Welcome to the Operation Veterans Edge Self Assessment

Welcome to your OVE Guided Self-Assessment. This simple checklist is designed for ease of selection and should only take 5-15 minutes to complete.

The purpose of this assessment is to help us build an initial list of the conditions you are considering for your VA claim. This is a crucial first step that provides the foundation for our discussion and for building your personalized campaign strategy.

Please Keep in Mind:

  • Integrity First: It is critical that you are truthful and honest throughout this entire process. That said, we know you were trained to be a tough Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Guardian. This is the one time we ask you to set that mindset aside. Now is the time to be vulnerable and lay all your cards on the table. If a condition hurts, changes your quality of life in any way, and you believe it's tied to your service, you need to claim it.

  • Include Previously Denied Claims: Be sure to check the boxes for any conditions you were previously denied for. These will become Supplemental Claims. Any condition you are claiming for the first time is an Original Claim.

  • This is an Initial List: This is not your final, locked-in list of claims. If you feel something is missing or later want to add or remove a condition, that is perfectly fine. You can modify your claim strategy at any time by communicating with your coach.

Thinking About Service Connection

As you review the checklist, it's helpful to consider how each potential condition is tied to your service. The three most common ways are:

  • Direct Connection: An injury or illness that started in service.

    • Example: Knee pain that began during an 8-mile road march while carrying a heavy pack.

  • Secondary Connection: A condition caused or worsened by an already service-connected disability.

    • Example: An ankle condition that developed because a service-connected knee injury changed the way you walk.

  • Aggravation: A condition that you had before service but which was made permanently worse by your military duties.

    • Example: A pre-service flatfoot condition that became chronically painful due to rigorous marching and training.

Ready to begin?