VA disability conditions, organized by body system
Most VA claims fall into a handful of clusters. We have grouped the conditions veterans claim most into six areas — five by body system, plus toxic-exposure presumptions — each with plain-English guides on how the VA rates it and how to connect it to service. Find your area below.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal conditions — the back, neck, knees, and the nerves that run through them — make up the largest share of VA disability claims.
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Mental Health
Mental health claims are among the fastest-growing and most misunderstood in the VA system.
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Hearing & Auditory
Tinnitus and hearing loss are the two most-claimed VA disabilities in the country, and for good reason: gunfire, aircraft, engines, and machinery are part of nearly every job in the military.
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Sleep & Respiratory
Sleep apnea is one of the most valuable and most frequently denied VA claims, usually because the connection to service is not obvious on paper.
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Secondary Conditions
This is the cluster that ties everything together.
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Presumptive & Toxic Exposure
For certain exposures and eras of service, the VA presumes a condition is connected to service — meaning you may not need a nexus letter to prove the link at all.
Browse areaNot sure which of these fits your claim?
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Veterans Benefits Unlock is a private service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. A nexus letter is a medical opinion and does not guarantee any specific VA rating or claim outcome.
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