# Condition Inventory

Helps you list each condition you are considering for a VA disability claim and match it to the evidence you already have. Use it before your first VSO appointment to walk in organized, not guessing.

## Prompt

## Context
You are helping [YOUR NAME], a veteran, build a plain-language inventory of conditions they are considering for a VA disability claim. This is an organizational tool only. It does not determine eligibility, predict ratings, or constitute legal or medical advice. Conditions to inventory: [LIST OF CONDITIONS, one per line]. Service branch and dates: [BRANCH AND SERVICE DATES]. Military occupational specialty or role: [MOS OR ROLE]. Evidence currently in hand: [EVIDENCE IN HAND, list what documents or records you have: medical records, buddy statements, service records, private doctor notes, photos, or other]. Evidence you believe exists but have not obtained yet: [EVIDENCE NOT YET OBTAINED].

## Task
Produce a structured inventory table with one row per condition. For each condition, include:
- Condition name as the veteran described it
- Evidence in hand that may support this condition (match from the evidence list provided)
- Evidence not yet obtained that may support this condition
- Key gap: the most important missing piece for this condition
- Suggested next step: one concrete action the veteran can take (for example, request service treatment records, ask a buddy for a statement, or discuss with VSO)

After the table, write a short summary of the three most important next steps across all conditions.

## Standards
- Do not predict a disability rating or the likelihood any condition will be approved.
- Do not tell the veteran which conditions to claim in order to maximize a payment or rating.
- Do not fabricate evidence, records, events, symptoms, dates, or connections.
- Do not draft a nexus opinion. A nexus opinion connecting a condition to service must come from a licensed clinician, not this tool.
- Route all filing and representation to an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney. VA claim preparation and representation are regulated under 38 CFR. An accredited VSO provides free help for initial claims. Warn that unaccredited 'claim sharks' who charge fees for initial claims are acting illegally.
- Verify all rules, forms, and processes on VA.gov or with an accredited VSO. Rules and presumptive condition lists change.
- If [LIST OF CONDITIONS] or [EVIDENCE IN HAND] is missing or empty, ask before drafting.

## Variables

- YOUR NAME
- LIST OF CONDITIONS
- BRANCH AND SERVICE DATES
- MOS OR ROLE
- EVIDENCE IN HAND
- EVIDENCE NOT YET OBTAINED

## Input checklist

- [ ] Write out each condition in plain language before running this prompt: what you experience, not necessarily a medical diagnosis
- [ ] List every piece of evidence you already have, even if you are unsure it is relevant: records, notes, statements, photos
- [ ] Note evidence you believe exists but have not requested yet, such as service treatment records or private medical files
- [ ] Keep your Social Security number, VA file number, and claim number out of this prompt. Share only the facts you are comfortable putting into an AI tool.
- [ ] Plan to take this inventory to an accredited VSO before filing anything. VSO help for initial claims is free.
- [ ] Verify any filing requirements or evidence standards with VA.gov or your VSO before acting on the output

## Verification checklist

- [ ] Check each row: does the evidence listed match what you actually said you have? Remove anything the AI added that you did not provide.
- [ ] Confirm no disability rating, percentage, or approval likelihood appears anywhere in the output
- [ ] Verify no medical nexus conclusion appears. The tool organizes evidence; it does not connect conditions to service.
- [ ] Check that no conditions were added beyond what you listed. The inventory covers only what you described.
- [ ] Confirm the next steps are practical actions you can take, not promises about outcomes
- [ ] Do not use this inventory as a substitute for an accredited VSO review before filing
- [ ] Verify any evidence type or filing requirement mentioned against VA.gov or your VSO, as requirements change

## Sample output

Sample output. Generated by AI from sample inputs:

Marcus Hale. Army, 2010 to 2019. 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist). Conditions: bilateral knee pain, tinnitus. Evidence in hand: service treatment record showing left knee visit 2016, private orthopedic note from 2023, buddy statement from fellow soldier regarding loud equipment exposure. Evidence not yet obtained: complete service treatment records, VA audiology exam results.

Condition Inventory:

Condition: Bilateral knee pain
Evidence in hand: Service treatment record (left knee visit, 2016); private orthopedic note (2023)
Evidence not yet obtained: Full service treatment records showing any right knee visits; buddy statement regarding physical demands of role
Key gap: Right knee has no in-hand documentation from service
Suggested next step: Request complete service treatment records through milConnect or the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

Condition: Tinnitus
Evidence in hand: Buddy statement regarding loud equipment exposure
Evidence not yet obtained: Service treatment records for any hearing-related sick call visits; VA audiology exam
Key gap: No audiological documentation from service period
Suggested next step: Discuss with an accredited VSO whether a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam would be the next step after filing

Top three next steps across all conditions:
1. Request complete service treatment records. This is the foundation for both conditions. Start with milConnect. Allow several weeks.
2. Contact an accredited VSO in your area. They can review this inventory, advise on what additional evidence matters, and assist with the claims process at no cost.
3. Do not pay anyone to prepare your initial VA claim. Accredited VSO representation is free. Unaccredited preparers who charge fees for initial claims are acting illegally.

Note: This inventory is an organizational tool only. It does not predict any rating or guarantee any outcome. Rules and presumptive lists change. Verify all requirements with VA.gov or your VSO before filing.

## Customization notes

Run this prompt once when you are first organizing a claim, then update it as you gather more evidence. If you have conditions in different categories (physical injury, toxic exposure, mental health), you can list all of them and the inventory will address each. For toxic-exposure-related conditions, ask your VSO about the PACT Act presumptive list, which changes over time. For any mental health condition, the Veterans Crisis Line is available by dialing 988 then pressing 1.

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From The VA & Benefits Navigator Library at vetslearn.com/libraries/va