ServiceRecord

Free initial-claim education

Organize a stronger initial VA claim—without paying ClaimScope.

Before VA issues its first decision, use this free workspace to understand the process, organize evidence, and avoid common omissions. No credit card is required.

Free claim kit

A filled-in VA Form 21-526EZ, a letter for your doctor, and an evidence plan for each condition. Built on your device.

Secondary-condition screen

Learn when one condition may be caused or aggravated by another without inventing a medical nexus.

Official filing path

Open VA’s official claim page and preserve proof of submission.

Your initial-claim roadmap

  1. 1
    List each condition

    Use the medical name when known, but also record symptoms, functional limits, and when they began.

  2. 2
    Connect it to service

    Identify the in-service event, injury, illness, exposure, or service-connected condition that may support the theory.

  3. 3
    Collect current evidence

    Gather diagnoses, treatment records, imaging, prescriptions, lay statements, and relevant service records.

  4. 4
    Choose the theory

    Screen direct, secondary, aggravation, presumptive, and toxic-exposure pathways without assuming entitlement.

  5. 5
    File through an official channel

    Use VA.gov, a VA-accredited representative, or a free VSO. Save the submission confirmation. Not ready yet? File a free intent to file first to protect your start date.

  6. 6
    Return with the decision

    Upload the complete decision when VA responds so ClaimScope can explain the options and deadlines.

Why this is free. ClaimScope does not charge for assistance with an initial benefits claim before VA issues its first decision. This page is educational and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not delay filing while collecting optional evidence.

Free Decision Alert

We'll check in while VA decides

Filed already? We'll email you about 4 and 6 months from now so a decision doesn't sit unread while the one-year review window runs. When it arrives, the Decision Preview is free. Two emails, nothing else, and you can stop anytime.

When VA issues a decision, come back.

Upload the entire decision—not only the first page. ClaimScope can then explain HLR, Supplemental Claim, and Board options and identify which post-decision services are available.

See post-decision options