VA Benefits Checklist

Print this checklist and bring it to your VSO appointment or use it to prepare your claim

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1

Disability Claims — What to Bring & Prepare

Personal Identification
  • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
  • Social Security card or SSN (you will write it on the form — never enter online)
  • VA file number (if you have a prior claim)
Military Service Records
  • DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)If you don't have it, request via SF-180 at our SF-180 tool
  • Service treatment records (STRs) from all deployments
  • Separation Physical / Entrance Physical documents
  • Any in-service incident reports (accident reports, line of duty determinations)
  • Buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed your injury or condition
Medical Evidence
  • Current diagnosis from a licensed medical provider for each claimed condition
  • Private medical records related to each claimed condition (last 12 months)
  • Nexus letter from a doctor connecting your condition to military serviceMost important document — explains the service connection
  • VA medical records (the VA will request these, but having your own copies helps)
  • Lab results, imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), audiograms for relevant conditions
  • Mental health records for PTSD, anxiety, depression, or TBI claims
Statements & Documentation
  • Personal statement describing how your condition affects daily life and work
  • Employment history and any documentation of work limitations
  • List of all conditions you want to claim (primary AND secondary)
  • Intent to File form (VA 21-0966) if you haven't filed it yetPreserves your effective date for 12 months while you gather evidence
💡 Preparation Tip Use claim.vet's AI tool before your VSO appointment to identify all conditions you qualify to claim — including secondary conditions many veterans miss.
2

VA Healthcare Enrollment

Required Documents
  • DD-214 (same as disability claim)
  • Completed VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits)
  • Insurance card (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance if applicable)
  • Social Security number
Eligibility & Enrollment Information
  • Know your discharge status (honorable, general under honorable, OTH)Discharge type affects healthcare eligibility
  • Know your combat service dates if applicable (enhances eligibility)
  • Know your current VA disability rating (if applicable — affects priority group)
  • Income information for financial means test (unless exempt due to service-connected conditions)
Special Healthcare Programs
  • Check eligibility for VA Community Care (see outside VA providers)Use our Community Care guide
  • CHAMPVA eligibility for your spouse/dependents (if you are 100% P&T)
  • Mental health services enrollment (separate from primary care at many VAMCs)
3

Education Benefits

GI Bill & Education Documents
  • DD-214 showing qualifying service dates
  • Determine which GI Bill you qualify for: Post-9/11 (Ch. 33) or Montgomery (Ch. 30)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application — VA Form 22-1990
  • If transferring to spouse/children: VA Form 22-1990E + military service transfer approval
  • School's enrollment certification (provided by school's VA certifying official)
VR&E / Chapter 31
  • Check VR&E eligibility (requires service-connected disability + employment handicap)Often better than GI Bill for disabled veterans — use our VR&E guide
  • VA Form 28-1900 (Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation)
  • Current résumé and employment history
4

VA Home Loan

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • DD-214 for service documentation
  • Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via VA.gov, your lender, or VA Form 26-1880
  • If 100% P&T rated: confirm VA funding fee waiver eligibility (saves thousands)
Financial Documents for Lender
  • Last 2 years of federal tax returns (W-2s or 1099s)
  • Last 60 days of bank statements (all accounts)
  • Recent pay stubs (last 30 days) or VA award letter as income documentation
  • VA disability award letter (counts as income for loan qualification)
  • Credit report — check before applying (VA doesn't set minimum, but lenders typically require 620+)
Know Your VA Loan Benefits
  • No down payment required (on loans within conforming limits)
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI) required
  • VA funding fee: 1.25%–3.3% (waived for 10%+ service-connected disability)
  • IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) available if you already have a VA loan