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.
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 gives the VA a clearer picture of your conditions.
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.
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. Many SSDI claimants find legal representation helpful, especially at the hearing stage. Accredited disability representatives can be found through NOSSCR (nosscr.org) or your local legal aid office.
Approval & Back Pay
Back pay goes to your original application date (minus a 5-month waiting period). Monthly benefits start the 6th month after your disability began.
Double Your Benefits — Wounded Warriors Fast Track
Most veterans don't know this exists. If you have a 100% P&T VA rating, read this.
If you've received a 100% Permanent & Total VA rating, you may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Wounded Warriors Fast Track program — at the same time, with no reduction to either benefit.
Priority Processing
Your SSDI application is processed in days instead of months — skipping the standard queue entirely.
5-Month Wait Waived
The standard 5-month SSDI waiting period is waived for 100% P&T veterans. Benefits start immediately.
Medicare Immediately
Medicare eligibility begins right away instead of after the usual 24-month wait.
No Offset — Keep Both
The VA and SSA work independently. You collect both benefits in full — no reduction to either.
Own Your Claim walks you through both:
When you open a VA case and confirm a 100% P&T rating, we automatically flag your eligibility and offer to create a linked SSDI case with the fast-track program pre-noted. Your VA medical evidence can be reused directly for your SSDI application — no starting from scratch.
Free to complete · $30 one-time per case to download documents
Free Resources
Find a Free VSO (Veterans Service Organization)
Free claims agents who can help you file — at no cost.
VA Intent to File
Lock in your effective date before your claim is ready.
Apply for SSDI
Start your Social Security disability application online.
Wounded Warriors Fast Track (SSA)
100% P&T veterans: expedited SSDI processing information from the SSA.
PACT Act Information
Major 2022 law expanding VA benefits for toxic exposure veterans.
MST Resources
VA resources for veterans who experienced Military Sexual Trauma.
Ready to build your claim?
Own Your Claim is free to start. Answer our questions and we'll generate your documents in minutes.
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