The Biggest Mistake Veterans Make When Filing VA Disability Claims: Insufficient Evidence

 Posted on June 24, 2025 in Uncategorized

Filing for VA disability benefits can be a complex and daunting process. The stakes are high, as errors in the process can result in the loss of time, money, and crucial benefits. One of the most common and critical mistakes veterans make when filing their VA disability claims is submitting insufficient evidence. Insufficient evidence can derail your claim and prolong the process, leaving you frustrated and without the benefits you are entitled to. Understanding what evidence to submit and how to present it can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim.

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The Importance of Evidence

The VA won’t prove your case for you. It's up to you to provide adequate evidence to support your claim. But what kind of evidence is considered adequate? Let’s break it down into actionable steps:

Medical Evidence

First and foremost, you need medical evidence. One of the key elements of a service connection is demonstrating a current disability or condition. This means you need medical documentation showing that you’ve been diagnosed with a condition.

For instance, if you’re applying for a higher rating for an existing service-connected condition, submit your treatment records. These records should detail your treatment history and clearly outline your symptoms. This helps build a compelling case for why your condition has worsened and merits a higher rating.

Our team is here to help you - schedule a free consultation at https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

Medical Nexus Opinion

A medical nexus opinion establishes a connection between your current disability and an in-service event. While it's true that obtaining a medical nexus opinion can be expensive, the VA often provides a free medical exam called the Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam. During this exam, the VA examiner will provide an opinion on whether your condition is related to your service.

And while you might be skeptical about the neutrality of VA examiners, providing them with additional evidence like studies linking your condition to service exposures can be incredibly useful. Writing a personal statement explaining why you believe your condition is service-related can also sway the examiner’s opinion in your favor.

What Makes a Good Medical Nexus Opinion?

Buddy Statements

Don’t underestimate the power of buddy statements. These statements come from people who can attest to the occurrence of an event in service or the severity of your symptoms. Spouses, in particular, can provide valuable insights into your mental health state, corroborating your claims and possibly helping you meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

Service Treatment Records

Submit any and all service treatment records that show you got treated for a condition while in service. Even though the VA is supposed to help you obtain these records, they aren’t always complete. If you have records in your possession, submit them. Documents such as service treatment records or line-of-duty determinations can be incredibly helpful.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, you need professional help to navigate the VA claims process effectively. Firms like ours are experienced in obtaining buddy statements, gathering medical records, and even helping with medical nexus opinions. Professional assistance can save you a lot of time and effort. Insufficient evidence is the number one mistake veterans make in filing VA disability claims. By being meticulous and thorough in the evidence you submit, you can greatly improve your chances of a successful claim. Always remember, the more complete and detailed your evidence, the stronger your case will be. Our team is here to help you - schedule a free consultation at https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice