Archives: Definitions

VA Form 20-0996 is the request for a Higher-Level Review (HLR). Unlike a Supplemental Claim, you are not allowed to submit new evidence.

C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam) C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam) A medical appointment ordered by the VA to evaluate the severity of a veteran’s disability and determine if it is service-connected. What is a C&P Exam? The Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam is a specialized medical appointment used by the VA to gather […]

Burn pits were a common form of open-air waste disposal on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn more about their use post-9/11.

What is toxic exposure? For veterans, it’s contact with any harmful substance, such as chemicals or burn pits, during their military service.

Learn about the VA’s Toxic Exposure Screening, a quick questionnaire used to identify potential toxic hazards from your military service.

The term “acute” refers to a severe condition of short duration. It distinguishes itself from “chronic” conditions, which are long-lasting.

An Accredited Representative has met the requirements set by the VA’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) to provide legal assistance to veterans.

Agent Orange is a mixture of herbicides, primarily 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, that the U.S. military used extensively during the Vietnam War.