You will now be able to track the progress of your disability compensation claim online at Vets.gov. After you create a Vets.gov account, give it a try. There are now less-confusing steps in the timeline. Where there used to be eight steps in the claim process, there are now only five: (1) claim received; (2) initial review; (3) evidence gathering, review and decision; (4) preparation for decision notification; and (5) complete. Disability compensation is the only claim status currently available on Vets.gov. Other claim types will be added in early 2017. Also, soon, you will be able to discover, apply for, track and manage all your VA benefits at vets.gov.

For more on veteran benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.