Start before you ETS
Intent to File & VA Disability
Your Intent to File (ITF) locks in your effective date. Filing it protects up to 12 months of back-pay if your claim is approved. Do this while you're still in service — not after.
What to do while in service
- Document everything. Every sick call visit, every issue, every injury. If it's not in your medical record, it didn't happen (for VA).
- Get copies of your medical records. Request them from your MTF before you leave.
- File ITF on VA.gov ~12 months before ETS. Simple online form — takes 5 minutes.
- BDD claim 90–180 days pre-separation. Benefits Delivery at Discharge gets you rated before you're out.
- Get a Nexus letter from a provider linking each condition to service.
File your ITF now
Go to VA.gov, sign in with your DS Logon or ID.me, and click "File a claim for compensation."
Open VA.gov ITFHow VA calculates your %
Rating math (combined rating)
VA doesn't add ratings — it uses "whole person" math. Add your individual condition ratings below to see your combined rating.
%
%
Combined rating
40%
Rounded to nearest 10%
Monthly compensation
$795.84
2026 rates (eff. Dec 1, 2025)
Pay tables · Effective Dec 1, 2025
2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Veteran alone | + Spouse | + Spouse & 1 child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $666.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $947.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,322.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $1,663.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $2,074.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $2,406.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $2,704.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 |
Additional add-ons for each child, SMC (Special Monthly Compensation), and Aid & Attendance may apply. See VA rates.