Top 10 Easiest VA Disability Claims to Win in 2026

Filing for VA disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding which conditions to claim first. But certain disabilities are not only more common among veterans, but they’re also easier to prove, well-supported by medical evidence, and consistently approved at higher rates.

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In 2026, thanks to updates under the PACT Act and improved medical awareness, veterans have more opportunities than ever to get fair compensation for service-connected disabilities. Whether you’re filing a new claim or reopening an old one, these 10 top-rated VA disability claims are the best starting points right now.

Overview of Top VA Disability Claims

Rank	Condition	Average VA Rating Range	Common Among	Key Claim Tip
1	Tinnitus	10%	All branches	Keep symptom logs of ringing frequency.
2	Hearing Loss	0–100%	Combat, Aviation, Mechanics	Include audiogram and MOS noise exposure proof.
3	PTSD	30–100%	Combat, MST survivors	Detailed personal statement + mental health eval.
4	Back Pain / Degenerative Disc Disease	10–60%	Infantry, Armor, Navy	Get imaging and range-of-motion tests.
5	Sleep Apnea	30–100%	All service types	Provide sleep study showing CPAP use.
6	Migraines	10–50%	Aircrew, Combat Arms	Track frequency and impact on work/daily life.
7	Knee / Joint Pain	10–60%	Infantry, Paratroopers	Include range-of-motion tests and lay statements.
8	Sinusitis / Rhinitis	0–30%	PACT Act veterans, Middle East	Qualifies for presumptive service connection.
9	GERD / IBS	10–60%	Deployed troops	Keep food diaries and medical test results.
10	Scars / Skin Conditions	10–80%	Mechanics, Firefighters	Document size, pain, or disfigurement.

1. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus remains the #1 most commonly approved VA disability claim, affecting nearly 2 million veterans.

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• Rating: Always 10% (the maximum schedular rating).
• Key Evidence: Consistent medical documentation or credible personal statements.
• Why It’s Easy to Prove: The VA accepts self-reported symptoms, and it doesn’t require imaging or lab tests.

“Tinnitus is almost universal among service members exposed to constant noise,” says Dr. Anthony Carter, retired Navy audiologist. “Even a simple personal statement can carry strong weight.”

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2. Hearing Loss

Exposure to aircraft, machinery, gunfire, or explosions causes measurable sensorineural hearing loss.

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• Ratings: 0%–100%, based on audiogram thresholds.
• Evidence Needed: VA-approved audiology test showing frequency loss and speech discrimination.
• Tip: Link it to your MOS noise exposure using the VA’s MOS Noise Exposure Listing.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD affects combat and non-combat veterans alike, including survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

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• Ratings: 30%–100%.
• Evidence Needed: Diagnosis from a mental-health provider and stressor verification (combat reports, statements).
• Tips:
  • Include a Statement in Support of Claim detailing triggers, symptoms, and daily impact.
  • Consider submitting buddy statements from family or coworkers.

“The more specific your timeline and behavioral changes, the stronger your PTSD claim,” notes Sarah Daniels, VA mental-health counselor.

4. Back Pain & Degenerative Disc Disease

Back and spine injuries are among the most chronic disabilities in veterans.

• Ratings: 10%–60%.
• Evidence: X-rays or MRI, range-of-motion exams, and reports of flare-ups.
• Common Secondary Conditions: Sciatica, hip pain, or radiculopathy.

Pro Tip: The VA combines range-of-motion limits and painful motion rules, so document both.

5. Sleep Apnea

With rising awareness and stronger medical support, sleep apnea is one of the most compensated conditions today.

• Ratings: 30% (diagnosis and CPAP), 50% (with daytime fatigue), 100% (chronic respiratory failure).
• Key Evidence: Sleep study showing obstructive or central apnea, plus CPAP prescription.
• Secondary Connection: Can result from PTSD, obesity (linked to medications), or sinus conditions.

“If your CPAP use is documented, you’re on strong footing for at least a 50% rating,” says Mike Porter, Veterans Claims Advisor.

6. Migraines

Chronic migraines can severely affect work and social functioning.

• Ratings: 10%, 30%, or 50%, depending on attack frequency and prostration.
• Evidence: Neurology reports and symptom logs.
• Secondary Links: PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury), and neck pain.

Tip: Maintain a migraine diary, it can serve as credible lay evidence.

7. Knee & Joint Pain (Arthritis, Meniscus Injuries)

Physical training, airborne jumps, and combat wear often lead to degenerative joint issues.

• Ratings: 10–60%.
• Evidence: X-rays, orthopedic evaluations, range-of-motion tests.
• Secondary Conditions: Hip or back pain caused by gait changes.

“Veterans underestimate how a simple knee injury from years ago can snowball into multiple connected claims,” says Dr. Rachel Kim, orthopedic VA examiner.

8. Sinusitis / Rhinitis (Including PACT Act Presumption)

Under the PACT Act, chronic sinusitis and rhinitis are presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to burn pits or airborne hazards.

• Ratings: 0–30%, depending on nasal blockage and infection frequency.
• PACT Act Advantage: No need to prove a medical nexus if exposure conditions are met.
• Tip: Submit ENT evaluations and include secondary effects like sleep apnea or headaches.

9. GERD & IBS (Digestive Disorders)

Gastrointestinal issues are common among deployed veterans due to diet, stress, and medications.

• Ratings: GERD 10–60%, IBS 0–30%.
• Evidence: Endoscopy, treatment history, and symptom tracking.
• Secondary Links: Anxiety, PTSD, or medications causing acid reflux.

Pro Tip: The VA recognizes these as functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially common among Gulf War veterans.

10. Scars & Skin Conditions

From burns to contact dermatitis, skin conditions can qualify for significant compensation when chronic or disfiguring.

• Ratings: 10%–80%.
• Evidence: Dermatology reports detailing size, pain, or scarring location.
• Common Secondary Links: PTSD (self-injury scars), or environmental exposure (burn pits, chemicals).

“Even small but painful scars are compensable if they affect mobility or mental health,” adds Dr. Emily Ross, VA dermatologist.

Bonus Tip: Combine Primary & Secondary Claims

Veterans often maximize benefits by connecting secondary conditions (e.g., migraines secondary to PTSD or rhinitis secondary to sinusitis). Filing both together can improve total combined ratings and access to TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) if you can’t maintain employment.

Final Thoughts

The best VA disability claims are the ones backed by clear medical evidence and linked directly to service. Starting with well-documented, common conditions like tinnitus, back pain, PTSD, or sinusitis can help you establish service connection quickly and build a foundation for secondary claims later.

Remember: every claim tells your service story. Be honest, be specific, and get help from a qualified VSO to ensure you don’t leave any benefits unclaimed.

“Even a 10% claim can open doors to healthcare, secondary conditions, and future increases,” emphasizes Mike Porter, Veterans Claims Advisor. “File early, file smart, and document everything.”

Frequently Asked Questions