Especially if you’re coping with the physical and mental consequences of service, negotiating the VA disability claims procedure might seem like an uphill struggle. Not all claims, however, are equally challenging. Knowing the simplest items to assert for VA disability might increase your chances of approval and enable you to prevent needless anxiety. Veterans in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton merit unambiguous information, assistance, and outcomes.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a strong VA disability claim, highlight the most straightforward conditions to get approved, and explain how to increase your chances with the VA in 2025. Plus, you’ll learn how Peña & Bromberg, a veteran-focused disability law firm in California’s Central Valley, can help you build the strongest case possible.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Good VA Claim?
- Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability in 2025
- Why Some Claims Get Approved More Quickly Than Others
- 2025 Updates: What Veterans Need to Know
- How to Strengthen Your VA Claim (Even the “Easy” Ones)
- Why Hire Peña & Bromberg
- Where to Go from Here: Get Help with Your Claim
What Makes a Good VA Claim?
A successful VA disability claim isn’t just about listing a condition—it’s about proving it. So what makes a good VA claim?
- A current medical diagnosis
- A documented in-service event, injury, or illness
- A clear “nexus” (connection) between service and the condition
Even conditions considered “easy” to claim can be denied if this structure isn’t followed. That’s why it’s essential to submit a complete, well-supported claim from the start—or work with a VA disability attorney who knows how to do it for you.
Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability in 2025
While every case is unique, some conditions are generally easier to get approved for because they are:
- Common among veterans
- Well-documented by the VA
- Easily diagnosed by medical professionals
- Clearly linked to military service
Here are some of the easiest claims to get approved for in 2025:
1. Tinnitus
One of the most commonly approved VA disability claims. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) often stems from noise exposure in service—think loud engines, gunfire, or explosions. It’s subjective, but the VA frequently approves it based on self-reporting and service context.
2. Hearing Loss
Like tinnitus, hearing loss is usually service-connected for veterans exposed to prolonged noise. Audiology exams are straightforward, making this one of the simplest claims to document and prove.
3. Knee and Back Conditions
Joint pain from rucking, physical training, and heavy lifting is common in veterans. These claims are often supported by service records and VA medical exams.
4. Mental Health Disorders (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)
While these require more detailed documentation, claims for PTSD or anxiety are increasingly approved—especially for combat veterans or those who can show in-service stressors.
5. Scars and Skin Conditions
Visible injuries, burns, or skin conditions often result in higher approval ratings. The VA tends to process these quickly if there’s photographic evidence or medical documentation.
6. Sleep Apnea (With CPAP Prescription)
Sleep apnea tied to service can be easier to prove if you’ve been diagnosed through a sleep study and use a CPAP machine. Secondary connections (e.g., to PTSD or obesity caused by service) are becoming more common.
7. Migraines
Frequently linked to TBI or PTSD, migraines are among the fastest-growing VA claims. Veterans with frequent, debilitating migraines can receive a high disability rating.
Why Some Claims Get Approved More Quickly Than Others
Not all conditions are evaluated equally by the VA. Here’s why some are easier to claim:
- Well-established VA rating schedules: Common conditions like tinnitus already have clear rating criteria.
- Low threshold for approval: Some conditions don’t require extensive testing.
- Direct service connection is easy to show: When it’s obvious your condition was caused by military service (e.g., hearing loss from artillery fire), the process speeds up.
- No need for extensive medical opinions: Straightforward diagnoses mean less reliance on complicated medical evaluations.
However, “easier” doesn’t mean “guaranteed.” Many veterans still get denied due to incomplete applications, lack of medical records, or failure to connect the dots between their condition and their time in service.
2025 Updates: What Veterans Need to Know
Key VA Changes in 2025
If you’re applying for VA benefits in Fresno, Bakersfield, or Stockton this year, be aware of the following:
- Expanded presumptive conditions: Veterans who served in certain regions (e.g., Afghanistan, Iraq, Southeast Asia) now benefit from expanded lists of presumptive conditions—meaning they no longer have to prove the condition was caused by service.
- Increased focus on digital submissions: VA.gov is now the primary portal for new claims and status updates. Applications must be complete and accurate to avoid delays.
- Updated C&P Exam Guidelines: Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams are being reviewed for fairness and accuracy. You now have more power to contest an unfair exam result.
- Higher approval rates with legal representation: Data released in early 2025 shows that veterans represented by attorneys are 2–3 times more likely to succeed in appeals and hearings.
How to Strengthen Your VA Claim (Even the “Easy” Ones)
Even the easiest claims can fail if they aren’t backed by strong evidence. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Get a Nexus Letter: A medical opinion that links your condition to your military service is critical, especially for conditions like sleep apnea or migraines.
Submit Buddy Statements: Letters from fellow service members or family can provide firsthand accounts of your symptoms or how your condition developed.
Stay on Top of Deadlines: VA appeals must be filed within strict timeframes. Missing even one deadline can delay your benefits for months or years.
Document Everything: Don’t rely on memory. Every doctor’s visit, ER trip, and therapy session should be included in your medical file.
Why Hire Peña & Bromberg
Navigating VA disability claims is complicated, even if your condition is “easy” to prove. Peña & Bromberg is a veteran-focused law firm that serves Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton, offering compassionate, high-impact legal representation for those who served.
Here’s why local veterans trust our firm:
1. Veteran-Focused Practice
We focus heavily on VA disability and know the specific challenges veterans face during the claims process. We’ve seen it all and fought it all.
2. Proven Track Record
With years of experience helping veterans throughout California’s Central Valley, we know what it takes to win. From initial filings to Board of Veterans’ Appeals cases, we’re there every step.
3. Bilingual Representation
Our team proudly supports both English and Spanish-speaking veterans and their families.
4. Personalized Strategy
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Your case is unique, and we build a claim tailored to your specific medical history and service record.
Where to Go from Here: Get Help with Your Claim
Filing for VA disability shouldn’t be harder than your service. If you believe you qualify for benefits and want to explore the easiest things to claim for VA disability, don’t go it alone. The legal team at Peña & Bromberg is here to fight for you with experience, strategy, and compassion.
📞 Call us today or request your free case review online. Whether you’re just starting out or appealing a denial, we’ll help you build a claim that gets results.
