How it works
The general stages of a new claim, an increase, and a decision review, in plain language. General information. Guidance on your own claim comes in a one-on-one consultation.
Where are you in the process?
Pick the line you are on to see the general stages ahead. This is general information. Guidance on your own claim comes in a one-on-one consultation.
Stages: filing your first claim
- Stage 01Identify your conditions
Your service history, current diagnoses, exposures, injuries and possible secondary conditions, to see what you may want to claim.
- Stage 02Organize the evidence
Military records, medical documents, personal statements and buddy statements, sorted and gap-checked.
- Stage 03Prepare for the exam
What the C&P examination may cover, and how to describe your actual symptoms truthfully and accurately.
- Stage 04Prepare and submit
Assemble the file and submit the claim yourself with a clear plan.
Stages: seeking an increase
- Stage 01Read your current rating
What was granted, at what percentage, and on what evidence the VA based it.
- Stage 02Document the worsening
Current treatment records, functional limitations, and daily-life impact since the last decision.
- Stage 03Prepare and submit
Assemble the file, prepare for the exam, and file the increase yourself with a clear plan.
Stages: a decision you disagree with
- Stage 01Read your decision letter
What the VA decided for each condition, the reasons it gave and the evidence it used.
- Stage 02Identify the issues
What evidence was missing, or where you believe the VA got it wrong.
- Stage 03Know the review options GMAC covers
Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review, depending on whether you have new evidence.
- Stage 04Prepare and submit
Assemble the file and submit the review yourself with a clear plan.
A deferred condition is different. If your letter says the VA deferred a condition, the VA has not decided it yet, so it is not a denial. The review options above are for conditions the VA has already decided.
If you disagree with a decision
These are the review options GMAC covers. Which one fits depends on whether you have new evidence. In a consultation, GMAC helps you work out which one fits your decision.
Timing matters. Ask for a Higher-Level Review within 1 year of the date on your decision letter. You can file a Supplemental Claim at any time, but filing within 1 year can protect the date your benefits start. Check your decision letter for your dates.
Know the difference
| Route | When it applies | What GMAC helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Original claim | You are claiming this condition for the first time. | Reviewing your service history, diagnoses, exposures and injuries to identify conditions to claim, including possible secondary conditions; understanding the steps; organizing your evidence. |
| Increased rating | Rated already; symptoms have worsened. | C&P exam preparation, organizing your evidence and checking it for gaps. |
| Supplemental Claim | You have new and relevant evidence the VA has not considered before, or a change in law applies. | Reviewing the decision letter, identifying the evidence that was missing, deciding whether a Supplemental Claim fits, and planning next steps. |
| Higher-Level Review | No new evidence; a higher-level reviewer looks at your case again. | Reviewing the decision letter and the VA's reasons and evidence, identifying issues to raise, deciding whether a Higher-Level Review fits, and planning a review strategy. |
Each route links to its official page on VA.gov. This table is general information. Guidance on your own claim comes in a one-on-one consultation.
Bring your records.
We will bring the order.