Glossary
A plain-language reference for VA-space terms used across this site. Each entry has a short definition, and a deep link you can share if someone needs to look up a single term.
- bilateral factor
an extra 10% boost when both arms or both legs have service-connected conditions.
- Board of Veterans' Appeals
the top VA-level appeals venue — a Veterans Law Judge reviews your case.
- buddy statement
a lay statement from someone who witnessed your condition or the event that caused it.
- C&P exam
Compensation & Pension exam — a VA-scheduled medical exam that evaluates your disability.
- Certificate of Eligibility
the VA document that proves your VA-loan entitlement to a lender.
- effective date
the date your benefits start being counted from, usually when you filed.
- funding fee
a one-time fee on VA loans that funds the loan guaranty program — may be waived for some disabled veterans.
- Higher-Level Review
a senior VA reviewer looks at the same evidence again — no new documents allowed.
- intent to file
a placeholder that locks in your effective date up to a year before you file the full claim.
- nexus
the medical link between your current condition and your military service.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
Chapter 33 — up to 36 months of education benefits for post-9/11 service members.
- presumptive condition
a condition the VA automatically links to service for certain veterans — you don't have to prove the nexus.
- priority group
one of 8 tiers that determines your VA healthcare copays and enrollment order.
- retroactive pay
a lump sum covering the time between your effective date and your award.
- SMC
Special Monthly Compensation — extra pay on top of a regular rating for severe disabilities or combined conditions.
- substantially gainful employment
roughly, full-time work that pays above the federal poverty line.
- Supplemental Claim
a re-decision based on new and relevant evidence you add.
- TDIU
Total Disability Individual Unemployability — full compensation rate for veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent work, even below a 100% rating.
- USERRA
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act — reemployment protections for reservists and guard members.
- veteran preference
a federal hiring advantage — extra points on competitive eligibility lists.
- VR&E
Veteran Readiness & Employment, Chapter 31 — tuition + living stipend tied to an employability plan.
Definitions on this page are decision-support, not legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made by VA based on the full record.