Title 38 Regulatory Roadmap // Pillar 1

Start Your VA Disability Claim

A step-by-step regulatory walkthrough explaining statutory eligibility, effective date preservation, medical evidence standards, submission channels, and accredited help under Title 38 CFR.

Begin Step 1: Eligibility

Current StepStep 1 of 6

Confirm Statutory Eligibility and Discharge Status

Determine whether your military service and character of discharge meet statutory requirements under Title 38 of the United States Code.

38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 530338 CFR §§ 3.1(d), 3.12, 3.303

Review Eligibility Pathways

Step 2 of 6

Preserve a Potential Effective Date with Intent to File

Establishing an official Intent to File preserves your potential effective date for up to 1 year while you gather medical records and complete your claim.

38 U.S.C. § 510138 CFR § 3.155

Explore Intent to File

Step 3 of 6

Build Your Evidence Portfolio

Assemble evidence establishing a current disability or functional impairment, an in-service disease, injury, or event, and a relationship between the two when required for the claimed theory of service connection.

38 U.S.C. §§ 5103, 5103A, 510738 CFR §§ 3.159, 3.303, 4.1

Explore Evidence Categories

Step 4 of 6

Choose Your Filing Channel and Submit

Select the most appropriate submission method for your situation, complete your application, and deliver your evidence packet.

38 U.S.C. § 5101(a)38 CFR §§ 3.151, 3.152

Choose Submission Channel

Step 5 of 6

Track Your Claim Through the 8-Stage Lifecycle

Understand the official 8-stage adjudication process, navigate Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations if scheduled, and review your decision.

38 U.S.C. § 5103A38 CFR § 3.159(c)(4), 38 CFR § 3.655

Explore 8-Stage Lifecycle

Step 6 of 6

Connect with Accredited Representation

Locate recognized Veterans Service Organizations, accredited claims agents, or accredited attorneys authorized by law to assist with your claim.

38 U.S.C. §§ 5901-590538 CFR §§ 14.626-14.637

Find Accredited Help

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Non-Decisional Educational Analysis

This roadmap provides educational analysis based on published Title 38 CFR regulations. RatingScope does not adjudicate claims, assign disability ratings, or guarantee benefits. Official disability ratings and decisions are determined exclusively by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Six Claim Steps