★Our Process

A Deliberate Approach Focused on Evidence and Process.

VA disability claims are highly individualized. Our role is to review the facts, select an appropriate claims path, preserve effective dates, and avoid procedural errors that cost time.

Stage 01 of 5

Intake & Case Screening

Every case begins with a structured intake and screening process. We review your service history, prior VA decisions (if any), and the conditions you're seeking to claim.

Not every case is accepted. We screen matters to ensure representation makes sense and that we can add value before moving forward.

Stage 02 of 5

Authorization

If your case is accepted, you'll be asked to complete a VA Form 21-22a (Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative) along with a fee agreement.

No work begins until authorization is completed.

Stage 03 of 5

Filing Strategy & Evidence Development

Our general approach is to file all viable claims together. When the record is supportable, filing related issues at the same time helps preserve the earliest possible effective date, clearly show primary and secondary relationships, and present a complete picture to the VA.

Evidence development happens in this stage. We help identify and coordinate the records needed to support each claimed condition — service treatment records, private medical records, lay statements, and any independent medical evidence the claimant chooses to obtain (such as nexus opinions or DBQs from their own provider). We review what is already in the file, flag gaps, and sequence the evidence so the claim is as complete as possible at the time of filing. If the record is not yet ready to support filing, we may recommend submitting an intent to file immediately to protect the effective date while development continues.

We avoid unnecessary delay and do not fragment claims unless there is a clear strategic reason to do so. Medical opinions and DBQs are the claimant's evidence to obtain — we coordinate procurement and review submitted evidence; we do not draft medical opinions ourselves.

Stage 04 of 5

Claim Submission & VA Development

Once a claim is filed, the VA has a duty to assist. This may include requesting records or scheduling Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams.

We prepare clients for exams, monitor development, and address issues that arise during VA review.

Stage 05 of 5

Decision Review & Next Steps

When a VA decision is issued, we review the outcome and determine next steps. This may include accepting favorable decisions, requesting review through Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claims, or appealing when appropriate.

Our focus is on durable awards and long-term results — not quick filings that lead to years of appeals.

★Appeals First

A Note on Initial Claims

Oakridge Claims specializes in representing veterans after VA has issued a decision. We also accept initial claims — and claims for increase based on a condition that has worsened since the last decision — based on case fit and current availability, with no fee for representation before VA issues the initial decision. A free, accredited VSO is always an option for that stage; VA's accredited representative directory lists them. The workflow above applies to the appeals we specialize in: denials, underrated decisions, incorrect effective dates, and TDIU.

Bottom Line

Strategy Driven by Evidence — Not Assumptions

We choose the filing approach that protects effective dates, maximizes back pay, and reduces avoidable setbacks. Strategy decisions are tailored to each case.

★Conditions Library

See How This Process Applies to Your Condition

Each condition guide walks through the rating criteria, the evidence development that happens in Stage 3, and what the C&P examiner typically documents.

Browse the full Conditions Library →Diagnostic Code Lookup →

Disclaimer: Esteban Magallon is a VA-Accredited Claims Agent. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made.