Building your claim
How to talk to your doctor about your VA claim
The VA cannot see what your doctor never wrote down. Filing without a current diagnosis and a history of care leads to an 80% denial rate — here is how to make sure your record tells the full story.
Why undocumented conditions sink claims, and exactly how to make your medical record work for you before you file.
Why it matters
Never assume the VA already knows
Never assume the VA or the government already knows about your service or the injuries and illnesses that occurred during it. Only you have the complete knowledge of your service-related conditions. If you do not tell your doctor, your medical file will not be documented — and your doctor cannot treat or recommend care for a condition they do not know about.
When the VA pulls your records and finds no history of care and no current diagnosis for the condition you are claiming, it hurts you. The VA requires that your condition is chronic — and the mere existence of a condition does not automatically connect it to your service. That is why every service-related condition needs to be discussed with your doctor and accurately documented.
The two-year rule of thumb
If you have not seen your doctor in the past two years, update your condition before you file. Filing without a diagnosis or an established history of care can lead to an 80% denial rate. Your military records alone do not prove the condition still exists or still affects you — only frequent treatment and documentation can.
Your part
Be an active participant in your care
Provide your full history
Share your complete medical history, including any service-related incidents or injuries. The more accurate and comprehensive it is, the better your doctor can assess the connection to service.
Express concerns and symptoms
Openly discuss the symptoms, limitations, and challenges you face. Be specific and descriptive so your doctor understands the impact on your daily life.
Share your VA claim details
Tell your doctor about your ongoing claim — the conditions you are claiming and the evidence you have submitted — so they are aware of the specific issues at stake.
Discuss service-related conditions
If you believe a condition was caused or aggravated in service, say so. Without proper documentation, the VA lacks the information it needs to see the link.
Their part
What your doctor contributes
Establishing a diagnosis
Your doctor evaluates your condition and provides a formal diagnosis based on assessments, tests, and examinations. That diagnosis is essential evidence for your claim.
Providing medical opinions
Your doctor’s expert opinion on the connection between your service and your condition carries significant weight with the VA — a professional assessment of how your service-related incidents led to the health issue.
How to do it well
Tips for talking to your doctor
- Be prepared — write down your questions, concerns, and claim details before the appointment so nothing is forgotten.
- Be honest and open — give your complete history and detailed information about service-related incidents; accurate information leads to accurate assessments.
- Communicate clearly — describe symptoms in plain language a claims examiner can understand; avoid medical jargon.
- Keep a medical journal — record your symptoms, their severity, and changes over time; seeing a doctor during a flare-up is not always possible, so a diary fills the gaps.
- Ask for referrals — request referrals to specialists or therapists who can provide additional evaluations and expert opinions.
You are your own best witness
A symptoms diary gives a comprehensive picture of your condition over time and supports your claim with consistent evidence. By participating actively and communicating openly, you empower your doctor to back your claim with the documentation the VA needs.
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Want a second set of eyes on your claim?
Albert Thombs is an accredited VA claims agent (#45147). A free review will tell you what evidence your claim is missing and how to strengthen it — before you file.
Call 702-992-4883 · Mon–Fri, 11:00 – 18:00 Pacific