VA Benefits, Explained Plain
Plain-English guides on VA disability ratings, claim strategy, and benefits programs. No jargon, no fluff — just what you need to know. Browse the full rating-guides library → Browse the full resource hub →
VetForge Blog Resources Hub — Every Guide & Tool in One Place
The full VetForge content library behind one front door: rating guides for every common condition, deep-dive resource pages (MST, secondary claims, TBI), the C&P exam checklist, and the combined-rating calculator.
How to File a VA Claim — First-Time Walkthrough
Filing for the first time? This walkthrough covers the full decision tree: confirm eligibility, pick the condition you're rating, gather evidence, file VA Form 21-526EZ, prep for the C&P exam, and read your rating decision — with each step inline-linked to the right existing resource.
VA Radiculopathy Disability Rating — Complete Filing Guide
Radiculopathy is one of the most frequently claimed VA peripheral-nerve conditions and is routinely secondary to the back/spine rating guide. Upper and lower extremity nerve codes (DC 8510–8730), the secondary-to-back/sciatica angle, the EMG/NCV requirement, the bilateral-equality pitfall that costs 10–20%, and C&P exam tactics.
VA Education Benefits — GI Bill, Chapter 35, VR&E Overview
Three VA education programs most veterans never unpack side by side: Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and BAH, Chapter 35 DEA for spouses and children, and VR&E Chapter 31 for employment-barrier disabilities. Eligibility tiers, what each pays, the 6-step application path, and the most-missed mistakes.
VA TBI Claims — Traumatic Brain Injury Filing Guide
Traumatic Brain Injury claims use the DC 8045 rating framework — here's how residuals get rated, what secondary conditions stack with TBI, and how to prep for the C&P exam.
VA Back Pain Disability Rating — Complete Filing Guide
Back pain only rates when tied to a diagnosed spine condition (DC 5237/5242/5243). The General Rating Formula reads off range of motion and ankylosis, not pain severity alone. Here's the four service-connection routes (direct, secondary to knee, secondary to hip, secondary to PTSD), the pre-existing scoliosis and gap injury pitfalls, and the appeals lane menu.
VA Hypertension Disability Rating — From 10% to 40% Guide
Hypertension is the most commonly rated VA cardiovascular condition. Here's how the VA rates it on diastolic pressure thresholds, three service-connection routes (direct, PACT Act presumptive, secondary to PTSD and sleep apnea), and the 6-step filing path.
VA Sleep Apnea Disability Rating — 50% or 100% Guide
Sleep apnea is the #4 most-claimed VA disability — and it only rates at 0%, 50%, or 100%. No middle ground. Here's exactly how to get the 50% guaranteed CPAP rating.
Sleep Apnea and VA Disability — What Veterans Need to Know
Sleep apnea is the #4 most-claimed VA disability. Complete coverage: rating criteria (0%/30%/50%/100%), nexus letter requirements, PTSD-secondary angle, and the 6-step filing path.
VA Hearing Loss Disability Rating — Complete Filing Guide
Hearing loss is the #3 most-claimed VA disability. Here's exactly how audiograms determine your rating, what evidence closes the claim, and how to combine it with tinnitus for the highest payout.
VA PTSD Disability Rating — How to Get 50%, 70% or 100%
PTSD is the #2 most-claimed VA disability. Here's exactly how the VA evaluates PTSD claims, what rating levels mean for your monthly payout, and how to build the evidence stack that wins.
VA Tinnitus Disability Rating — How to Get 10% (or More)
Tinnitus is the #1 most-claimed VA disability. Here's exactly how the VA rates it, what evidence closes the claim, and how to combine it with hearing loss for a higher payout.
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