Am I eligible for VA disability?
Here's the honest short answer: if you served, your discharge wasn't dishonorable, and you have a condition connected to that service — you can file a claim and have the VA evaluate it. Most veterans can. Answer three quick questions and we'll show you where you stand and what to do next.
Three questions, no account needed. This tells you if you can file — the VA decides the claim itself.
Who can file a VA disability claim?
Almost any veteran. To file and be evaluated, you generally need three things: you served in the military, your character of discharge isn't a bar (an honorable or general discharge keeps the door fully open), and you have a current condition that started in service, was made worse by it, or is connected to something that happened during your service. You do not need to know your rating, do the math, or have a lawyer to start.
What if my discharge wasn't honorable?
It doesn't automatically end things. The VA does a “character of discharge” review, several exceptions can still qualify you, and you can pursue a discharge upgrade. If you have bad paper, it's still worth filing to find out.
Conditions can show up years later
Hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, back and joint problems, mental health conditions, and many presumptive conditions are commonly claimed long after service. Filing later doesn't make you ineligible — and an Intent to File can protect your effective date while you gather your evidence.
This page is general information about who can file a VA disability claim — it is not a decision, a promise of benefits, or legal advice. The VA decides every claim on its own evidence. VA Claim Commander is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.