The 3 Pieces of Evidence the VA Actually Uses to Decide Your Claim

Filing a VA disability claim shouldn’t feel like another battle, but for many veterans, it does. Confusion, delays, and denials often come down to one issue: insufficient or poorly organized evidence.

Here’s the truth many veterans don’t hear early enough:

The VA does not award disability benefits based on eligibility alone. Claims are decided based on evidence.

VA raters rely on three specific categories of evidence when reviewing a claim. If even one of these is missing or weak, your claim is far more likely to be delayed, denied, or underrated.

This guide breaks down the three pieces of evidence the VA actually uses—and how to make sure yours is solid.

1. Medical Evidence: Proof You Have a Current Disability

Medical evidence is the foundation of every VA disability claim.

This includes:

• VA medical records
• Private medical records
• Diagnoses from qualified medical providers
• Treatment notes documenting symptoms, severity, and limitations

A diagnosis alone is often not enough. VA raters look for documentation showing how the condition affects your daily life, not just that it exists.

Strong medical evidence clearly answers:

• What condition do you have?
• How severe is it?
• How does it limit your ability to function or work?

Even though the VA can access certain records, veterans are far better served by requesting and reviewing their own medical files before submitting a claim. This allows you to verify accuracy and ensure the right records are included.

2. Service Records: Proof It’s Connected to Your Military Service

Service records establish when, where, and how your disability may be connected to your time in uniform.

Key service records include:

• DD Form 214
• Service treatment records
• Deployment orders
• Performance evaluations
• Incident or injury reports (when available)

These documents help the VA understand duty locations, exposure risks, and service timelines—especially important for presumptive conditions, toxic exposure claims, and secondary conditions.

The VA does not assume service connection.

It must be supported by records that show your service aligns with your claimed condition.

3. Nexus Evidence: The Link That Decides Most Claims

This is where many valid VA claims fail.

A nexus is medical evidence that clearly connects your current disability to your military service. Without it, the VA often states there is “no clear service connection,” even when medical and service records exist.

A nexus may come from:

• A VA primary care provider
• A medical specialist
• A qualified medical professional familiar with your condition

There is one phrase the VA looks for consistently in nexus opinions:

“It is at least as likely as not…”

That wording matters.

Despite what you may see online, most veterans do not need to pay thousands of dollars for a nexus letter. Many successful claims are supported by letters written by existing doctors using proper language and structure.

A Common Mistake Veterans Make

Many veterans believe the VA will “connect the dots” on its own.

In reality:

• VA departments do not automatically share records
• Missing evidence leads to delays
• Disorganized submissions increase denial risk

A well-organized claim does not guarantee approval—but it significantly reduces preventable setbacks.

Final Thoughts: Evidence Wins Claims

Strong VA disability claims are built deliberately, not rushed.

Gather your medical records.
Verify your service documentation.
Make sure the connection between the two is clearly explained.

Patience and attention to detail matter here. Veterans who take control of their evidence put themselves in a far stronger position from the start.

If you want help organizing what evidence you need before filing, a Claim Readiness Checklist can help you prepare a complete, rater-ready submission.

You earned these benefits. Filing correctly helps ensure the VA recognizes that.