Veteran-to-veteran structured guidance to help you prepare, organize, and strengthen your VA disability claim.
Not affiliated with the VA. Not legal representation.
Active Civilian exists to provide practical, veteran-focused guidance across careers, benefits, transition, and identity. Navigating VA disability claims is one area where many veterans feel particularly overwhelmed—not because they lack intelligence, but because the process is complex, documentation-heavy, and the rating criteria can be unclear.
Some veterans prefer to handle claims independently. Others work with free Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). But there's a third group: veterans who want strategic, one-on-one preparation support and clarity on what strengthens a claim before they submit—without giving up control of their claim.
This service exists for that group. It's for veterans who want clarity, strategic organization, and veteran-to-veteran guidance as they prepare their claim—while maintaining full ownership and confidence in the submission process.
Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid them from the start.
The VA requires a clear link between your current condition and your military service. Many claims fail because this connection isn't properly documented or explained.
Missing or insufficient medical evidence is one of the most common reasons for denials. Complete documentation of your condition's severity and impact is essential.
Even with the right documents, disorganized submissions make it harder for raters to see the full picture. Clear organization helps your claim get properly evaluated.
Many veterans file quickly without fully understanding what's required. Taking time to prepare properly can save months or years of appeals later.
The good news: These issues are preventable with proper preparation and structured guidance. That's where claim consulting comes in.
Understanding your options helps you make the right choice for your situation.
| Support Type | What They Do | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSO (Veterans Service Organization) | File and submit claims on your behalf. VA-accredited representatives who work directly with the VA. | Veterans who want free assistance with claim submission | Free |
| VA Attorney | Legal representation for appeals, especially Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) or court cases. | Veterans with denied claims pursuing formal appeals | Contingency (typically 20-33% of back pay) |
| VA Claim Consulting | Preparation support and strategic guidance. Help you organize evidence, understand criteria, and strengthen your claim before filing. | Veterans who want structured preparation to file a stronger initial claim | Varies (often results-based) |
VSOs provide free assistance and are accredited by the VA to represent veterans directly.
VA attorneys represent veterans in formal appeals, especially at the Board or in federal court.
Consulting helps you prepare and strengthen your claim before filing — not legal representation.
Important: This is preparation support, not legal representation. We help you organize and strengthen your claim but do not file on your behalf or represent you before the VA.
VA disability claims are evidence-driven. Your service connection, current diagnosis, and condition severity all need to be clearly documented and presented.
Missing nexus letters, incomplete service records, or unclear condition descriptions can delay claims or result in lower ratings.
The VA bases ratings on documented evidence—not conversations. If your medical records don't reflect symptom severity, the VA won't see it.
Understanding how the VA rates your specific conditions helps you present evidence that aligns with rating criteria.
A well-organized, clearly presented claim helps VA raters understand your case faster and more accurately.
Strategic preparation reduces confusion and increases your confidence before submission. That's what this service provides—clarity on what matters and how to present it effectively.
This is strategic, one-on-one claim preparation consulting. We help you understand what the VA looks for, organize your evidence effectively, and structure your submission for maximum clarity and impact.
Comprehensive review of your service history, medical records, and current conditions to identify what's claimable and develop a strategic approach for presenting it.
Analysis of how your conditions relate to your service and what evidence establishes service connection.
Review of what's missing—nexus letters, treatment records, buddy statements—and guidance on how to obtain them.
Help structuring your submission so it's clear, complete, and strategically aligned with VA rating criteria.
Step-by-step written guidance on what to submit, when, and how to structure it for optimal clarity and completeness.
Guidance on what to expect during your Compensation & Pension exam and how to clearly communicate your symptoms.
We do not file claims on your behalf
We do not access your VA account or request login credentials
We do not act as your representative before the VA
We do not guarantee ratings or outcomes
You submit your claim. We prepare you to do it with confidence, clarity, and strategic organization.
Structured guidance designed to help you build a stronger, more organized claim.
We help you understand which conditions to claim, how they're rated, and what the VA looks for in successful claims.
Learn how to organize medical records, service records, and supporting documents so nothing gets overlooked by VA raters.
Understand what medical evidence is needed for each condition and how to demonstrate severity and functional impact.
Guidance on writing a clear, effective personal statement that communicates how your conditions impact your daily life.
Help understanding Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) and preparing for your compensation and pension (C&P) exam.
Continued support throughout your claim preparation process to answer questions and keep you on track.
Important: This is preparation support and guidance. Results depend on the strength of your evidence, the validity of your conditions, and VA review. We do not guarantee specific ratings or outcomes.
Start with a free consultation to discuss your situation
We review your service history, current conditions, and existing documentation. You'll receive a clear breakdown of what's claimable, what evidence gaps exist, and what strategy will strengthen your case.
We help identify what supporting evidence strengthens your case—nexus letters, treatment records, buddy statements—and guide you on how to obtain them.
We provide a strategic submission roadmap outlining how to structure your claim for maximum clarity and completeness. You'll know exactly what to submit, when, and how to organize it for optimal presentation.
You maintain full control and submit your claim directly through eBenefits, VA.gov, or with your chosen representative. We've prepared you—you execute.
Clear process. Strategic preparation. Confident submission.
Schedule a free strategy call to discuss your situation and see how consulting can help you prepare.
Get Started TodayFree Initial Strategy Call. No upfront fees. No hidden costs. You pay only if your monthly VA compensation increases after working together.
No payment unless your compensation increases. If your claim is denied or your rating doesn't change, you owe nothing.
Fees are based on increased compensation. A percentage applies only to the increase in your monthly benefit amount.
Written agreement provided before you decide. All terms are explained clearly in advance—no surprises.
Before: You receive $1,500/month at 50%.
After: You're approved for 70% and now receive $2,000/month.
Increase: $500/month.
The fee would apply to the $500 monthly increase—not your entire benefit amount. Full fee calculation is provided during the initial assessment.
This performance-based model aligns our success with yours. We only benefit when you receive increased compensation—ensuring we're fully invested in helping you build the strongest possible claim.
Clear, straightforward pricing with no surprises.
Our fees align with your success. You only pay when your rating increases.
You don't pay thousands of dollars before seeing results. The fee structure is designed to align with your success.
The consulting fee is typically a percentage of any increase in your VA disability compensation.
If your rating doesn't increase, you don't owe consulting fees for the claim preparation.
All terms are discussed and agreed upon before any work begins. You'll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Before consulting: 30% VA rating = $524.31/month
After consulting and claim approval: 70% VA rating = $1,716.28/month
Monthly increase: $1,191.97/month ongoing for life
Annual increase: $14,303.64/year
10-year value: $143,036.40
In this scenario, a one-time consulting fee based on a percentage of the increase provides ongoing monthly benefits that continue for life, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
Important: The example above is for educational illustration only. Individual results vary based on your specific conditions, evidence, and VA review. We do not guarantee rating increases or specific outcomes.
Specific fee terms are discussed during your consultation and agreed upon before any work begins.
Discuss your situation and pricing during a no-obligation call
(Effective December 1, 2025)
These are the current VA disability compensation rates used to estimate monthly payments based on your rating and dependent status. If you are rated 10% or 20%, dependents do not change your monthly rate. For 30% and above, dependents can increase your monthly payment.
These tables are provided for general information and planning. Your actual payment depends on your VA rating decision and dependent status.
For the official source, view the official VA rate tables.
Understanding the rates is just the first step. Knowing how to qualify for the right rating is what makes the difference.
Get Help Preparing Your ClaimSchedule a free consultation to discuss your situation, understand your options, and see if consulting is the right fit for your claim.
You're filing a VA disability claim for the first time and want structured guidance
You're seeking a rating increase but unsure how to strengthen your case
You have legitimate service-connected conditions but don't know how to organize documentation
You prefer one-on-one veteran-focused support over navigating the process alone
You want clarity on what the VA looks for before you submit
You're willing to pay for results-based consulting without upfront costs
If you need legal representation: Work with a VA-accredited attorney or agent who can represent you before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
If you prefer free support: Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like DAV, VFW, and American Legion offer free claim assistance.
If you're comfortable filing independently: The VA provides resources and guides at VA.gov for self-filers.
There's no single right way to file a claim. Choose the path that fits your situation, comfort level, and resources.
Built by veterans who understand the transition from service to civilian life.
Active Civilian was created to help veterans navigate the transition to civilian life with clarity and confidence.
We understand the challenges of leaving military structure, rebuilding identity, and navigating complex systems like VA benefits — because we've been there.
We speak your language and understand military service, medical records, and what it's like to navigate VA bureaucracy.
We break down complex VA processes into clear, actionable steps so you understand what's required and why.
Our approach is methodical and organized — helping you prepare thoroughly so your claim reflects the true impact of your service-connected conditions.
We provide honest guidance, not aggressive sales tactics. If consulting isn't right for your situation, we'll tell you.
Honest, transparent guidance you can trust
Empowering veterans with knowledge and clarity
Supporting veterans through every step
This service provides consulting and claim preparation guidance.
We are not attorneys and do not provide legal
representation.
We do not guarantee rating increases.
ActiveCivilian.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
We are not the VA. We are not a law firm. We are not VA-accredited attorneys, agents, or representatives. We do not prepare, present, or prosecute claims as a representative under 38 U.S.C. § 5904.
The services provided by ActiveCivilian.com are consulting and educational guidance only. We help you understand the claim process, organize evidence, and prepare documentation. You remain in full control of your submission.
We do not file claims on your behalf. We do not access your VA.gov account, eBenefits portal, or request any login credentials. You submit all materials directly to the VA.
We do not guarantee outcomes. The VA reviews all claims and makes final benefit determinations based on their criteria. Results are not guaranteed. No consulting service can promise a specific rating or result.
Veterans may choose to work with free Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, VFW, or DAV, or with VA-accredited attorneys or agents. These representatives can file claims on your behalf and represent you before the VA at no cost or under regulated fee agreements.
By using Active Civilian's consulting services, you acknowledge that we are providing educational guidance—not legal representation, claim filing services, or VA representation—and that all final decisions regarding your VA claim remain with you and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you're considering claim preparation support and want to learn more about the process, fee structure, and what to expect, request a conversation. No pressure. No obligation. Just information.
Request InformationAll conversations are confidential. You'll receive clear information about what consulting includes, how it works, and whether it's a fit for your situation.
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain how claim consulting works. No pressure, no obligation.
Prefer to reach out directly? Email us at [email protected]
Don't leave your VA rating to chance. Get strategic guidance from someone who understands the process and is committed to helping you submit the strongest possible claim.
Book Your Free Strategy CallNo obligation. No pressure. Just clear information about how we can help.
Your VA benefits are earned through service. Strategic preparation helps ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Start with a free consultation — no pressure, no obligation.
Start Your Claim PreparationJoin veterans who have taken control of their claim preparation
Guidance from those who've served
Pay only if your rating increases
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