Evidence Checklist

Why this checklist matters

VA only rates what you prove. Missing a single document — especially a nexus letter or treatment record — is one of the most common reasons for denial or a lower-than-deserved rating. Use this checklist before you file.

Service records — proves the event happened

• DD-214 — Your discharge document. Proves dates and character of service. Request via the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at archives.gov/veterans.
• Service Treatment Records (STRs) — Medical records from your time in service. Request from the NPRC or your military branch's records center.
• Personnel Records — Unit records, deployment orders, awards, incident reports. Useful for proving exposure or in-service events not captured in STRs.
• Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) description — Documents what duties you performed and what hazards you faced. Helpful for toxic exposure, hearing loss, and chemical exposure claims.

Medical evidence — proves the diagnosis and severity

• Current diagnosis — A written diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider for each condition you're claiming. Required. No diagnosis, no rating.
• Private treatment records — All records from private doctors, clinics, and hospitals. Submit these yourself — VA will try to obtain them, but it takes longer.
• VA medical records — If you've been treated at a VA facility, these are already in the system, but you can still submit them to make sure they're included.
• Imaging and lab results — X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, blood work. Support the diagnosis and can show severity.
• Prescription history — A list of medications prescribed for the condition. Supports severity and chronicity.

Nexus evidence — proves the connection to service

• Nexus letter — A written opinion from a licensed medical provider stating your condition is "at least as likely as not" related to your military service. Often the most important document in a claim.
• VA C&P exam report — If VA schedules a Compensation & Pension exam, the examiner's opinion serves as nexus evidence. You should still submit your own.
• In-service medical records showing the condition began during service — STRs that document the initial injury, illness, or exposure.

Lay evidence — proves daily impact and fills documentation gaps

• Personal statement (VA Form 21-4138) — Your written account of how the condition affects your daily life and work. Describe frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms.
• Buddy statements — Written accounts from people who observed your condition or the in-service event.
• Employment records — Pay stubs, employer letters, or HR records showing missed work, performance issues, or job changes caused by your condition.
• Family member statements — A spouse or family member can describe the daily effects of your condition at home.

Key forms

• VA Form 21-526EZ — The main disability compensation application. File online at VA.gov.
• VA Form 21-4142 — Authorization to release private medical records to VA. Speeds up VA's records request.
• VA Form 21-4138 — Statement in support of claim. Used for personal statements and buddy statements.
• VA Form 21-0781 — Statement for PTSD based on a personal assault or in-service stressor.