Build Your File — pre-claim checklist

Before you file a single claim, build your file. This chapter is your accumulation checklist — everything to gather, in roughly the order to gather it. The more complete your file at filing, the better your outcome.

The 12-item checklist

Personal records

1. DD-214 — your discharge document. If you have multiple periods of service, get a DD-214 for each.

   • How: milConnect, VA.gov records request, or the National Archives.

2. Service Treatment Records (STRs) — every medical encounter during your service.

   • How: milConnect → Records Request.
   • Allow several weeks.

3. Personnel records — assignments, deployments, awards, profiles.

   • How: milConnect → My Personnel File or via NPRC for older records.

4. DD-2796 / post-deployment health assessments — if applicable.

   • Document any symptoms reported at the time of post-deployment screening.

Medical records

5. VA medical records — anything from VA medical centers since separation.

   • How: My HealtheVet → Blue Button.

6. Civilian medical records — every doctor, urgent care, ER visit relevant to claimed conditions.

   • How: Request directly from each provider.

7. Specialist evaluations — sleep studies, mental health evals, audiology, ortho imaging.

   • If you haven’t had one for a condition you’re claiming, schedule it BEFORE filing.

Supporting evidence

8. Nexus letters — one per non-presumptive condition without in-service diagnosis.

   • How: Use the generator, bring to your private physician.
   • Alternative: paid IMO from a veteran-focused medical-legal provider.

9. Buddy statements — Form 21-10210 from service members, family, coworkers.

   • One per witness.
   • Use the generator for structure.

10. DBQs — Disability Benefits Questionnaires completed by your private provider.

    • Download the DBQ that matches your condition from VA.gov.
    • Take to your provider, ask them to complete during a visit.

Your own narrative

11. Personal statements (21-4138) — one per major condition or one master.

    • 3–5 paragraphs. Use the generator.

12. Symptom diary — 4–6 weeks of daily symptom logging before any C&P exam.

    • Severity, frequency, triggers, functional impact, treatment used.

Order of operations

This is the typical sequence:

1. File Intent to File (Day 1) — locks effective date
2. Pull DD-214, STRs, personnel records (Weeks 1–4)
3. Enroll in VA health care (Week 1) — request TERA screening
4. Run Symptom Wizard — make the master list of what to claim (Week 1)
5. Schedule any missing diagnostic evaluations (Weeks 1–4)
6. Pull civilian medical records (Weeks 2–6)
7. Get nexus letters / DBQs from civilian providers (Weeks 4–10)
8. Write personal statements + collect buddy statements (Weeks 4–8)
9. Start symptom diary 4–6 weeks before any C&P (Week 6+)
10. File formal 21-526EZ (Weeks 8–12)

Tracking everything

Keep a simple spreadsheet or document:

When you’re “ready” to file

You’re ready when:

• You have a current diagnosis (or scheduled appointment) for every condition you plan to claim.
• You have nexus letters lined up for every non-presumptive condition without in-service documentation.
• You have personal statements drafted.
• You have at least your basic STRs and DD-214 in hand.
• You haven’t reached the 11-month mark on your Intent to File.

It is OK to file before everything is perfect. The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program rewards complete filings, but if you check the FDC box and need to add more later, the claim simply converts to a standard claim. No penalty.

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