Evidence Checklists
General categories of evidence commonly used in different types of VA disability claims. These are educational starting points — every claim is fact-specific.
Educational reference only. These checklists describe categories of evidence the VA generally considers. They are not legal advice, medical advice, or a complete list for any individual claim. Medical opinions and clinical evidence must come from qualified, independent providers — Oakridge Claims does not draft medical evidence.
Direct service connection (any condition)
Evidence generally needed to establish a direct link between current disability and military service.
- ✓Current diagnosis from a qualified clinician
- ✓Service treatment records showing in-service injury, event, or onset
- ✓DD-214 confirming dates and character of service
- ✓Medical nexus opinion linking the current condition to the in-service event
- ✓Lay statements describing onset, continuity of symptoms, or in-service circumstances
Secondary service connection
Used when one service-connected condition causes or aggravates another condition.
- ✓Documentation of the existing service-connected (primary) condition
- ✓Current diagnosis of the secondary condition
- ✓Medical opinion explaining how the primary condition caused or aggravated the secondary
- ✓Treatment records showing the chronological relationship
Presumptive conditions (PACT Act, Agent Orange, Gulf War)
Conditions presumed service-connected based on qualifying service.
- ✓DD-214 or other proof of qualifying service location and dates
- ✓Current diagnosis of the presumptive condition
- ✓Treatment records establishing onset (where relevant for manifestation periods)
- ✓Burn-pit, herbicide, or other exposure documentation when applicable
Increased rating claims
Evidence supporting that an existing service-connected condition has worsened.
- ✓Recent treatment records showing current severity
- ✓Specialist evaluations addressing rating criteria for the condition
- ✓Imaging, lab, or functional testing relevant to 38 CFR Part 4 criteria
- ✓Lay statements describing the impact on work, daily activities, and relationships
- ✓A symptom log over time when symptoms fluctuate
Mental health claims (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Evidence relevant to mental health service connection and rating.
- ✓Current mental health diagnosis from a qualified provider
- ✓Stressor documentation (combat records, MST evidence, incident reports) where applicable
- ✓Treatment records — therapy notes, psychiatric evaluations, hospitalizations
- ✓Medication history
- ✓Lay statements from spouse, family, or coworkers describing functional impact
- ✓Completed VA Form 21-0781 for PTSD stressor documentation
Related condition guides
Musculoskeletal claims
Evidence common to back, knee, shoulder, hip, neck, and joint claims.
- ✓Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT) showing the underlying pathology
- ✓Orthopedic or physical therapy notes with range-of-motion measurements
- ✓Documentation of flare-up frequency and use of assistive devices
- ✓Records of any surgical history and post-surgical limitations
Sleep apnea claims
Evidence specific to OSA and central sleep apnea claims.
- ✓Sleep study (in-lab polysomnography or home sleep test) confirming diagnosis
- ✓CPAP/BiPAP prescription and compliance data when applicable
- ✓Records linking sleep apnea to a service-connected condition (for secondary claims)
- ✓In-service documentation of snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apneas where available
Related condition guides
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)
Evidence supporting inability to maintain substantially gainful employment.
- ✓VA Form 21-8940 fully completed
- ✓VA Form 21-4192 from your most recent employer(s)
- ✓Vocational expert opinion when available
- ✓Treatment records showing functional limitations from service-connected conditions
- ✓Documentation of any failed work attempts (start/end dates, reason for separation)
Survivor benefits (DIC)
Evidence used by surviving spouses and dependents seeking DIC.
- ✓Veteran's death certificate
- ✓Marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation when applicable
- ✓Veteran's service records (DD-214)
- ✓Medical records connecting the cause of death to service or a service-connected condition
- ✓Completed VA Form 21P-534EZ
Build Evidence Around the Right Rating Criteria
Each condition guide spells out the percentages, what VA looks for at each tier, and the specific records and statements that move the needle.
PTSD
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 9411 · Mental Health
Depression
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 9434 · Mental Health
Anxiety
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 9400 · Mental Health
Traumatic Brain Injury
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 8045 · Neurological
Migraine Headaches
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 8100 · Neurological
Tinnitus
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 6260 · Auditory
Hearing Loss
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 6100 · Auditory
Sleep Apnea
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 6847 · Respiratory
Sinusitis & Rhinitis
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 6510–6514 · Respiratory
Low Back (Lumbar Spine)
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 5237 · Musculoskeletal
Neck (Cervical Spine)
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 5237 · Musculoskeletal
Knee Conditions
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 5260/5261 · Musculoskeletal
Radiculopathy / Sciatica
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 8520 · Neurological
Diabetes Mellitus II
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 7913 · Endocrine
Hypertension
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 7101 · Cardiovascular
Ischemic Heart Disease
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 7005 · Cardiovascular
GERD
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 7346 · Digestive
IBS
38 CFR § Part 4 · DC 7319 · Digestive
Want help organizing your evidence?
A VA-accredited claims agent can review your records and help identify gaps before filing or appealing.