Tool · 006
VA Decision Letter Decoder
Your decision letter is dense, formal, and easy to mis-read. Here's what each section actually means — and what each denial phrase is really telling you.
⚠ Do not ignore the deadline on your decision letter.
You have 1 year from the decision date to file a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal and keep your effective date.
/ 01
Where to find the rating decision
The actual decision is usually in the 'Rating Decision' section, near the top after the cover page. It lists each issue (each claimed condition) and assigns either 'Service Connection Granted' or 'Service Connection Denied' along with a percentage and an effective date.
/ 02
Where to find favorable findings
Look for a section called 'Favorable Findings' or items the VA explicitly accepted in your favor — diagnosis confirmed, in-service event verified, exposure conceded. These are locked in. If you appeal, the VA cannot un-find them. Cite them directly when you push back.
/ 03
Where to find the reason for denial
The 'Reasons for Decision' (or 'Reasons and Bases') section is where the VA explains WHY they denied or under-rated you. This is the most important part of the letter — it tells you exactly what to fix.
Translate the language
"No nexus"
The VA agrees you have a current diagnosis and accepts the in-service event, but the medical evidence doesn't link them. Fix: get a nexus letter from a qualified provider using 'at least as likely as not' language.
"No current diagnosis"
The VA says you don't have a current, active condition documented. Fix: get evaluated by a qualified provider and submit current medical records.
"No in-service event"
The VA can't find your service records documenting the injury, illness, or exposure. Fix: submit STRs, buddy statements, personnel records, or unit history placing you at the event.
"Less than 50% probability"
The C&P examiner gave a negative nexus opinion. Fix: counter with a stronger private nexus letter from a specialist, or rebut the examiner's rationale with a Supplemental Claim.
"Not shown to have been incurred in or caused by service"
Boilerplate denial language. Usually means weak or missing nexus. Fix: same as above — strengthen the nexus.
"Symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating"
Service connection granted, but the VA gave you a lower percentage. Fix: file a Higher-Level Review if rating criteria were misapplied, or a Supplemental Claim with new evidence (DBQ, treatment records) showing the next-higher percentage.