VA benefits guides, in plain English.
Clear answers to common VA disability questions — each one backed by the actual regulation and the VA's own claims manual, clearly labeled.
Can I get VA disability for tinnitus?How the VA rates tinnitus under 38 CFR 4.87 (diagnostic code 6260), how to establish service connection, and what evidence you need. Plain English, cited.Read the guide →How is PTSD rated by the VA?How the VA rates PTSD under 38 CFR 4.130 (diagnostic code 9411), what symptoms fall at each level from 0 to 100 percent, and the special 50 percent rule. Cited.Read the guide →How does the VA rate sleep apnea?How the VA rates sleep apnea under 38 CFR 4.97 (DC 6847), why a CPAP prescription usually means 50%, and the secondary claim path most vets miss.Read the guide →How do I get a condition secondary service connected?The three requirements for secondary service connection under 38 CFR 3.310, the but-for causation standard, and the aggravation rule. Plain English, cited.Read the guide →What is TDIU and how do you qualify?How TDIU works under 38 CFR 4.16, the 60 and 70 percent thresholds, what substantially gainful employment means, and the extraschedular path. Cited.Read the guide →How much does VA disability pay each month?The 2026 VA disability compensation rates for every rating from 10 to 100 percent, why the jump to 100 is so large, and how dependents change the amount.Read the guide →How does the VA rate migraines?How the VA rates migraines under 38 CFR 4.124a (diagnostic code 8100), what prostrating and severe economic inadaptability mean, and why documentation decides it.Read the guide →How does the VA rate knee conditions?How the VA rates knees under 38 CFR 4.71a, why instability and limited motion can be rated separately on the same knee, and the bilateral factor.Read the guide →Can I get a separate rating for nerve pain from my back?How the VA rates radiculopathy under 38 CFR 4.124a (diagnostic code 8520), why it is rated separately from the spine, and how each leg gets its own rating.Read the guide →How much does the VA pay for dependents?Why dependents only add to VA compensation at 30 percent and up, how much a spouse, child, or parent adds, and why the amount changes with your rating.Read the guide →How does the VA decide my effective date and back pay?How effective dates work under 38 CFR 3.400, why the filing date usually controls rather than the injury date, the one-year rules, and how back pay is calculated.Read the guide →What does the VA require to grant service connection?The three elements of direct service connection under 38 CFR 3.303, which one most denials come down to, and what the benefit of the doubt rule actually does.Read the guide →What are my options after a VA decision?The three review lanes under 38 CFR 3.2500, what each one is for, the one-year rule that protects your effective date, and how the lanes differ.Read the guide →What is the difference between denied and rated at 0 percent?Why a 0 percent VA rating is not a denial, what service connection at 0 percent protects, and the rule that can turn multiple 0 percent ratings into 10 percent.Read the guide →How do VA disability ratings work and how are they combined?How the VA combined ratings table works under 38 CFR 4.25, why percentages don't add up the way you'd expect, the rounding rules, and the bilateral factor.Read the guide →
ℹ️These guides explain the rules — they aren't legal advice or a claims decision. For help with your specific claim, contact an accredited VSO or VA representative.