Translate everyday language into VA-accepted clinical terminology
AI-assisted. Not legal, medical, or filing advice - verify all content before use.
Describe your symptoms the way you would tell a friend, then let AI convert them into professional VA clinical terminology for your claim paperwork.
Be as specific as you can about what hurts, when, how often, and how it affects your daily life.
Common VA claims terms translated into plain English so you know exactly what the VA is talking about.
25 terms
A pre-existing condition that was permanently worsened beyond its natural progression by military service. The VA rates the degree of worsening.
A 50% or greater probability that your condition is related to service. This is the standard of proof the VA uses - you do not need to prove certainty.
Affecting both sides of the body (e.g., both knees, both shoulders). Bilateral conditions receive an extra 10% boost under VA math.
A written statement from someone who witnessed your condition, symptoms, or the event that caused your disability. Fellow service members, family, or friends can provide these.
Compensation and Pension examination. A medical exam the VA orders to evaluate the severity of your claimed conditions and verify service connection.
A standardized form doctors fill out to document the severity of your disability. Private doctors can complete these for your claim.
A number the VA assigns to each disability that determines which rating criteria apply. Found in 38 CFR Part 4.
A letter from a medical professional stating that your condition is "at least as likely as not" connected to your military service. Often the most critical piece of evidence.
The date from which the VA starts paying your benefits. Usually the date you filed your claim or Intent to File, whichever is earlier.
A temporary worsening of symptoms beyond your baseline. Documenting flare-up frequency, duration, and severity is critical for accurate ratings.
A claim submitted with all supporting evidence already included. FDCs are processed faster because the VA does not need to gather additional records.
How your disability limits your ability to perform daily activities, work, and social functions. The VA rates based on functional loss, not just diagnosis.
An appeal option where a senior VA reviewer re-examines your claim decision for clear errors, without considering new evidence.
A notification to the VA that you plan to file a claim. It locks in your effective date for up to one year while you gather evidence.
Non-medical evidence such as personal statements, buddy statements, or family observations about your symptoms and how they affect daily life.
The medical connection between your current condition and your military service. A doctor's opinion letter states this link exists.
So severe that it forces you to stop all activity and lie down. The VA uses this term for migraines and other conditions to determine higher ratings.
The prohibited practice of rating the same symptoms under multiple diagnostic codes. The VA cannot double-count your symptoms.
How far you can move a joint. The VA measures this in degrees and uses it to assign ratings for musculoskeletal conditions.
A disability caused or permanently worsened by an already service-connected condition. For example, depression caused by chronic back pain.
The VA has determined that your condition is linked to your military service. This is the foundation of any VA disability claim.
Additional compensation above the standard rating for severe disabilities, such as loss of a limb or the need for aid and attendance.
A new claim filed after a denial that includes new and relevant evidence not previously considered by the VA.
Allows veterans rated below 100% to receive 100% compensation if their service-connected disabilities prevent them from holding substantially gainful employment.
The method the VA uses to calculate combined ratings. Each rating is applied to the remaining "whole person" rather than simply added. For example, 50% + 30% = 65%, not 80%.