).