Start with the claim you are making
A first claim, a claim for an increase and a Supplemental Claim can need different evidence. For a Supplemental Claim, the evidence generally must be new and relevant. Read VA’s current instructions for your claim rather than treating this checklist as a list of required documents for everyone.
Service and military records
- Your separation record, such as a DD214, if you have it.
- Relevant service treatment and personnel records. Tell VA where and when the event, treatment or exposure happened.
- For Guard or Reserve records, identify the unit or other record custodian so VA knows where to request them.
VA can request relevant federal and military records. Submit copies you already have and identify other relevant records. Do not assume every record comes from one archive or will arrive automatically.
The 1973 NPRC fire affected Army personnel discharged November 1, 1912–January 1, 1960 and Air Force personnel discharged September 25, 1947–January 1, 1964 whose names fall alphabetically after Hubbard, James E. These are affected discharge periods, not proof that every record in them was lost. Ask the National Archives about reconstruction if records may have been affected.
Medical records and opinions
- Relevant VA treatment records. Identify the facility and treatment dates.
- Private medical records you have, or provider details and any release authorization VA requests.
- Relevant diagnoses, treatment history, test results and descriptions of how the condition affects you.
- A medical opinion or completed Disability Benefits Questionnaire when it addresses an issue VA needs to decide. VA may still need an exam or another opinion.
VA makes reasonable efforts to obtain identified, authorized private records, but you remain responsible for making sure VA receives requested private records. Response times vary. Include relevant history and context rather than selecting records only because they support a preferred conclusion.
No particular document, opinion phrase or questionnaire guarantees service connection or a higher rating.
Statements and other relevant records
Your statement and statements from people who know the facts can describe an event, symptoms or work effects. Say what each person observed, when they observed it and how they know. Do not ask a witness to invent facts or give a medical conclusion they cannot support.
Employment records, photos or other documents may help when they show something relevant to the issue. Their value depends on what they establish.
If you already have a VA decision
Compare the decision’s evidence summary with your records and submission confirmations. An item not named in the summary does not by itself prove VA never received or considered it. Ask VA or an accredited representative to check the record if something appears missing.
You can request VBA personal records, including your claims file, using VA Form 20-10206. Specify the records you need and keep the request confirmation. Fulfillment times vary. Do not wait for a records request before checking a review deadline. Review routes and deadlines depend on the decision type. Read the review rights in your notice and confirm your next step with a VA-accredited representative.
Before you submit
- Use the current VA submission route for your claim type and follow its file-type and size rules.
- Check that each file opens and is readable. Clear names can help you organize your own records.
- Confirm the upload completed and keep the confirmation with your copies.
- Read later VA requests and respond by the date they give. Contact VA if you need help getting a record.