Using AI Tools in the
VA Claims Process
AI tools like ChatGPT and specialized GPTs can be powerful allies when used ethically. They help you organize thoughts, draft statements, understand VA terminology, and prepare for exams — but they are assistants, not replacements for professional advice. Always verify AI output against official .gov sources.
Why AI Can Help Veterans
Many veterans struggle with the claims process not because they lack a valid claim, but because they have difficulty articulating how their conditions affect daily life, understanding VA-specific language, or knowing what evidence to prioritize. AI tools can bridge these gaps.
Personal Statements
Helps structure and articulate how conditions affect daily life, work, and relationships
Example Prompt
"Help me write a personal statement describing how my knee injury affects my ability to work and perform daily tasks"
C&P Exam Preparation
Reviews DBQ criteria and helps you prepare honest, thorough answers for each item
Example Prompt
"What questions will the examiner ask for a PTSD C&P exam based on the DBQ?"
Understanding VA Decisions
Breaks down complex VA decision letters into plain language so you know what happened and why
Example Prompt
"Explain this VA decision letter to me in simple terms and tell me what my options are"
Identifying Secondary Conditions
Helps research which secondary conditions are commonly linked to your primary disability
Example Prompt
"What secondary conditions are commonly associated with a service-connected lumbar spine injury?"
Nexus Letter Guidance
Explains what a strong nexus letter should contain so you can discuss it with your doctor
Example Prompt
"What should a nexus letter include to connect my sleep apnea to my service-connected PTSD?"
Appeal Strategy
Helps you understand the three appeal lanes and which might be best for your situation
Example Prompt
"I was denied for tinnitus. Should I file a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review?"
Recommended AI Tools
While general-purpose AI assistants like ChatGPT are useful, there are also specialized GPTs built specifically for veterans navigating the benefits system. These tools are pre-loaded with knowledge about VA regulations, rating criteria, and claims strategy.
ChatGPT
by OpenAI
General-purpose AI assistant that can help with writing, research, and understanding complex documents. Available in free and paid tiers.
Best For
- Drafting personal statements
- Understanding decision letters
- General VA claims research
Complete Veteran/Military Benefits Guide
Specialized GPT
A specialized GPT built specifically for veterans. Pre-loaded with VA claims knowledge, rating criteria, and benefits information. Available in the ChatGPT GPT Store.
Best For
- Claims strategy and rating criteria lookup
- Secondary conditions research
- Step-by-step claims guidance
- Understanding VA math and combined ratings
How to access: Search for "Complete Veteran/Military Benefits Guide" in the ChatGPT GPT Store at chat.openai.com. A free ChatGPT account is all you need.
Important: This GPT is a third-party tool, not affiliated with the VA. It is helpful for organizing information, but always verify its output against official VA sources. Do not enter sensitive PII.
Ethical Guidelines: Do's and Don'ts
AI is a tool to help you present your case clearly and completely. It should never be used to fabricate, exaggerate, or misrepresent your conditions. The VA takes fraud seriously, and dishonesty can result in denial of benefits, repayment demands, or criminal charges.
DO — Ethical Use
Use AI to help organize and articulate your real symptoms and experiences
Use AI to draft personal statements based on your actual daily limitations
Use AI to understand DBQ criteria so you can prepare honest, complete answers
Use AI to research secondary conditions that legitimately apply to your situation
Use AI to understand your VA decision letter and identify valid appeal options
Use AI as a starting point, then verify with official .gov sources and professionals
DO NOT — Misuse
Do not use AI to fabricate symptoms, events, or conditions you do not have
Do not submit AI-generated text without reviewing it for accuracy and making it your own
Do not use AI to coach yourself on how to fake or exaggerate exam responses
Do not claim secondary conditions that you do not actually have
Do not use AI to generate fake medical evidence, buddy statements, or nexus letters
Do not rely solely on AI output without cross-checking facts against official sources
Do not upload your Social Security Number, financial account numbers, or other sensitive PII into any AI tool
Do not use AI-generated output as a substitute for professional legal or medical advice
Remember: AI tools are assistants, not authorities. Always verify AI-generated information against official VA sources (va.gov), consult with accredited VSOs or attorneys for legal strategy, and never submit anything that is not truthful. Your integrity is your strongest asset in the claims process.
Risks of Misusing AI
- Submitting fabricated or exaggerated information to the VA is fraud and may result in denial, repayment demands, or criminal prosecution.
- AI can produce confident-sounding but incorrect information ("hallucinations"). Always verify claims, regulations, and deadlines against official sources.
- AI output may not reflect the most current VA policy changes. Cross-reference with va.gov.
Sample Prompts to Get Started
Here are effective prompts you can use with ChatGPT or the Complete Veteran/Military Benefits Guide GPT to get actionable help with your claim. Click "Copy prompt" to copy any prompt to your clipboard.
"Help me write a personal statement for my VA claim. My condition is [condition]. It affects my daily life by [describe impact]. I want to describe my worst days honestly."
"I have a C&P exam for [condition]. Walk me through the DBQ criteria and help me prepare honest, thorough answers for each item."
"Here is my VA decision letter: [paste text]. Explain what this means in plain language and what my options are."
"I am service-connected for [primary condition]. What secondary conditions are commonly linked, and what evidence would I need to file a secondary claim?"
"My claim for [condition] was denied because [reason]. Which appeal lane should I consider and what new evidence might help?"
Ready to Get Started?
Try the Complete Veteran/Military Benefits Guide GPT in the ChatGPT GPT Store, or use any of the sample prompts above with ChatGPT to begin strengthening your claim.