Before you start: From Denied to Rated pretest

About 10 minutes. Not graded. 12 questions, plus 3 quick confidence questions.

This is not a test you pass or fail. It is fine not to know these answers. Many people will not, because you have not taken the course yet. Your answers show your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came.

Some questions describe hard moments. You can stop and take a break at any time. This course is education, not therapy. If you need to talk to someone now, call or text 988. Veterans can dial 988 and press 1. In danger, call 911.

How sure do you feel?

Rate each line from 1 (not at all sure) to 5 (very sure). There is no right answer.

I can protect my dates and read a decision letter.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can check my evidence and write a true, specific statement.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can prepare for an exam and find other paths to a fair rating.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

Questions

1. Dana knows she wants to file but needs three months to gather records. Which step protects her potential start date now?

A. Wait and file one complete claim once all her records are ready B. Submit an Intent to File and keep the confirmation C. Call her old unit and ask them to hold her place in line

2. Jo left active duty 4 months ago. Why might she file her claim in the next 8 months?

A. A claim within one year of separation can be paid from the day after separation B. VA stops taking claims for service problems after one year C. VA exams are offered only in the first year after you leave

3. A letter says a hearing loss claim was denied because "there is no current diagnosis." What should the veteran work on?

A. A letter asking for a higher combined rating B. A new buddy statement about the loud noise in service C. Getting a hearing test that is written down

4. Gus thinks VA made a clear mistake on the evidence it already had, and he has nothing new. Which lane fits?

A. A brand new claim for the same condition, filed today B. A Supplemental Claim on VA Form 20-0995 C. A Higher Level Review on VA Form 20-0996

5. Rob has a back diagnosis and a doctor's opinion linking it to service, but no record of an injury in service. Which leg is weakest?

A. Proof of the event in service B. A second copy of his diagnosis C. A stronger link letter from his doctor

6. Before asking for a review, Kay wants to see what VA reviewed. What can she request?

A. A printed copy of the combined rating table B. A new exam with a different examiner C. Her claims file on VA Form 20-10206

7. Which sentence gives a rater the most useful detail?

A. "My shoulder pain is awful and it ruins everything I try to do." B. "Most days I cannot lift my arm above my head, so I stopped painting houses in 2025." C. "I think my shoulder has a torn tendon from carrying gear."

8. Mo wants an AI tool to help clean up his statement. Which instruction is best?

A. "Sort these notes into five parts. Do not add any facts I did not give you." B. "Make my symptoms sound as bad as possible so the rater takes them seriously." C. "Write a statement for my buddy too, in his voice."

9. On exam day, Ed feels better than usual. How should he answer "How are you today?"

A. Describe his worst day as if it were today, so the examiner sees the worst B. "Today is a good day. Here is what my bad days look like and how often they happen." C. "I am fine," and leave it there so he seems honest

10. Which entry belongs in a 30 day Functional Impact Log?

A. "Bad day again. My head hurt for most of it." B. "Oct 3: migraine, 5 hours, left work at noon." C. "I think my migraines are getting worse every single week."

11. Cole's rated ankle has caused a limp, and now his knee hurts and has a diagnosis. What path could fit?

A. A secondary claim, if evidence shows the ankle caused or worsened the knee B. A TDIU claim, since the limp makes work harder C. No path, since the knee problem began years after he left service and is new

12. Ken has two conditions, one at 40% and a combined 70%, and they keep him from steady work. What should he ask about?

A. Nothing more, since 70% is the top rating B. Special monthly compensation only C. TDIU, using VA Form 21-8940

Save my starting point

Next up

Go to Lesson 1: Seven Rules That Decide Most Claims.

This self check is not graded.