How to Read a VA Decision Letter Like a Claims Insider

When a VA decision letter arrives, most Veterans skim for the final rating, feel relief or frustration, and then file it away. But buried in those pages is something far more valuable than the rating itself: the VA’s reasoning.

If you learn how to read a decision letter the way claims professionals do, you gain a powerful advantage. You stop filing blind appeals.

You stop guessing what evidence matters. And you start responding strategically.

Why VA Decision Letters Are Often Misunderstood

VA decision letters are written in formal, legal-style language that feels intimidating and impersonal. Many Veterans assume the letter simply states what the VA decided. In reality, it also explains:

• What evidence the VA accepted

• What evidence they discounted or ignored

• What legal standard they applied

• What was missing for approval

Understanding these sections is key to winning your next move.

The Three Sections That Matter Most

The Evidence Section

This section lists the documents the VA claims to have reviewed. If something important is missing here—medical records, a buddy statement, or a nexus opinion—it likely wasn’t considered in the decision.

This alone explains many denials.

The Reasons for Decision

This is the most important part of the entire letter. The VA is required to explain why they denied or rated your claim the way they did.

Look for phrases like:

• “The evidence does not show…”

• “There is no medical nexus…”

• “Symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation…”

These statements tell you exactly what needs to be addressed next.

The Favorable Findings

Many Veterans overlook this section entirely—but it’s gold. Favorable findings are facts the VA has already accepted as true. These findings cannot be reversed unless there’s clear error. That means future appeals can focus only on what’s missing, not what’s already proven.

How to Spot Errors and Weaknesses

Once you understand the structure, red flags become easier to spot:

• The VA acknowledged your diagnosis but denied service connection

• The VA cited outdated medical exams

• The VA minimized symptoms you clearly described

• The VA ignored flare-ups or functional loss

• The VA misapplied rating criteria

These issues are often fixable—with targeted evidence.

Why This Skill Changes Everything

Veterans who don’t understand their decision letters often:

• File unnecessary new claims

• Choose the wrong appeal lane

• Submit irrelevant evidence

• Miss critical deadlines

Veterans who do understand them file smarter appeals, submit better evidence, and often reach higher ratings faster.

What to Do After You Read Your Letter

After reviewing your decision letter carefully, ask yourself:

• What did the VA say was missing?

• What did they already accept?

• What evidence directly contradicts their reasoning?

From there, you can decide whether a supplemental claim, higher-level review, or board appeal makes the most sense.

What to Do Next

If reading your VA decision letter feels overwhelming, Increase Your VA Benefits can help break it down for you. We help Veterans understand exactly what their decision means—and what their best next move should be.

Book a free call to get clarity and take control of your claim.