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Claims tools

Claim path picker

Wrong lane wastes a year. Answer a few questions, get a suggested path, and track the common one-year clock from your decision date.

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Claim path picker

Increase, Supplemental, HLR, or Board? Answer a few questions — then track the one-year clock from your decision date.

Is this something you’ve never claimed before?
Already service-connected and just got worse?
Do you have a decision within the last year you’re fighting?
Do you have new evidence (records, nexus, buddy statements)?
Disagree with the VA using the same record (no new evidence)?

Optional. We estimate the common 1-year window for HLR / Supplemental effective-date protection — confirm on your notice.

Pro waitlist: save multiple deadlines + email reminders — join Pro.

Suggested lane

Likely Supplemental — confirm with a VSO

Your answers are mixed. Most veterans in a gray zone either need new evidence (Supplemental) or a same-record review (HLR within 1 year).

Check the decision date on your letter before you pick a lane.

Next steps

  1. Decode the rating decision for denied/deferred issues.
  2. Run evidence gaps on the weak claim.
  3. Ask a VSO which lane preserves your effective date.
Letter decoder →Find accredited help →

Also consider

  • • Within 1 year + no new evidence → HLR.
  • • Already SC and worse → increase.

Educational only — not legal advice. Appeal lanes and deadlines are fact-specific; verify with an accredited VSO or attorney.

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