How It Works

Own Your Claim helps you build the documents you need to file your disability claim — and walks you through exactly what to expect from the VA and Social Security process.

How Own Your Claim Works

📝

Answer Our Questions

We ask about your conditions, history, and how they affect your daily life. Takes about 15 minutes.

🤖

AI Builds Your Documents

We generate a personal statement, condition summary, function report, medical summary, and evidence checklist — tailored to your answers.

👀

Review & Customize

Read through every document. Edit anything that doesn't sound like you. Download as PDF.

📬

File With Confidence

Take your documents to a free VSO, upload to VA.gov, or submit to Social Security.

Start Your Claim Free →

VA Disability

The VA Claims Process

What to expect from the moment you decide to file through your rating decision.

File Intent to File

(Day 1)

5 minutes on VA.gov. Locks in your effective date — meaning your back pay will go to today even if your claim isn't fully ready for months. Do this TODAY.

File Intent to File at VA.gov →

Gather Evidence

(Week 1–4)

Medical records, buddy statements, and personal statements describing your conditions. Own Your Claim helps you write the statements.

Submit VA Form 21-526EZ

(Month 1)

File online at VA.gov or bring your documents to a free VSO. Attach everything you've gathered — more evidence means a better rating.

File at VA.gov →

C&P Exam

(Month 2–3)

The VA schedules a Compensation & Pension exam to evaluate your conditions. Attend. Be honest about your worst days — not how you feel on a good day.

Rating Decision

(Month 4–6)

Average wait: 100–150 days. You'll receive a letter with your disability rating percentage and the monthly benefit amount.

↩

If Denied or Undercoded

File a Supplemental Claim (with new evidence) or request a Higher-Level Review within 1 year of your decision. Most veterans who appeal get better results — don't give up.

SSDI

The SSDI Process

Social Security disability takes patience. Here's the realistic timeline.

Apply

(Day 1)

Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Apply immediately — your monthly benefit amount and back pay are both tied to your application date.

Apply at SSA.gov →

Initial Review

(Month 1–8)

SSA reviews your medical records and work history. About 70% of initial claims are denied — this is normal and expected. Don't be discouraged.

Reconsideration (if denied)

File within 60 days of denial. Reconsideration is reviewed by a different examiner. Still an 80%+ denial rate — but it's a required step before you can request a hearing.

ALJ Hearing

(1–2 years out)

Administrative Law Judge hearing. This is where most claims are won. Strongly consider getting an attorney — they work on contingency (no fee unless you win) and are paid from your back pay.

✓