📖 VA Glossary — Decode the Jargon
The VA uses a LOT of acronyms. Here's what they all mean.
A
A benefit for veterans who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. Qualifies for SMC-L or higher.
Informal term for a claim that was previously denied or decided.
The Air Force's job classification system. Equivalent to Army MOS.
Tactical herbicide used during the Vietnam War. Linked to numerous presumptive conditions.
The VA regional office that made the original decision on your claim.
B
Program allowing active-duty members to file claims 180-90 days before separation.
A small increase (up to 5.1%) added when you have disabilities affecting both sides of the body (e.g., both knees).
An appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), where a Veterans Law Judge reviews your case.
The appellate body within the VA that reviews appeals from regional office decisions.
A written statement from someone who can verify your condition or in-service event. Also called a "lay statement."
C
A medical exam ordered by the VA to evaluate your disability claim. The examiner reports findings to the VA rater.
Federal court that reviews BVA decisions. The next step after a Board Appeal denial.
The federal rules governing VA disability ratings. Title 38 CFR Part 4 contains the rating schedule.
Healthcare program for spouses and dependents of 100% P&T disabled veterans or deceased veterans.
Your discharge status (Honorable, General, Other Than Honorable, etc.). Affects eligibility for benefits.
A request to raise an existing disability rating because the condition has worsened.
Annual percentage increase applied to VA disability payments, matching Social Security.
Your overall VA disability percentage calculated using "VA math" (not simple addition).
A specific disability or condition listed on your claim.
D
One of the largest Veterans Service Organizations. Provides free claims assistance.
Standardized forms used by C&P examiners to record findings about your condition. Over 70 condition-specific DBQs exist.
A 4-digit code from the VA rating schedule that identifies a specific disability (e.g., 9411 = PTSD).
Your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The most important document for VA claims.
A claim decision that has been postponed, usually because the VA needs more evidence.
Monthly payments to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from service-connected conditions.
A disability directly caused by military service (as opposed to secondary or presumptive).
The VA's legal obligation to help you gather evidence for your claim. If they fail, it's grounds for appeal.
E
VA's online portal for managing benefits (being replaced by VA.gov).
The date from which your VA compensation is calculated. Determines back pay.
A rating or benefit granted outside the normal rating schedule, for cases that don't fit standard criteria.
F
A claim submitted with ALL evidence included upfront. Often processed faster.
When the VA determines a specific fact in your favor (e.g., service connection established).
A temporary worsening of a chronic condition. Important to describe during C&P exams.
G
An older scale (0-100) used to rate mental health functioning. Replaced by WHODAS 2.0 but still referenced.
A shared set of rating criteria used for multiple conditions (e.g., the mental health general formula applies to PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.).
Medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness affecting Gulf War veterans. Presumptive under VA rules.
H
An appeal where a senior VA reviewer re-examines your existing claim file. No new evidence allowed.
A VA benefit (SMC-S) for veterans who have one disability at 100% plus separate disabilities at 60%+, or who are substantially confined to their home.
I
A medical evaluation by a doctor outside the VA system, often used to get a nexus opinion.
A medical opinion from a non-VA doctor, often used as a nexus letter.
VA Form 21-0966. Establishes your effective date up to one year before your completed claim is filed.
A back condition rated on incapacitating episodes. Can be rated separately from range of motion.
L
Non-medical evidence from you, family, friends, or coworkers describing your condition. Buddy letters are lay evidence.
A determination that an injury or illness occurred while performing military duties.
M
Where you got your entrance physical. Your MEPS records can be important for claims.
The Army and Marines' job classification system.
Sexual assault or harassment during military service. The VA has special provisions for MST-related claims.
N
Additional specialty codes for Navy sailors beyond their rating.
The medical link between your current disability and your military service. Often the most critical piece of evidence.
A written medical opinion establishing the connection between your disability and service. Must use "at least as likely as not" language.
Older term for initiating an appeal. Now replaced by the three-lane appeal system (Supplemental, HLR, Board).
Where military personnel and medical records are stored. Located in St. Louis, MO.
O
VA's internal oversight body that investigates fraud, waste, and abuse.
P
A designation meaning your 100% disability rating is not subject to future re-examination. Provides additional benefits (DEA Chapter 35, CHAMPVA).
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022. Largest expansion of VA toxic exposure benefits in history.
Authorization for a VSO or attorney to represent you in VA claims.
A condition the VA automatically links to service if you served in certain locations/times. No nexus letter needed.
A term used in migraine ratings meaning an attack so severe you must stop all activity and lie down.
A rating that has been in place long enough to have legal protections against reduction (5, 10, or 20-year rules).
Q
One of the private companies contracted by the VA to perform C&P exams.
R
Pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a compressed nerve root in the spine. Rated separately from the back condition itself.
The VA's official determination of your disability percentage and effective date.
When the BVA sends a case back to the regional office for additional development or correction.
How far a joint can move. Measured with a goniometer during C&P exams. Critical for musculoskeletal ratings.
The VA employee who reviews your evidence and assigns your disability rating.
S
A VA grant for severely disabled veterans to modify or build an accessible home.
Military retirement system benefit providing continued income to surviving spouses.
A disability caused or worsened by an already service-connected condition. Requires a nexus linking the two.
A project where service members were exposed to chemical/biological agents during testing.
Additional compensation above the standard rating schedule for severe disabilities (loss of use, housebound, aid and attendance).
A document issued during the legacy appeals process.
Your military medical records from during your service. Critical evidence for claims.
An appeal where you submit new and relevant evidence for the VA to reconsider your claim.
T
Brain injury from blast, impact, or other trauma. Rated on 10 facets of function.
Allows veterans unable to work due to service-connected disabilities to be paid at the 100% rate even if their combined rating is less.
One-time payment for traumatic injuries sustained during service.
V
The VA's method of combining multiple disability ratings. Uses a "whole person" theory rather than simple addition (e.g., 50% + 30% ≠ 80%, it equals 65% rounded to 70%).
The complete schedule of diagnostic codes and rating criteria in 38 CFR Part 4.
Federal law requiring the VA to help veterans develop their claims (Duty to Assist).
Post-service life insurance available to veterans.
Organizations like DAV, VFW, and American Legion that provide FREE claims assistance. Every veteran should use one.
W
Tool used during mental health C&P exams to measure functional impairment. Replaced the GAF score.