Sample report · C-File Review with the Filing Kit · fictional Veteran

What a ClaimScope review looks like

This sample shows a C-File Review with the Filing Kit added, so the VA forms are filled in. A Decision Review shows the same kind of results for the one decision you upload. Without the Filing Kit, each item gives the official VA form to fill in yourself.

Self-service reviews and the Filing Kit don’t include written arguments or a draft medical opinion, so this sample leaves them out. The letter for a doctor asks VA’s questions; the doctor writes the opinion.

This Veteran doesn’t exist. Every name, condition, date and page reference below is made up, so you can see the real results page without anyone’s private records. The dollar figures are real calculations from VA’s published pay tables for these made-up ratings (60% combined today). They are estimates, not promises.

Try it: click Pursue this on any item to see the step-by-step plan, the VA form step, the letter for a doctor, and the filing checklist. Below the findings, What we checked lists every check in the C-File Review and what each one found.

Your results

Start with these 3 things.

We checked 41 possible issues in your records and grouped them into 6 topics. These 3 have the best support in your records and an open path forward. 2 more are worth a look below.

If the numbered items above all succeed, your combined rating could go from 60% to 90%, about +$927.28 a month.

Earliest deadline: about November 4, 2026 (sleep apnea: VA's denial can be challenged). Deadlines run one year from the date on VA's decision letter, so check the letter itself.

Dollar figures use VA's pay tables and are estimates, not promises. "Strong lead" means your records already hold most of what the claim needs; it is not a prediction of VA's decision. Before you file, confirm the decision date on your letter and whether you have already asked VA to review that decision.

Want to talk with an attorney about these results?

You can book a free consult, by phone or video, with a VA-accredited attorney at ClaimScopeLaw, our separate law firm. The attorney can answer questions about your results and your options. The consult doesn't make you a client unless you sign an engagement agreement. It's optional: everything you need to file on your own is on this page. About the attorney

Booking opens with a real review

PTSD may be rated too low (now 50%)

Strong leadFile by about February 17, 2027

What we found. VA kept your PTSD at 50%. Your therapy notes from the same year describe near-daily panic attacks, missed work, and trouble keeping relationships. Those are the kinds of symptoms VA's rating schedule lists at the 70% level. VA's decision does not discuss them.

Why it matters. A higher rating means a higher monthly payment.

What it could be worth (estimate, not a guarantee)

+$667.13 a month

Combined rating 60% → 80% if this is rated 70%

$5,337

Estimated back pay

How we estimated this

Veteran-alone pay rates; the amounts are higher with a spouse, children or dependent parents.
Back pay counted from VA's 2026-02-17 decision to 2026-10-01 (8 months). If you file within the one-year window, the start date usually goes back to the original claim, which is earlier, so actual back pay could be higher.

Already in your records

✓Therapy notes describe panic attacks most days of the week.(F00041 p.12)
✓Your employer letter lists 19 missed workdays in six months because of symptoms.(F00044 p.1)
✓The VA examiner noted difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.(F00038 p.6)
✓VA's decision lists the exam but not the therapy notes or the employer letter.(F00050 p.3)

Still needed from you

Nothing more. The evidence for this is already in your records.

Review option that matches what we found

Higher-Level Review · VA Form 20-0996

A senior VA reviewer looks at the same evidence again. You cannot add new evidence on this route.

Sleep apnea: VA's denial can be challenged

Strong leadFile by about November 4, 2026

What we found. VA denied sleep apnea because no doctor linked it to your service or to a service-connected condition. Your sleep study confirms the diagnosis and you use a CPAP machine. Medical research VA has accepted in other cases links PTSD to worse sleep apnea, but no doctor has given that opinion in your file.

Why it matters. If VA connects this condition to your service, it can be rated and paid every month.

What it could be worth (estimate, not a guarantee)

+$667.13 a month

Combined rating 60% → 80% if this is rated 30–50%

$7,338

Estimated back pay

How we estimated this

Veteran-alone pay rates; the amounts are higher with a spouse, children or dependent parents.
Assumes VA rates the condition at 30% to 50%.
Back pay counted from VA's 2025-11-04 decision to 2026-10-01 (11 months). If you file within the one-year window, the start date usually goes back to the original claim, which is earlier, so actual back pay could be higher.

Already in your records

✓A sleep study diagnosed moderate obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine.(F00063 p.2)
✓VA's denial says only that no medical opinion links the condition to service.(F00066 p.4)
✓Your PTSD is already service connected at 50%.(F00050 p.1)

Still needed from you

A doctor's written opinion that your PTSD (or its medication) caused or worsened your sleep apnea. VA denied the claim because this opinion was missing. It is the new and relevant evidence a Supplemental Claim needs.

This needs a doctor's opinion

Give your doctor this letter. It explains the three things VA requires, asks VA's questions, attaches the record pages to review, and lists your other service-connected conditions and anything VA deferred. Fill in your name and contact details at the top (the Word version can be edited).

Review option that matches what we found

Supplemental Claim · VA Form 20-0995

You submit new evidence and VA decides the issue again.

PTSD: your payments may need to start earlier

Strong leadFile by about February 17, 2027

What we found. VA started your PTSD payments on June 1, 2021. Your file shows an intent to file dated September 14, 2020, and you filed the full claim within a year of it. VA usually starts payments from the intent-to-file date in that situation.

Why it matters. An earlier start date can mean back pay for the months in between.

What it could be worth (estimate, not a guarantee)

$5,622

Estimated back pay

How we estimated this

Veteran-alone pay rates; the amounts are higher with a spouse, children or dependent parents.
Back pay for 9 months between 2020-09-14 and 2021-06-01, if VA moves the start date earlier at the same rating.

Already in your records

✓An intent to file for compensation is dated September 14, 2020.(F00030 p.1)
✓The completed claim form is date-stamped June 1, 2021, within one year.(F00031 p.1)

Still needed from you

Nothing more. The evidence for this is already in your records.

Review option that matches what we found

Higher-Level Review · VA Form 20-0996

A senior VA reviewer looks at the same evidence again. You cannot add new evidence on this route.

Needs one more step (2)

Your records support these, but each needs a document or a check before you file. Each one says what.

Right knee may be rated too low (now 10%)Worth pursuingFile by about February 17, 2027+$373.43/mo

What we found. Your knee exam recorded slight instability and use of a brace. VA rated only limited motion. VA can rate instability separately, but the exam's measurements are incomplete.

Why it matters. A higher rating means a higher monthly payment.

What it could be worth (estimate, not a guarantee)

+$373.43 a month

Combined rating 60% → 70% if this is rated 20%

$2,987

Estimated back pay

How we estimated this

Veteran-alone pay rates; the amounts are higher with a spouse, children or dependent parents.
Back pay counted from VA's 2026-02-17 decision to 2026-10-01 (8 months). If you file within the one-year window, the start date usually goes back to the original claim, which is earlier, so actual back pay could be higher.

Already in your records

✓The exam notes slight instability and a knee brace.(F00039 p.3)

Still needed from you

A current knee exam that measures instability and motion after repeated use. The last exam left these measurements out.

Review option that matches what we found

Supplemental Claim · VA Form 20-0995

You submit new evidence and VA decides the issue again.

Lower back: VA's denial can be challengedWorth pursuingNo deadline to file+$373.43/mo

What we found. VA denied your back claim in 2013, saying service records showed no back injury. Your service treatment records include two visits for back pain after a vehicle accident.

Why it matters. If VA connects this condition to your service, it can be rated and paid every month.

What it could be worth (estimate, not a guarantee)

+$373.43 a month

Combined rating 60% → 70% if this is rated 10–20%

How we estimated this

Veteran-alone pay rates; the amounts are higher with a spouse, children or dependent parents.
Assumes VA rates the condition at 10% to 20%.
The one-year window has passed, so back pay would start from the date you file now.

Already in your records

✓Two in-service visits for low back pain after a vehicle accident.(F00012 p.7)

Still needed from you

A doctor's opinion linking your current back condition to the in-service injury. This is the new and relevant evidence VA needs to look again.

This needs a doctor's opinion

Review option that matches what we found

Supplemental Claim · VA Form 20-0995

The one-year window for Higher-Level Review or a Board appeal has passed. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is still available.

Possible with new evidence (1)

This could work, but VA would need evidence it doesn't have yet, such as a doctor's opinion or a new test.

You may qualify for pay at the 100% rate (TDIU)Needs new evidence+$2,503.56/mo

What we found. Your employer letter describes reduced hours because of PTSD. TDIU requires that your service-connected conditions keep you from steady work, and you are still working part time.

Why it matters. TDIU pays at the 100% rate when service-connected conditions keep you from holding a steady job.

What it could be worth (estimate, not a guarantee)

+$2,503.56 a month

Combined rating 60% → 100%

How we estimated this

Veteran-alone pay rates; the amounts are higher with a spouse, children or dependent parents.
TDIU pays at the 100% rate; shown against your current combined rating.

Already in your records

✓Your employer cut your schedule to part time because of symptoms.(F00044 p.1)

Still needed from you

Your work history and earnings for the last five years (VA Form 21-8940). VA decides TDIU from your actual work and earnings.

Review option that matches what we found

New claim for individual unemployability (TDIU) · VA Form 21-8940

VA has not decided this yet, so it starts as a new claim.

This is a new claim, so it isn't part of your filing packet. You can file it yourself on VA.gov using VA Form 21-8940, or a Veterans Service Organization can help you file it for free.

My plan

Choose what to pursue

Click Pursue this on any item above. We'll walk you through each step: your statement, your filled-in VA forms, a letter for your doctor, and a filing checklist.

If the 2 numbered items it applies to all succeed, your combined rating could go from 60% to 90%, about +$927.28 a month (veteran-alone rate, an estimate, not a guarantee).

The full report below has every finding, the page references, and your rating history.

Your C-File Review

What we checked

Every check that comes with your review, and what each one found in your records and answers. “Nothing found” means we looked and the records don't support it today, not that VA could never grant it.

5 found something2 need something from you8 checked, nothing found

Found something

Found

Rating too low

PTSD may be rated too low (now 50%).

Found

Denied claims

Sleep apnea: VA's denial can be challenged.

Found

Effective dates

PTSD: your payments may need to start earlier.

Found

Unemployability (TDIU)

You may qualify for pay at the 100% rate (TDIU).

Applied

Family pay rate

Every dollar figure uses the rate for the household you told us about.

Need something from you

Couldn't check

Aid and attendance for you

The records don't say whether you need help with daily activities, like bathing, dressing or staying safe, or rarely leave home because of your service-connected conditions. If either is true, ask your doctor to complete VA Form 21-2680 and add it.

Couldn't check

Hearing loss

There's no hearing test in your upload, so we couldn't compare your hearing to VA's tables. Add your C&P audiology exam or a recent audiogram.

Checked, nothing found

Nothing found

Secondary conditions

We looked for conditions your records tie to a service-connected one. None has both a diagnosis and a doctor's link in the record yet. If your doctor diagnoses one, a letter connecting it would start a new claim.

Nothing found

Special monthly compensation (loss of use, housebound)

No records in your file show loss of use of a hand, foot or creative organ, blindness in one eye, or a 100% rating plus another condition rated 60% (the housebound level).

Nothing found

Clear and unmistakable error (CUE)

We checked the final decisions in your file. None shows VA misapplying the law as it stood then, or ignoring evidence it had, in a way that would clearly have changed the outcome.

Nothing found

Spouse aid and attendance

You told us you're not married, so this doesn't apply.

Nothing found

Combined-rating math

VA's 60% matches the combined ratings table for your 50%, 10% ratings, including the bilateral factor where it applies.

Nothing found

Payment history

We read 3 payment records and lined them up with your ratings. Any gap we found is listed with the findings; see Payment history in the full report.

Nothing found

PACT Act (toxic exposure)

We found no service in a PACT Act location or time period in your records.

Nothing found

Military sexual trauma (MST)

No claim related to military sexual trauma is in your file, so there were no records to screen.

ClaimScope is independent of the Department of Veterans Affairs. A review is educational decision support, not legal advice, and no outcome is promised. Results depend on each Veteran’s records.