Applying for VA Disability Compensation
If you were injured or became ill during or because of your military service, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. To receive VA compensation, you must show that:
- You have a diagnosed medical condition,
- Your condition is service-connected, and
- Your symptoms or limitations are sufficient to warrant a VA disability rating with monetary benefits attached
Of course, knowing the basic qualifications doesn’t tell you how to go about pursuing VA disability benefits.
VA Compensation Claim Process
The process of filing a VA disability claim appears simple. Depending on your circumstances, the first step may be to file your disability claim or to file a Notice of Intent.
Filing a VA Disability Claim
If you’re ready to file your claim, you begin by filing VA Form 21-526EZ. Most people file their claims online, and filing online can speed up the process slightly. You also have the option of downloading the form and submitting it by mail or by fax. Finally, you can file your claim in person at a VA Regional Office.
To complete your claim, you will need some information and documentation, such as:
- Your DD 214 or separation papers
- Military medical treatment records
- Medical records supporting your diagnosis and the nature and the severity of your condition
Often, you will want to provide other supporting materials, such as one or more buddy letters. If you have dependents, you may need to submit additional information to establish that you are entitled to additional compensation.
If you don’t have your DD 214, you can request a copy from the National Archives and Records Administrative (NARA). If you have trouble obtaining military records, don’t worry–the VA is required to help.
What is a Fully Developed Claim?
If you can gather all of the required evidence in support of your claim and submit it together with your claim, you may use the “fully developed claim” process. Because all of the evidence is submitted at the same time as the claim, the VA can typically process these claims faster. If they determine that your claim isn’t fully developed (that they need more information that they can’t get from federal government records, they’ll just route your claim back into the regular process and request additional documentation.
When Do You File a Notice of Intent?
In most cases, you’ll go straight to filing a claim. However, if for some reason you aren’t ready to file your claim for VA disability or certain other types of VA compensation, you may want to file a Notice of Intent. That’s because you can often receive VA disability benefits back to the date that you filed your claim. If you file your claim within one year of filing a Notice of Intent, the VA will treat the date you filed the notice as the effective date for your benefits.
Getting Help with Your VA Compensation Claim
The process for filing a VA disability claim appears straightforward, but you must provide every required form and complete each fully and correctly. It’s also essential to understand what the VA is looking for in terms of medical information, statements from family and friends, and other evidence.
At Veterans Help Group, our advocates work with people like you every day. We have extensive experience fighting for fair compensation for disabled veterans and their families. We know what’s required to put together a successful VA disability claim, how to obtain the information you need, which information you can rely on the VA to request, and what type of medical records and diagnostic testing is required to establish the appropriate VA disability rating.
To learn more about how we can help you submit the strongest claim possible, call us today at 855-855-8992 or fill out our contact form here.
