What evidence do I need to support service connection for multiple conditions on my first VA disability claim?

Service connection requires three basic elements for each claimed condition: (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, illness, or period of documented symptoms, and (3) a medical nexus linking the two, per 38 CFR 3.303. Conditions that began and were treated during service (like tinnitus, shoulder impingement, or knee pain documented on a separation exam) are usually the most straightforward, since the in-service treatment records themselves help establish the nexus.

Secondary service connection (38 CFR 3.310) is also important here. Conditions like bilateral leg numbness tied to a lumbar spine issue, or hemorrhoids tied to a GI condition, can be claimed as secondary to the primary condition rather than needing independent proof of an in-service injury — but the file should clearly state that connection, ideally with a treating provider's note or a nexus opinion.

What would this rating pay you? (2026 rates)

Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.

Rating Married Children

per month · per year, tax-free

Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.

2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)

Rating	Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA)
10%	$180.42
20%	$356.66
30%	$552.47
40%	$795.84
50%	$1,132.90
60%	$1,435.02
70%	$1,808.45
80%	$2,102.15
90%	$2,362.30
100%	$3,938.58

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For conditions still pending diagnostic workup (EMG/NCS for radiculopathy or peripheral nerve issues), it's fine to file now, but final ratings often depend on those results. VA can order its own C&P exams, but having civilian or military treatment records, imaging, and specialist notes already in the file strengthens the claim and speeds review.

Mental health claims (like adjustment disorder with anxiety/depression and insomnia) generally need a current diagnosis from a qualified provider, evidence of a stressor or in-service onset, and ongoing treatment records — screening scores and medication history help support severity for rating purposes.

Since this claim is being filed at separation, the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program may apply if there's enough time before the separation date, which can speed up initial processing.

At the Board of Veterans' Appeals, across issues decided from 1992 to July 2026, back and lumbar spine issues (410,918) came out 18.3% granted, 32.3% denied and 45.1% remanded; service-connection issues (2,302,001) came out 18.8% granted, 30.2% denied and 45.7% remanded (VetAid's Board outcome rates). These are outcomes for cases that were already appealed, not the odds of winning an initial claim, and appealed cases are not a random sample of all claims. That reflects appealed cases specifically, not the odds of an initial claim being approved, but it underscores how much outcomes depend on the completeness of the record from the start.

The concrete next step is to request complete copies of all service treatment records and specialist notes now, and file the claim through eBenefits/VA.gov or with a VSO's help using VA Form 21-526EZ, attaching current evidence for each condition.