VA Disability Claims
Was your claim for Veteran benefits denied due to factors such as insufficient medical evidence, a lack of service connection, or missing information?
Our VA Accredited Attorneys can help you get the benefits you deserve
Bouk Law – VA Accredited Attorneys Helping Veterans Get the Compensation They Deserve
Navigating the VA disability claims process can be confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming. As a veteran, you deserve clear answers, trusted guidance, and strong advocacy every step of the way. At our firm, we are dedicated to ensuring that your service-connected injuries, illnesses, and impairments are recognized and compensated. In fact, we won’t stop until you get the compensation you deserve.
Below is a brief outline regarding the VA process and some of the conditions that qualify. Often our clients are pleased to learn that during our thorough review of their records, we identify additional conditions and benefits they never realized they qualified for. Let us do the same for you and get you all the benefits you deserve.
This page also links to detailed information about each type of VA qualifying disability.
Lawsuit Information On This Page...
What is a VA Disability Claim?
A VA disability claim is a formal request submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to receive compensation for an illness or injury that was caused or aggravated by military service. The outcome of your claim determines your monthly compensation rate, eligibility for additional benefits, and access to healthcare services.
Types of VA Disability Claims
The VA recognizes several different categories of claims, each with unique rules and evidentiary requirements. Identifying the correct type of claim is the first step toward success.
1. Service-Connected Disability Claims
These are the most common claims filed. They seek compensation for conditions directly caused by military service. Establishing a service connection generally requires three elements:
- A current medical diagnosis
- An in-service event, injury, or illness
- A medical nexus linking the current condition to service
- Explore Further.
Essentially, the VA needs to see that you have a current health problem, that something happened during your military service that could have caused it, and that a medical professional believes the two are related. At Bouk Law we work with a team of experienced doctors that make that connection.
2. Secondary Service-Connected Claims
Some disabilities are not directly related to military service, but they develop as a result of another service-connected condition. For example, a veteran with a service-connected knee injury may develop hip problems due to altered gait. These secondary conditions are just as compensable as primary ones.
3. Increased Rating Claims
If your service-connected disability has worsened since your original claim, you may be entitled to a higher disability rating—and therefore higher compensation. We help veterans gather the updated medical evidence necessary to prove deterioration.
4. Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
TDIU allows veterans who are unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%. Eligibility hinges on both medical evidence and employment history.
5. Presumptive Disability Claims
- The VA presumes certain conditions are service-connected for veterans who served in specific locations or time periods. Common presumptive exposures include:
- Agent Orange (Vietnam)
- Burn pits (Iraq, Afghanistan)
- Contaminated water (Camp Lejeune)
- Ionizing radiation (nuclear test sites)
We help veterans understand and apply the VA’s complex presumptive rules.
6. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC benefits are available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. These benefits help families cope with the loss of income and medical support.
7. Appeals & Reconsideration
If your VA claim was denied or undervalued, don’t give up. Our firm helps veterans file appeals through the Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) process. We fight to overturn unjust decisions.
Common Disabilities Veterans File Claims For
While any condition linked to service may be compensable, some of the most frequently claimed disabilities include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Tinnitus and hearing loss
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Back and neck injuries
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep apnea
- Gulf War Illness
- Parkinson’s Disease
If you don’t see your condition listed, don’t worry—we cover hundreds of eligible disabilities. Our role is to help connect your symptoms to your time in uniform.
Our Proven Process for VA Disability Claims
We take a structured, thorough, and veteran-focused approach:
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
We start by understanding your history, medical conditions, and VA claim status. Then, we identify which claim type(s) best apply to your case.
Step 2: Evidence Development
We collect and organize all required documentation, including service treatment records, medical exams, nexus letters, buddy statements, and more.
Step 3: Filing and Representation
We prepare and submit your claim or appeal accurately and on time. We monitor every stage and push back when the VA fails to meet its obligations.
VA Disability Evidence Checklist
While every case is different, strong VA claims generally require the following:
- DD-214 or other proof of service
- Medical diagnosis by a qualified healthcare provider
- Service treatment records (STRs)
- Nexus letter connecting condition to service
- Lay evidence or buddy statements
- VA Form 21-526EZ (for original claims) or 21-8940 (for TDIU)
Why Choose Bouk Law?
VA Accredited Attorney: Choosing a VA Accredited attorney ensures you receive expert legal assistance from someone knowledgeable and authorized by the VA to handle your specific case.
Veteran-Centered Mission: We exist to serve those who served. Every case is handled with care, respect, and urgency.
National Reach, Local Focus: We assist veterans nationwide with in-depth knowledge of regional VA trends.
Decades of Experience: Our legal team includes VA Accredited attorneys, former VA employees, and seasoned disability advocates.
Track Record of Results: From first-time claims to complex appeals, we’ve helped thousands of veterans win the benefits they deserve.
Additional Resources
Explore these tools and guides to further understand your rights and options:
- VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules
- Backpay & TDIU Calculators
- How to File a VA Appeal
- Ultimate Guide to Veterans’ Benefits
- Mental Health & Toxic Exposure Conditions
Deadlines Apply — Act Now
Speak With a VA Disability Specialist
We offer free consultations to veterans and family members seeking guidance on their benefits. Complete the form below or call our veteran support line to get started.
Shoulder, Arm, Elbow, & Forearm Conditions
These joints bear the brunt of heavy lifting and repetitive motion in service.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries or Impingement (shoulder pain and limited movement)
- Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation
- Clavicle or Scapula Malalignment (improper healing after fractures)
- Limited Elbow Movement (following fractures or tendon issues)
- Flail or Fused Elbow (extreme cases where elbow joint is nonfunctional)
Wrist, Hand, & Finger Conditions
Fine motor skills and grip strength can be permanently impacted by service-related injuries.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (nerve compression causing numbness/tingling)
- Wrist Instability or Stiffness
- Trigger Finger (locking or catching of the fingers)
- Partial or Full Amputations (fingers, hand)
Hip, Thigh, Knee, & Leg Conditions
Mobility issues and chronic pain in these areas are common after years of marching, jumping, or physical strain.
- Hip Bursitis or Limited Mobility
- Femur Malalignment (improper healing after thigh bone fractures)
- Knee Instability (e.g., ACL, MCL tears)
- Meniscus Tears (cartilage damage in the knee)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Knee
- Tibia or Fibula Malunion (improper healing of shinbone fractures)
- Total Joint Replacements (hips, knees)
Ankle & Foot Conditions
Often overlooked, these injuries can cause lifelong pain and balance issues.
- Chronic Ankle Sprains or Limited Movement
- Ankle Joint Fusion or Replacement
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
- Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
- Hammer Toe
- Foot Injuries from Overuse or Trauma
Systemic Bone & Joint Diseases
Some conditions affect multiple joints or the entire musculoskeletal system.
- Degenerative (Osteo) Arthritis (affects multiple joints)
- Herniated Disc (bulging or ruptured spinal disc pressing on nerves)
- Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve pain)
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis (develops after injury)
- Osteoporosis with Fracture Residuals (bone thinning leading to fractures)
- Gout (uric acid buildup causing joint inflammation)
- Bursitis or Tendonitis (inflammation of joint linings or tendons)
- Fibromyalgia (chronic widespread pain and tenderness)
Muscle & Tendon Injuries
These soft-tissue injuries can result from trauma or overuse during military service.
- Muscle Tears or Strains (e.g., hamstring, quadriceps injuries)
- Shrapnel Wounds Affecting Muscle Function
- Chronic Tendonitis (persistent tendon inflammation)
Bone Infections & Fracture Complications
Serious bone-related conditions can develop from injuries or infections.
- Chronic Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Fractures with Malunion or Nonunion (bones that heal improperly)
Amputations & Loss of Use
The VA recognizes both complete amputations and loss of use (where a limb remains but is nonfunctional).
- Above or Below Knee Amputations
- Partial Foot or Toe Amputations
- Loss of Use of Hand, Foot, or Digits
Neurological Condition
Neurological conditions can quietly erode your quality of life, whether through chronic pain, mobility issues, seizures, or cognitive challenges. For many veterans, these symptoms develop slowly — sometimes years after service — but they can be just as disabling as any visible injury.
Call (888)350-4805 or fill out the form on this page to get a free, confidential case review.
Our team helps veterans pursue disability benefits for many types of Neurological Conditions, including:
Degenerative & Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS)
These progressive conditions damage the brain or spinal cord over time.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Progressive Muscular Atrophy (a type of motor neuron disease)
Cerebrovascular Conditions & Stroke Residuals
Blood flow issues in the brain that can cause permanent physical or cognitive impairment.
- Stroke (Ischemic or Hemorrhagic) (may lead to paralysis, speech difficulties, or memory issues)
- Brain Embolism or Thrombosis (blood clots affecting brain function)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Residual effects of TBI — including cognitive impairment, mood disorders, headaches, or dizziness
Often linked to blast exposures, accidents, or blunt-force trauma during service.
Seizure & Epilepsy Disorders
- Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures
- Absence (Petit Mal) Seizures
- Focal (Psychomotor) Seizures (affecting specific areas of the brain)
Headache Disorders
- Migraine Headaches (with prostrating attacks that can disrupt daily life)
Movement & Tic Disorders
These conditions affect motor control, sometimes unpredictably.
- Tourette’s Syndrome (Tic Disorders)
- Huntington’s Disease
- Sydenham Chorea (involuntary muscle movements)
Cranial Nerve Conditions
Damage to specific nerves controlling facial movement, sensation, or swallowing.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
- Facial Nerve Paralysis (e.g., Bell’s Palsy)
- Glossopharyngeal or Vagus Nerve Dysfunction (affecting swallowing or voice)
Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing numbness, weakness, or pain.
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the spine affecting limbs)
- Sciatic Neuropathy (sciatica)
- Median or Ulnar Nerve Damage (affecting hand function)
Neuromuscular Junction Disorders
- Myasthenia Gravis (muscle weakness caused by communication breakdown between nerves and muscles)
Sleep Disorders
- Narcolepsy (sudden uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep)
Infectious or Inflammatory CNS Conditions
Infections or inflammation in the brain or spinal cord that can leave lasting damage.
- Chronic Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Myelitis (spinal cord inflammation)
- Cerebrospinal Meningitis
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Both benign and malignant tumors affecting the central nervous system.
- Malignant Brain Tumors
- Benign Brain Tumors
- Spinal Cord Tumors
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and dysfunction. For veterans, these conditions can develop due to service-related exposures, infections, or stress that triggers the immune system.
Call (888)350-4805 or fill out the form on this page to start a free case review and get the support you deserve from our experienced team at Bouk Law.
Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases
These diseases affect joints, skin, and internal organs, often causing widespread pain or disability.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis (arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis)
- Scleroderma (thickening or hardening of the skin)
- Dermatomyositis (inflammatory muscle disease with skin rash)
Autoimmune Endocrine Disorders
These conditions disrupt hormone production, affecting metabolism, energy, and bodily functions.
- Graves’ Disease (causes overactive thyroid)
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism)
- Addison’s Disease (adrenal insufficiency)
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (multiple endocrine disorders combined)
Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Chronic skin conditions that result from immune system attacks on the skin.
- Psoriasis (may occur with or without joint involvement)
- Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment)
- Bullous Pemphigoid / Pemphigus (blistering skin diseases)
- Chronic Urticaria (persistent hives)
Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Disorders
Conditions where the immune system damages the digestive tract, leading to chronic symptoms.
- Celiac Disease (immune reaction to gluten damaging the small intestine)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis (both fall under inflammatory bowel disease)
Autoimmune Neurological & Neuromuscular Disorders
These disorders affect the brain, spinal cord, or muscles, often impairing movement or coordination.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Myasthenia Gravis (muscle weakness due to impaired nerve-muscle communication)
Autoimmune Blood Disorders
The immune system attacks blood cells or clotting mechanisms, leading to anemia or bleeding issues.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) (low platelet count)
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (destruction of red blood cells)
Other Multi-System Autoimmune Conditions
Complex conditions that affect multiple systems or cause widespread symptoms.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) (often triggered by immune dysfunction)
- Fibromyalgia (chronic widespread pain and fatigue, with suspected immune involvement)
Toxic Exposure-Related Conditions
Service came with risks you didn’t sign up for. Toxic exposure shouldn’t be one of the main ones. Many veterans were unknowingly exposed to hazardous chemicals, radiation, and environmental toxins during their military service. Years or even decades later, these exposures can lead to serious, life-altering health conditions.
- Agent Orange Exposure
- Gulf War Syndrome
- Burn Pits (post-9/11, Gulf War)
- Ionizing Radiation
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
- Asbestos Exposure
Common Conditions Linked to Toxic Exposure
Veterans exposed to toxins during service may now face:
- Chronic respiratory problems
- Liver, bladder, or kidney disease
- Gastrointestinal distress or IBS
- Parkinson’s disease
- Blood cancers and leukemias
- Unexplained fatigue and systemic illness
Many veterans were unknowingly exposed to dangerous substances. Years later, they are now facing the consequences. If you have suffered because of one of these dangerous substances, let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Let Bouk Law’s nationally respected veterans’ legal team review your medical records and guide you through your legal options.
Call (888) 350-4805 or fill the secure form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
There are no upfront costs. You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Get the benefits you’ve earned. Let us fight for you.