VA Disability Resource Center

Understand the difference between VA disability compensation and Combat-Related Special Compensation, who qualifies for CRSC, and what evidence helps support a branch review.

If you’re filing a disability claim today, the appeals system stays the same. You still use the AMA lanes (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal). This Supreme Court case is about w

Example: A veteran rated 70% for PTSD who receives an additional 30% for GERD jumps to a combined 79%, which rounds to 80%.

Sleep apnea claims trip up a lot of veterans. Not because the condition is rare. Because the VA demands specific evidence, and most people file without it.

A lot of vets get stuck at a rating like 40%, 50%, or 60% and assume that’s just where the VA landed them.

Example: tearing your ACL during a drill PT test can qualify. Developing sleep apnea during a drill period usually won’t unless it started during active duty or ACDUTRA.

Example: A former artillery crew member gets tinnitus service‑connected. Two years later he develops migraines triggered by constant ringing and poor sleep. Neurologist writes a nexus linking migraine

Knees take a beating in the military. Ruck marches. Airborne jumps. Climbing in and out of vehicles. Years of running on concrete in bad boots.

💡 Pro Tip: Filing an Intent to File today can protect thousands in retroactive benefits if your claim eventually gets approved.

GERD shows up in a lot of VA files, but it rarely starts as the main claim. Most of the time it shows up after something else: PTSD meds, chronic pain meds, weight gain from limited mobility, or years