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Title 38 Regulatory Roadmap // Pillar 1

Read the claim steps

This page explains the published claim steps. It does not file anything.

Begin Step 1: Eligibility

Six Claim Steps

Current StepStep 1 of 6

Review the Published Discharge and Service Requirements

Read how 38 U.S.C. 1110, 1131, 5303 and 38 CFR 3.12 describe the service and discharge requirements.

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.