Question 1

How do I file a VA disability claim?

Accepted Answer

You gather your evidence (service records, medical records, buddy statements) and we handle the rest — we choose the right claim type and file it for you. A Fully Developed Claim with all evidence up front is fastest, and we'll build that with you.

Question 2

How do I appeal a VA decision I disagree with?

Accepted Answer

You have three options — a Higher-Level Review, a Supplemental Claim, or a Board Appeal — and we file and argue the one that fits your case. You generally have one year from the decision to act.

Question 3

What is a C&P exam?

Accepted Answer

A Compensation & Pension exam is a VA-arranged doctor visit to check your condition. Be honest, describe your worst days, and bring a list of symptoms.

Question 4

What is a DBQ?

Accepted Answer

A Disability Benefit Questionnaire is a form your doctor fills out describing your condition. A complete, detailed DBQ strongly supports your claim.

Question 5

What is an effective date and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Your effective date is when your benefits start — and it controls your back pay. The right effective date can be worth thousands of dollars.

Question 6

What is a buddy letter?

Accepted Answer

A statement from someone who served with you or knows your condition. It helps prove your story when official records are missing or thin.

Question 7

What is a nexus letter?

Accepted Answer

A letter from a doctor that connects your current condition to your service. A strong nexus letter is often the key to winning a claim.

Question 8

What are presumptive conditions?

Accepted Answer

Conditions the VA automatically links to service because of where/when you served — like Agent Orange, burn pits, or Gulf War illnesses. No proof of the connection is needed.

Question 9

What is TDIU or Individual Unemployability?

Accepted Answer

If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working, you can be paid at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%.

Question 10

What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?

Accepted Answer

Extra monthly pay for serious losses — like loss of use of a limb or organ — paid on top of your regular disability rating.

Question 11

How is my combined disability rating calculated?

Accepted Answer

Ratings aren't added — they're combined using the VA's Combined Ratings Table. Two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%.

Question 12

What is the bilateral factor?

Accepted Answer

When disabilities affect both arms or both legs, those ratings are combined first and a 10% bilateral factor is added before combining with the rest.

Question 13

What does Permanent & Total (P&T) mean?

Accepted Answer

P&T means your rating is protected from reduction and unlocks extra benefits like health care and education for your dependents.

Question 14

What is the VA's duty to assist?

Accepted Answer

The VA must help you get records, arrange exams, and notify you of what's needed. Knowing this protects you when the VA falls short.

Question 15

What are the stages of a claim?

Accepted Answer

Claims move through 'received,' 'gathering evidence,' 'review,' and 'decision.' Each step has a typical timeframe.

Question 16

How do I read my rating decision letter?

Accepted Answer

Look for your effective date, each condition's percentage, the reasoning, and your appeal options. Errors here can be appealed.

Question 17

What is a secondary condition?

Accepted Answer

A new condition caused or made worse by a service-connected one — like knee pain leading to hip or back problems. It can be rated on its own.

Question 18

What is service connection?

Accepted Answer

The legal link between your condition and your service. It can be direct, secondary, presumptive, or aggravation.

Question 19

How do I increase my disability rating?

Accepted Answer

If your condition has worsened or was underrrated, you can file for an increase with new medical evidence showing the change.

Question 20

What is a C-file and how do I get it?

Accepted Answer

Your C-file is your complete VA claims file — everything the VA has on you. Request it to see what the rater sees.

Question 21

What if I had a bad C&P examiner?

Accepted Answer

You can challenge a poor exam report — point out errors, get a second opinion, and raise it in an appeal.

Question 22

Can I withdraw my appeal or claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sometimes withdrawing and refiling with better evidence is smarter than fighting a weak appeal.

Question 23

What is DIC for survivors?

Accepted Answer

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation is a monthly payment to surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. Many survivors don't know they qualify.

Question 24

What is the GI Bill?

Accepted Answer

Education benefits that pay for college, training, and housing. Know which GI Bill you have and how to use or transfer it.

Question 25

What VA health care am I eligible for?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility depends on service history, disability rating, income, and priority group. Most veterans qualify for some level of care.

Question 26

What is a VA home loan?

Accepted Answer

A loan backed by the VA that lets you buy or refinance a home with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

Question 27

What is the difference between VA pension and disability compensation?

Accepted Answer

Pension is needs-based for low-income wartime veterans. Compensation is for conditions tied to service, regardless of income. You generally can't get both.

Question 28

What is Aid & Attendance?

Accepted Answer

Extra money added to pension for veterans or survivors who need another person to help with daily activities like bathing or dressing.

Question 29

What is the M21-1?

Accepted Answer

The internal manual VA raters follow to decide claims. Reading the parts about your claim helps you present evidence the way the VA expects.

Question 30

What is 38 CFR Part 4?

Accepted Answer

The official federal rulebook that defines how every disability is rated. It's the source of truth for rating percentages and criteria.

Question 31

What is a VSO and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Veterans Service Officer is an accredited representative who helps file claims. Borne is your accredited claims agent — so you already have one, and there's no need to find a separate VSO.

Question 32

What federal benefits come with my combined rating?

Accepted Answer

Each rating level unlocks different benefits — from VA health care at 0% to full benefits at 100%. See the full list by combined rating.

Frequently Asked Questions