You Earned It.
Now Learn How to Claim It.
The field manuals, toolkits, and veteran-built resources the VA never gave you.
Written by J. Erickson, a disabled Air Force and Air National Guard veteran and VA benefits educator with years of experience helping veterans navigate the claims process. Grounded in 38 CFR. Written in plain language.
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Books & Guides
10
Free Tools
38 CFR
Grounded In
100%
Veteran Written
Stop Leaving Money on the Table
Veterans lose benefits every year due to avoidable mistakes. Our guides are built on 38 CFR, the same regulations VA raters use.
Denied for Technicalities
Claims denied because of paperwork issues, not your actual condition.
Rated Lower Than You Should Be
Incomplete evidence leads to lower ratings and less monthly compensation.
Confused by VA Jargon
The system is designed to be complex. You deserve a clear playbook.
Based on 38 CFR
Every strategy is grounded in the actual Code of Federal Regulations that VA raters use.
Veteran-Written
Written by J. Erickson, a disabled Air Force and Air National Guard veteran and VA benefits educator with years of experience helping veterans navigate the claims process. Not lawyers selling $5,000 packages.
Actionable Templates
Not theory--practical checklists, templates, and scripts you can use immediately.
See What Your Claim Could Be Worth
Use the free VA combined rating calculator to estimate your monthly compensation. Add your conditions, select your dependents, and see the 2026 pay rate instantly.

The Field Manual for Your VA Claim
A VA Disability Claims Manual for the Rest of Us walks you through the entire process: how to file, what evidence to gather, how to prepare for your C&P exam, and how to appeal a denial. Grounded in 38 CFR. Written in plain language.
- Step-by-step filing strategy for initial claims, increases, and secondaries
- C&P exam preparation with condition-specific checklists
- Appeal lanes explained with decision timelines
- Companion toolkit with templates, worksheets, and scripts
Coming soon
Join the WaitlistYou Do Not Need a $5,000 Consultant
The VA claims process has rules. When you understand those rules, you stop guessing and build a stronger, better-documented claim. That is what we teach.
Watch out for unaccredited claim consultants
They charge $1,000 to $10,000 for information that is already public. They cannot legally represent you before the VA. And when their generic advice leads to a denial, they keep your money and you start over alone.
How to spot predatory claim companies →Learn the System
35 guides grounded in 38 CFR. Plain language, step-by-step strategy for every claim type.
Build Your Evidence
Checklists, templates, and C&P exam prep. Know what the VA looks for before you file.
Stay in Control
Your claim, your pace. Work with a VSO or go solo. Either way, you will know exactly what you are doing.
Free Tools & Resources
Calculators, guides, checklists, and filing resources. Everything you need to start your claim, for free. No account required.
Explore Free ToolsVA Claims Blog
Practical articles grounded in 38 CFR covering claims strategy, C&P exam preparation, secondary conditions, appeals, and more. Updated regularly with new content.
Read the BlogYour Benefits Don't Wait. Neither Should You.
Every month you wait is money lost. The average veteran waits 150+ days for a decision. File it right the first time.

Also from J. Erickson
The Rest of Us
A veteran's memoir of life after the uniform. The story behind the mission.
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