<commit_before>---
title: Claims Process
template: 2-detailed-landing
relatedlinks:
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/ratings/
    title: How does VA assign disability ratings?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/presumed-disability/
    title: What is a presumed disability?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/claim-types/
    title: What are the different claim types and what do they mean?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/evidence/
    title: How do I gather evidence for a disability claim?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/date/
    title: How does VA determine the effective date of a disability?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/what-happens-after-rating/
    title: What can I expect after getting a disability rating?
    description: ""  
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/claim-exam/
    title: What to Expect at Your VA Claim Exam
    description: ""    
---

A disability claim is a formal legal request for benefits. It’s very important to prepare carefully and to make sure you have the details right before applying. An [accredited representative]({{ site.url }}/disability-benefits/apply-for-benefits/help/index.html) can help you through the process. Below are links to some of the key terms and classifications that VA uses to process your claim.
<commit_msg>Updated related links<commit_after>---
title: Claims Process
layout: page-breadcrumbs.html
template: L2-section-landing
relatedlinks:
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/ratings/
    title: How does VA assign disability ratings?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/presumed-disability/
    title: What is a presumed disability?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/claim-types/
    title: What are the different claim types and what do they mean?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/evidence/
    title: How do I gather evidence for a disability claim?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/date/
    title: How does VA determine the effective date of a disability?
    description: ""
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/what-happens-after-rating/
    title: What can I expect after getting a disability rating?
    description: ""  
  - url: /disability-benefits/claims-process/claim-exam/
    title: What can I expect at my VA claim exam?
    description: ""    
---


A disability claim is a formal legal request for benefits. It’s very important to prepare carefully and to make sure you have the details right before applying. An [accredited representative]({{ site.url }}/disability-benefits/apply-for-benefits/help/index.html) can help you through the process. Below are links to some of the key terms and classifications that VA uses to process your claim.

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