Presumptive Condition
A medical condition the VA presumes was caused by qualifying military service. Veterans with a presumptive condition generally do not need to individually prove causation.
Related: Nexus Letter, TERA
Glossary
VA Claims Glossary — Terms Veterans Need to Know
Plain-English definitions of the acronyms, forms, and procedural terms you'll encounter.
Nexus Letter
A medical opinion from a healthcare provider stating that a current diagnosis is 'at least as likely as not' connected to military service.
Related: Presumptive Condition, C&P Examination
C&P Examination
A Compensation & Pension exam ordered by the VA to evaluate a claimed condition's severity and service connection.
Related: Rating Decision, Nexus Letter
Notice of Disagreement
Under the legacy appeals system, the formal notice that a veteran disagrees with a VA rating decision. Largely replaced by AMA pathways.
Related: AMA, Supplemental Claim
Supplemental Claim
An AMA appeal lane that allows submission of new and relevant evidence for VA reconsideration.
Related: AMA, Higher-Level Review, Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
Higher-Level Review
An AMA appeal lane in which a senior VA reviewer re-examines the existing record, with no new evidence allowed.
Related: AMA, Supplemental Claim
Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
The appeals body where Veterans Law Judges review VA decisions. Three docket options: direct review, evidence submission, hearing.
CAVC
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Reviews BVA decisions on questions of law.
Related: Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
DIC
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Monthly tax-free benefit for eligible survivors of veterans whose death was service-connected.
Related: Survivor Benefits, Effective Date
Rating Decision
The VA document setting the disability percentage and effective date for a service-connected condition.
Related: C&P Examination, Effective Date
Intent to File
VA Form 21-0966. Filing it locks in your effective date for back pay while you complete your formal claim within 12 months.
Related: Effective Date
TERA
Toxic Exposure Risk Activity. Under PACT Act, VA must consider whether a veteran had qualifying toxic exposure when adjudicating non-presumptive conditions.
Related: Presumptive Condition, Nexus Letter
VSO
Veterans Service Organization. VA-accredited organisations like the DAV, VFW, and American Legion that assist veterans with claims at no cost.
Related: VA OGC Accreditation
VA OGC Accreditation
Authorisation from the VA Office of General Counsel under 38 CFR Part 14, required for attorneys, agents, and VSO representatives who assist veterans with claims.
Related: VSO
AMA
Appeals Modernisation Act. The current VA appeals framework with three lanes: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and BVA appeal.
Related: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
Effective Date
The date the VA uses to determine when benefits begin. Filing an Intent to File can preserve an earlier effective date for back pay purposes.
Related: Intent to File, Rating Decision
Survivor Benefits
Benefits available to eligible surviving spouses, children, and certain dependants of deceased veterans, including DIC and survivor pension.
Related: DIC
Service Connection
The legal determination that a current disability was caused or aggravated by military service. Required for VA disability compensation eligibility.
Related: Presumptive Condition, Nexus Letter, TERA
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