VA disability claims — every veteran, every MOS, every era

Zonk.Vet

You've earned this.

In the Army, a zonk was a free day — no formation, no duties, just rest. You've been carrying a load most civilians can't imagine. It's time to start collecting on the debt your service created.

The VA disability system exists to acknowledge what your time in uniform cost you. Not just in combat — in training, on deployment, in the years of stress, noise, impact, and weight that accumulate whether you saw action or not.

This page is for every veteran ready to file, and for the families who love them and want to help. Seven steps. No BS.

Who qualifies — and what to claim

If something changed after you joined — your body, your sleep, your relationships, your ability to function in crowds or quiet rooms — it's worth claiming. You don't need a Purple Heart. You need a DD-214 and the honesty to describe what service did to you.

Common Physical Claims

Hearing loss & tinnitus
Back, knee & joint injuries
Sleep apnea
TBI (traumatic brain injury)
Burn pit / toxic exposure conditions
Skin conditions, respiratory issues
Chronic pain from training or duty

Common Mental Health Claims

PTSD (combat, non-combat, MST)
C-PTSD (complex, long-duration trauma)
Anxiety & depression
Adjustment disorder
Hypervigilance affecting daily life
MST (military sexual trauma)
Insomnia & nightmares

You don't need to have everything figured out before you file. Start with what you know. You can add conditions later. The sooner you file, the sooner your effective date is established — which affects back pay.

Steps to file your VA claim

Get Logged In

Go to va.gov and sign in (or create an account) using ID.me, DS Logon, or Login.gov. ID.me is typically the fastest verification.
You'll need an email, phone number, and your SSN.

Grab Your DD-214

It's your proof of service — the one document that starts everything.
Don't have it? Request a copy at vetrecs.archives.gov. It's free and takes a few weeks.
If you're in a hurry, a VSO (see Step 6) can sometimes help expedite.

Start Your VA Claim

On va.gov, navigate to File a VA Disability Claim (Form 21-526EZ).
List the conditions you're claiming. If you're unsure, refer to the list above — start with anything that's clearly service-connected.
Attach your DD-214 — that alone is enough to start — and hit Submit.
You can add evidence and conditions later. The goal right now is to establish your effective date. Don't wait.

Gather Evidence (if you have it)

Service Records: Deployment orders, incident reports, anything that documents events or exposures.
Buddy Letters: Ask fellow veterans to describe what they witnessed — specifics matter more than sympathy.
Medical Records: Military and civilian. Even a single doctor's note connecting a condition to service helps.
Personal Statement: Your own written account of how a condition affects your daily life.

Prepare for Your C&P Exam

The VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension exam to assess your conditions. This exam determines your rating.
Describe your worst days, not your typical ones. The examiner rates severity — show them the full picture, not the face you put on to get through the week.
Be specific: nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, how noise or crowds affect you, how it impacts your work, your relationships, your ability to be present.
No downplaying. No "I'm fine." That training works against you here.
Bring any records or letters you've submitted — the examiner should have them, but don't assume.

The most common mistake: veterans minimize during the exam because they've been trained to tough it out. The rating reflects what the examiner observes. Let them see the truth.

Get Free Help If You Need It

A VSO (Veterans Service Organization) can help you build your claim, gather evidence, and navigate appeals — completely free. Look up your local chapter of the DAV, VFW, or American Legion.
C3 (Charlie Company Cooperative) works specifically with veterans on PTSD, TBI, and VA navigation. Hit us up.
Check your claim status anytime at va.gov under My VA → Track Claims and Appeals.
If the VA requests more information, respond quickly — delays can slow or complicate your claim.

Don't Quit

If denied or rated lower than you believe is accurate — appeal. File a supplemental claim or a Notice of Disagreement. This is normal. Many claims are won on appeal.
Add more evidence: buddy letters, medical documentation, a stronger personal statement.
A VSO or accredited claims agent can represent you in the appeals process at no cost.
Keep going until you get the rating and support you earned.

The longer ruck

For a deeper understanding of PTSD, C-PTSD, TBI, and what trauma actually does to the brain — and to learn how C3 walks alongside veterans on the ruck toward Post-Traumatic Growth — visit charlieco.co or explore njsr.org.

You made it home. Now it's time to rest, heal, and claim what you're owed. When you're ready to file, follow the steps above. Reach out to C3 if you want someone in your corner.

ZONK.

zonk.life, zonk.vet, and elevenbravo.org are partner projects of the Charlie Company Cooperative, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Veterans by connecting them with Veterans Affairs, helping them understand PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and helping them experience post-traumatic growth. Donate on Venmo @charliecoco or visit charlieco.co to learn more. EIN: 93-3744013.