CVA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CVA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the minimum combined disability rating required for a veteran to receive VA disability compensation? → 10%
2. Which VA benefit provides compensation to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition? → Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
3. What is the current Veterans Crisis Line number that connects veterans, service members, and their families to qualified VA responders? → 988, then Press 1
4. Under VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR 4.130), what diagnostic code is used to rate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? → 9411
5. What is the 'look-back period' for asset transfers in VA Pension claims? → 3 years (36 months)
6. What is the primary purpose of a disability assessment for veterans? → To determine eligibility for disability compensation
7. What is the role of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in the appeals process? → To review BVA decisions when veterans disagree with them
8. What does 'service treatment records' (STRs) refer to in the context of VA claims? → Medical records documenting healthcare received during active military service
9. Which of the following is a presumptive condition for prisoners of war (POWs) under 38 CFR 3.309(c) that relates to mental health? → Psychosis
10. What happens if the VA denies a veteran's claim on appeal? → The veteran can request a hearing or take the case to the Board of Veterans' Appeals
11. What happens to a surviving spouse's DIC eligibility if they remarry before age 57? → DIC terminates upon remarriage before age 57 but may be restored if the remarriage ends
12. Under the principles of trauma-informed care, which of the following is NOT one of the six core principles recognized by SAMHSA? → Neutrality
13. What should veterans include in their appeal documentation? → All relevant records and supporting documents
14. What VA resource helps homeless veterans access emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing solutions? → VA Homeless Veteran Programs, including HUD-VASH, SSVF, and VA Grant and Per Diem programs
15. How can a counselor help a veteran prepare for an appeals process? → By providing emotional support and gathering documentation
16. Under what condition can a veteran receive Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)? → One disability rated 60% or more, or combined 70% with one at 40%
17. What is the first step in the VA appeals process? → Filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)
18. How can a veteran appeal a disability decision? → By filing a Notice of Disagreement and submitting new evidence
19. Which federal law requires federal contractors with 50 or more employees to take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified veterans? → VEVRAA (Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974)
20. What is the 'SBP-DIC offset' (also called the 'widow's tax') that was phased out beginning in 2021? → A dollar-for-dollar reduction in SBP annuity when a survivor also received VA DIC benefits
21. What VA program provides vocational rehabilitation and employment services to veterans with service-connected disabilities? → Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), formerly Chapter 31
22. What is the role of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) in the appeals process? → To assist veterans in preparing and submitting appeals
23. What does the character of discharge on a DD Form 214 affect regarding VA benefits eligibility? → Eligibility for most VA benefits and programs
24. What does the VA's Work-Study program allow student veterans to do? → Receive additional education benefits by working part-time in VA-related activities
25. What is the primary purpose of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for military retirees? → To provide a monthly annuity to eligible survivors after a military retiree's death
26. How many times can an eligible veteran use the VA Home Loan benefit? → Multiple times, as long as previous VA loans are paid off or entitlement is restored
27. What does the term 'combined rating' mean in VA disability evaluations? → Using the combined ratings table to calculate total disability from multiple conditions
28. What VA program provides on-the-job training benefits, allowing veterans to earn while learning in an approved position? → On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship program under GI Bill
29. What VA benefit provides supplemental income to low-income wartime veterans who are permanently and totally disabled? → Veterans Pension
30. Which federal law prohibits discrimination against veterans in employment and requires employers to reemploy veterans returning from military service? → Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)