And how to finally understand it without needing a law degree

I remember talking to a veteran who looked me dead in the eye and said,

“They denied my claim, but I don’t even know what the denial means.”

He had the letter. He had the condition. But he didn’t have the language.
And that’s exactly how the VA system keeps people lost.

So if you’ve ever read something from the VA and felt confused, overwhelmed, or like they were trying to trip you up — this blog is for you.

Let me break it down.

🧠 Why VA Language Feels So Confusing

The VA doesn’t talk like a person.
They talk like a legal and medical institution, because that’s exactly what they are.

So when you get a letter that says “condition not service connected” or “insufficient medical evidence,” you’re left asking:
“Okay… but what now?”

That’s not fair.
That’s not right.
But that is what we’re dealing with — and it’s why learning to “speak VA” gives you power.

🧾 Examples of VA Language You Might See

“Not Service Connected”

Translation: We’re not denying your pain — we just don’t see a clear link to the military.
→ You may need a nexus letter or old service medical records.

“At Least as Likely as Not”

Translation: The magic phrase that means ‘it’s probably connected to service,’ and that’s good enough.
→ This exact wording in a medical opinion can win a claim.

“Insufficient Evidence”

Translation: You told us what’s wrong, but didn’t give us enough medical proof.
→ You’ll need diagnoses, treatment records, or a symptom tracker.

🔍 But What If You Don’t Know What Any of It Means?

That’s where I come in.

I created a tool I wish every veteran had from day one:
The VA Verbiage Decoder — a plain-language guide that breaks down 20+ confusing VA terms with real examples, so you actually know what the VA is saying (and what to do about it).

📥 Download the Decoder (and Breathe)

✔️ Understand what those denial letters are really saying
✔️ Learn the key phrases that help your claim
✔️ Get real examples that make things click
✔️ Easy to print, highlight, and bring to appointments

👉🏽 Click below to download the VA Verbiage Decoder

VA Verbiage Decoder

Whether you’re filing a claim for the first time, appealing a denial, or just trying to help someone you love — this is for you.

💬 Final Thought

You don’t have to learn the whole VA system overnight.
But if you start by understanding the words they use? You’re already ahead of the game.

I made this decoder for the veteran who’s tired of being confused, tired of being dismissed, and ready to take their claim seriously.

If that’s you — I’ve got you.

📩 Reach out anytime: marie@transcendid.com