THE VA FILES

Free Resources

Every free tool and guide from The VA Files, in one place. Everything here is free — no account, no payment, no catch.

CALCULATORS & TOOLS

INTERACTIVE TOOL

VA Disability Back-Pay & Monthly Compensation Estimator

Run your numbers: combined rating, dependents, and months → monthly rate and back-pay estimate. Educational illustration only — not a VA determination. No email required to see your result.

GUIDES & CHECKLISTS

FREE PDF

The VA Back-Pay Walkthrough

The plain-language guide to how your estimate was built — plus the three legitimate paths to a higher rating.

FREE PDF

100% P&T Benefits Master Checklist

Everything 100% Permanent & Total unlocks beyond the monthly check — dental, CHAMPVA, Chapter 35, and the rest.

FREE PDF

TDIU Eligibility Checklist

The program that can pay at the 100% rate without a 100% rating — the gates, the employment rule, and the filing checklist.

FREE PDF

Gulf War Benefits Brief

The PACT Act erased the deadline most Gulf War veterans still worry about. Service dates, presumptives, and where to verify.

OFFICIAL VA RESOURCES

VA.GOV

Your Intent to File a VA Claim

How to notify VA of your intent to file — and why it can preserve an earlier effective date for your benefits. Official VA resource.

VA.GOV

VA Disability Compensation Rates

The official monthly rate tables VA uses to set compensation. Verify any estimate against these tables.

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The VA Files provides education only — not legal advice, not claims representation (38 U.S.C. §§ 5901/5905). All guides are free. We never ask for your Social Security number, VA file number, or medical records.