Methodology

Sources & Methodology

By the VetClaimsGuide Editorial Team · Updated June 2026

We believe veterans deserve to know where our information comes from. This page explains the public sources behind our content and how we build our educational tools.

Our primary sources

VetClaimsGuide is built around publicly available VA guidance. Our main references include:

VA.gov, the Department of Veterans Affairs' official website, for claim processes, eligibility, and benefits information.
The Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4), the federal regulation VA uses to assign disability ratings.
Published VA compensation rate tables, used in our calculators and estimators.
Official VA forms, such as the forms used for statements in support of a claim and unemployability.
Public laws and policy, including the PACT Act and presumptive-condition guidance.

How we build our tools

Our calculators and checklists translate public VA criteria into plain-language, interactive steps. For example, our rating tools follow the published combined-ratings method and current compensation rates, and our evidence checklists reflect the kinds of documentation VA generally looks for. The tools are designed to help veterans organize questions and evidence before speaking with an accredited professional, not to make decisions for them.

Methodology and review

Content is drafted and reviewed by the VetClaimsGuide Editorial Team. We prioritize accuracy and plain language, cite or point to public VA sources where helpful, and revise material when guidance changes. Our tools run in your browser and are meant for general education.

Important limitations

Every estimate on this site is educational and approximate. VA assigns ratings and benefits based on the specific evidence in your file, the findings of any examination, and current regulations, so your actual results may differ from any estimate. Always confirm current rates, criteria, and decisions at VA.gov or with an accredited representative.

Explore our educational tools

All free to use: Claim Readiness Checker, Evidence Gap Finder, VA Rating Calculator, Backpay Estimator, Secondary Conditions Mapper, C&P Exam Prep, TDIU Eligibility Checker, Nexus Letter Builder, Buddy Statement Builder, and the Presumptive Condition Checker.

Frequently asked questions

What sources does VetClaimsGuide use?
We build our tools and content around publicly available VA guidance, including VA.gov, the federal Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4), official VA forms, published VA compensation rate tables, and public laws such as the PACT Act.

How accurate are the estimates?
Our calculators use published VA formulas and rates, so the math is consistent, but the results are educational estimates. Your actual rating and payment depend on the evidence in your file and VA's review.

How often is the information updated?
The editorial team reviews content periodically and updates it when VA guidance, rates, or regulations change. Always confirm current figures at VA.gov.