Plain-English definitions of every VA claims term used throughout ClaimsIQ. Hover over underlined terms anywhere in the app to see these definitions inline.
An additional monthly benefit for veterans or surviving spouses who need regular help from another person with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. Separate from standard disability compensation.
An appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, a judge-led review that can include a hearing. The most formal of the three VA appeal lanes.
Compensation & Pension exam. A medical exam the VA schedules to evaluate a claimed disability. This is not routine healthcare.
The VA's math for combining multiple disability ratings into one overall percentage. It is NOT simple addition, so two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%.
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA. Health insurance for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died from a service-connected condition, if they are not eligible for TRICARE.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire. A VA form a doctor fills out to document the severity of a disability for rating purposes.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. A monthly payment to surviving spouses, children, or parents of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability.
The date the VA assigns as the start of a benefit. Usually the date the claim was filed or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later. It determines how much back pay a veteran receives.
A type of appeal where a more senior VA reviewer re-examines the same evidence. No new evidence is submitted. The argument is that the original decision was wrong based on what was already there.
A medical opinion from a doctor linking a veteran's current disability to their military service. Often the most important piece of evidence in a claim.
Official Military Personnel File. A veteran's complete military personnel record, including service dates, duty stations, awards, and disciplinary actions.
A disability the VA presumes is connected to military service based on where or when the veteran served. No direct proof of service connection required.
Special Monthly Compensation. Additional monthly payments above the standard rate for severe disabilities like loss of use of limbs, blindness, or need for regular aid and attendance.
A type of appeal where the veteran submits new and relevant evidence the VA hasn't seen before. Used when new medical records or opinions become available.
The legal finding that a disability was caused or aggravated by military service. The foundation of every VA claim. Can be direct (happened in service), secondary (caused by another service-connected condition), or presumptive.
A disability caused or worsened by an already service-connected condition. For example, knee problems causing back problems. ClaimsIQ's Secondary Engine helps identify possible secondary links.
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Pays at the 100% rate even if the veteran's combined rating is below 100%, when disabilities prevent gainful employment.
VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, the official guide the VA uses to rate the severity of each disability from 0% to 100%.
Veterans Service Organization. A VA-accredited group like the American Legion, DAV, or VFW that provides free claim assistance to veterans. VSO representatives can access a veteran's VA file and submit claims on their behalf.