VA terminology
Board Appeal
Review of a VA decision by a Veterans Law Judge. Direct Review, Evidence Submission, and Hearing options have different evidence rules. Check your decision notice for the deadline.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
Veteran education · Terminology glossary
VA terms, in plain language.
Understand common claims terms and abbreviations, with related guides and official VA references.
Reviewed October 17, 2026 · Serving veterans nationwide
Find the meaning. Then read the context.
Short definitions help you understand a letter or a conversation. They do not determine eligibility, choose a review option, or replace the instructions in your decision notice.
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Board AppealC&P examCombined ratingDeferredEffective dateFully Developed Claim (FDC)Higher-Level Review (HLR)Intent to File (ITF)Lay evidence / buddy statementNew and relevant evidenceNexus / medical nexusPresumptive conditionSecondary service connectionService connectionStandard disability claimSupplemental Claim
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VA terminology
C&P exam
A compensation and pension claim exam helps VA evaluate a claimed disability. VA requests an exam when more information is needed; not every claim requires one. It is different from a treatment appointment.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Combined rating
The overall percentage VA calculates when you have more than one disability rating. Individual percentages are combined using VA math rather than simply added.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Deferred
VA has postponed deciding an issue while additional development is completed. A deferral itself is neither a grant nor a denial of that issue. Read any requests and check the status of each condition separately.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Effective date
The date VA assigns as the start of entitlement to an awarded benefit. It is different from the day money arrives. Claim type, filing history, and exceptions can affect it.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
An optional process for submitting the evidence you have with your disability claim and certifying that no more evidence is needed. VA can still obtain identified federal records and request an exam. Additional evidence can move the claim to standard processing.
Source reviewed October 18, 2026.
VA terminology
Higher-Level Review (HLR)
A new review of a decision by a more experienced reviewer using the existing record. You cannot submit new evidence with this option. An optional informal conference lets you identify errors.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Intent to File (ITF)
Notice that you plan to file a claim, which can reserve a potential earlier effective date. You have one year after notifying VA to complete and file the claim. It does not guarantee an award.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Lay evidence / buddy statement
A statement based on firsthand knowledge, such as observations of symptoms or an event. Explain what you personally saw or experienced. A lay statement does not replace medical evidence when medical expertise is needed.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
New and relevant evidence
For a Supplemental Claim, new evidence was not previously considered by VA. Relevant evidence tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue. A newer date alone does not make a record relevant.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Nexus / medical nexus
A connection between a current condition and military service, or a service-connected disability. A medical nexus opinion explains a clinical connection and its reasoning. A diagnosis alone may not establish the required link; evidence requirements vary.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Presumptive condition
For specified conditions and qualifying circumstances, VA presumes a relationship to service. You still need to meet the applicable service, diagnosis, and other requirements. Not every exposure or diagnosis qualifies.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Secondary service connection
A disability caused or made worse by an already service-connected disability. Evidence must support the relationship; simply having two diagnoses does not establish it.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Service connection
VA recognizes that a disability is linked to military service under the applicable rules. Direct claims generally involve a current condition, an in-service event or condition, and a link between them. Other routes have different requirements.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
VA terminology
Standard disability claim
A disability-claim process in which VA takes more responsibility for gathering evidence. Identify relevant records and provide requested permissions. You remain responsible for making sure VA receives requested non-federal records. This is different from a Supplemental Claim.
Source reviewed October 18, 2026.
VA terminology
Supplemental Claim
A decision-review option generally requiring new and relevant evidence for a previously decided issue. Special rules can apply after a law change. Timing can affect the effective date, so read your notice before waiting.
Source reviewed October 17, 2026.
Each definition shows its source review date. Official references open in a new tab. Rules can change; check the current source and your own notice for claim-specific instructions.
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