Your path forward starts here. Whether you're considering filing your first VA mental health disability claim, dealing with a denial, or looking to increase a low rating, your next steps depend entirely on where you are in the process.

Many veterans don't get the rating they deserve on their first try. Here's a complete guide to your options at every stage of the VA disability claim process.

Haven't Filed Yet? 
Here's What You Need to Know

Should You File Your Mental Health Claim Now?

Many veterans struggle with mental health symptoms but aren't sure if they have a valid claim. The truth is, you don't need an official diagnosis to file - the VA will provide a free examination to assess whether you have a mental disorder.

Consider filing if you're experiencing:

  • Persistent anxiety, depression, or mood changes 
  • Sleep problems, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
  • Relationship or work problems 
  • Substance use as a way to cope with symptoms

The key question isn't whether your mental disorder is "bad enough" - it's whether it started or was worsened either during service or as a result of a different service-connected disability.

Download Free Symptom Checklist →

Do You Need Documentation Before Filing?

Most veterans can file successfully using the free VA process. However, some choose to include independent documentation with their original claim.

The free VA route works well when:

  • Your service records clearly document relevant events or treatments
  • You can articulate your symptoms clearly to an examiner
  • You're comfortable waiting for the VA's timeline

Independent documentation may help when:

  • Your case is complex or involves multiple conditions
  • You've had difficulty communicating with medical providers before
  • You want to ensure all symptoms are properly identified upfront

Remember: You can always add documentation later if your initial claim is denied or rated too low.

or, Browse new claim scenarios and options →

Mental Health Claim Denied?
You Have Options

Your Denial Doesn't Have to be Final

Many service-connected veterans don't get approved on their first try. Here's what you need to know:

  • You have one year from your denial date to file an appeal and keep your original claim date
  • New evidence can completely change the outcome of your case
  • Better documentation of your symptoms often reveals what the original examiner missed
  • Proper nexus evidence can establish the service connection that wasn't clear initially

The question isn't whether you should appeal - it's what additional evidence you need to build a winning case.

or, Review common denial scenarios and solutions →

Common Denials & What They Actually Mean

Getting a denial letter can be frustrating and confusing. Often, the VA’s language doesn't clearly explain what went wrong or what you can do about it.

"No current diagnosis" - They're saying you don't have a mental disorder that meets DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. This could mean the examiner missed something, or your symptoms don't yet meet the threshold for a formal diagnosis.

"Not service-connected" - They acknowledge you have a mental disorder but don't see evidence it's related to your military service. This often comes down to documentation and how well the connection was explained.

"Preexisting condition" - They believe you had the condition before military service and that service didn't make it worse. This is where the "presumption of soundness" becomes crucial to your case.

The key thing to understand: A denial is not a final decision. It's the VA's assessment based on the evidence they had at the time.

or, Review common denial scenarios and solutions →

Got Approved But With a Low Rating? Here's Why

Why Most Initial Mental Health Ratings Are Too Low

If you received a 0%, 10%, or 30% rating, you're not alone. Most veterans receive ratings that don't accurately reflect the true impact of their mental health symptoms.

Here's what commonly goes wrong:

Military culture affects how you report symptoms. You've been trained to minimize problems and push through difficulties. This often leads to underreporting symptoms during C&P exams.

Examiners miss key indicators. Many examiners don't account for how military experience shapes symptom presentation. They might miss secondary effects like relationship problems, work difficulties, or coping mechanisms you've developed.

Functional impairment gets overlooked. Your rating percentage is based on how your symptoms impact your ability to function at work and socially. If the examiner doesn't understand the full scope of your daily struggles, your rating will be too low.

Signs Your Rating Doesn't Match Your Reality

Consider whether your current rating accurately reflects how your symptoms are impacting your life:

  • Difficulty maintaining employment or relationships
  • Sleep problems affecting your daily functioning
  • Anxiety or depression that limits social activities
  • Concentration problems affecting work performance
  • Using alcohol or other substances to cope
  • Avoiding situations that trigger symptoms

You can see what symptoms are included for each percentage at the schedule of ratings.

or, Review common denial scenarios and solutions →

Your Path Must Be Personalized

Every veteran's path forward is different. Generic advice about VA claims can actually hurt your case if it doesn't fit your specific circumstances.

Find Your Path with the Fieldstone Navigator →

Your best strategy depends on factors like:

  • The specific reason for any previous denials
  • What evidence and documentation you already have
  • Your current symptom severity and functional impact
  • How your original claim was handled and examined
  • Your service history and available military records
  • Timeline considerations and deadlines you're facing

Cookie-cutter approaches miss these crucial details. What works for one veteran's situation might be completely wrong for yours.

That's why we created the Fieldstone Navigator - to give you a strategy that actually fits your circumstances.

Prefer to Browse? Explore All Scenarios

If you'd rather explore different situations before taking the Fieldstone Navigator, you can browse our complete library of scenarios and solutions:

Planning Your First Mental Health Claim →
Challenging a VA Denial →
When and How to Seek a Higher Rating →

Additional Resources:

Ready for personalized guidance?

Find Your Path with the Fieldstone Navigator →