Applying for Benefits
| Benefits | How To Apply |
| Before leaving military service – pre-di ... | If you are a member of the armed forces ... |
| Veteran Readiness and Employment benefit ... | The best way to file for Veteran Readine ... |
| Disability compensation benefits for Vet ... | The best way to file for disability comp ... |
| VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation ... | If you’re the surviving spouse or child ... |
Full Answer
What is the easiest VA disability to claim?
- Tip #1: Use MyHealtheVet to Get Your Current Symptoms Documented in VA Medical Records
- Tip #2: Go for High-Value VA Disability Claims (e.g., Mental Health , Lifestyle Impact Claim , Migraines , Sleep Apnea)
- Tip #3: Have a Doctor Complete DBQs for Conditions Already Service Connected
What benefits are you eligible for as a disabled veteran?
- No cost health care and prescription medications
- Travel allowance for scheduled appointments for care at a VA medical facility or VA authorized health care facility
- Waiver of VA funding fee for home loan
- 10 point Veteran preference in federal hiring
- Direct hire authority
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
How to start the VA disability process?
If you are ready to apply now, you can:
- Complete your application online.
- Call our toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- Call or visit your local Social Security office.
What disabilities qualify for VA disability?
Office of Personnel Management Guidelines
- Competitively Filled Positions. Jobs that are filled competitively are advertised through USAJOBS. ...
- Non-competitively Filled Positions. ...
- Required Disability Documentation. ...
How to apply for VA disability?
Where to bring VA application?
What happens after I file my VA disability claim?
About this website
What conditions qualify for VA disability?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as:Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability.Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease.Severe hearing loss.Scar tissue.Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)Ulcers.More items...•
How do I apply for VA disability benefits?
Get VA Form 21-674 to download.You'll need to fill out and submit a Statement of Dependency of Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-509) by mail. Get VA Form 21P-509 to download.You can work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
What form do I need to file a VA disability claim?
File your claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).
What veterans are eligible for VA benefits?
A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.
What is the easiest VA disability to claim?
TinnitusThe #1 Easiest VA Disability to Claim: Tinnitus Tinnitus can only have one VA rating. It is either 10% or nothing. There is no lower VA rating and there is no higher VA rating. Therefore, we call it a “low-value” claim, because it is always rated at 10%, and 10% only, with no exceptions.
Is there a time limit to file for VA disability?
There is no statute of limitations to apply for veterans disability compensation or other VA benefits. However, you should file an application for benefits (article) as soon as possible after you are disabled. It can take the VA months or even years to grant you benefits.
Can I file VA disability without medical records?
If several attempts to find the missing medical evidence have failed, you can still win your VA disability case if you can find other evidence of the accident or treatment. The evidence in your file may show a sudden drop off in health or a leave from duty that can support your assertion that an event occurred.
How do you prove service connected disability?
In order to establish service connection on a direct basis, veterans must show evidence of:A current, diagnosed disability;An in-service event, injury, or illness; and.A medical nexus between the current disability and the in-service event, injury, or illness.
What is the most common VA disability claims?
The most common disabilities found among the Veteran population include:Cervical strain: affecting 989,835 Veterans. ... Sciatic nerve paralysis: affecting 781,178 Veterans. ... Limited ankle motion: affecting 636,853 Veterans. ... Migraine: affecting 548,999 Veterans. ... Degenerative arthritis: affecting 505,553 Veterans.More items...
Is it hard to get VA disability?
As you might expect, it is difficult to obtain a 100% VA disability rating with just one service-connected disability. Most veterans who receive a 100% rating have two or more disabling conditions. Often, these conditions have a secondary service connection.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
How far does VA disability back pay?
It takes another 9 months before the VA's Rating Decision is reached. Ben will receive VA Disability Back Pay for the entire 18 months between his date of separation and the VA's rating decision.
About VA Form 21-4138 | Veterans Affairs
Get VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim. Use this VA form to submit a VA buddy statement or other statement you believe will help support your request for VA benefits.
Apply Online for Disability Benefits
Social Security offers an online disability application you can complete at your convenience. Apply from the comfort of your home or any location at a time most convenient for you.
How to Apply - Compensation
How to Apply. There are numerous ways to apply for VA disability benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seeking: Online using an eBenefits account; Complete and mail the VA Form 21-526EZ, “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits,” and submit it with copies of your service treatment records to this address:
The VA claim process after you file your claim | Veterans Affairs
Claim received. We’ll let you know when we receive your VA disability claim. If you file your claim online, you’ll get an on-screen message from us after you submit the form. If you mail your application, we’ll send you a letter to let you know we have your claim. You should get this letter about one week, plus mailing time, after we receive your claim.
Applying for Benefits - Veterans Benefits Administration
Applying for Benefits . There are numerous ways to apply for VA benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seeking. We encourage you to work with an accredited representative who can assist you with the claims process. You can find and appoint or manage your accredited representative in eBenefits.. En Español
How to apply for VA disability?
To submit a paper application, download and complete a VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation" and mail it to your local regional office. You may also go to your local regional office and turn in your application for processing.
How to apply for VA benefits?
You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways: 1 Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state.#N#Find your PMC 2 Work with an accredited representative.#N#Get help filing your claim 3 Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.#N#Find a VA regional office near you
How to file for VA life insurance?
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): To file for VMLI, complete and submit VA Form 29-8636, "Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance" to your Specially Adapted Housing Agent. The agent will help you complete your application. Also, you must provide information about your current mortgage.
How to get VA form 26-1817?
Download and complete VA Form 26-1817, "Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility - Unmarried Surviving Spouses. You can also call 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for "Eligibility" and we will send the form to you. Mail your completed application to the Regional Loan Center that serves your state.
How to apply for VA education benefits?
The best way to apply for your education benefits is by going to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You can also apply for education benefits by doing any of the following options: By mail. Call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that we send the application to you.
What to do before leaving the military?
If you are a member of the armed forces serving on either active duty or full-time National Guard duty, you should apply through the VA Pre-discharge claim program before leaving service. Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits for service members and Veterans.
Where to apply for VGLI?
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI): To file for VGLI, you can apply online at eBenefits . You may also download and complete SGLV 8714, "Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance".
What is VA presumptive disability?
A presumptive disability is an illness or injury we believe is related to military service. You can also learn more about dependent eligibility.
What is a post service disability?
You have a disability related to your active-duty service that didn’t appear until after you ended your service (called a postservice disability claim)
What is it called when you get sick while serving in the military?
You: Got sick or injured while serving in the military—and can link this condition to your illness or injury (called an inservice disability claim), or. Had an illness or injury before you joined the military—and serving made it worse (called a preservice disability claim), or.
Can you get VA disability for lung disease?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as : Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability. Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease. Severe hearing loss. Scar tissue.
What is VA disability compensation?
VA disability compensation. VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions ...
What to do if you disagree with a disability decision?
If you disagree with a decision on your disability claim, you can request a decision review. You can also manage any review requests or appeals you already filed.
What is VA DIC?
Compensation benefits for a surviving spouse and dependents (VA DIC) Learn about getting VA disability benefits as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent.
Can you get VA disability for mental health?
You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you've earned.
How to apply for VA disability?
How do I prepare before starting my application? 1 Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation 2 Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your VA disability claim. 3 Be sure your claim is filled out completely and you have all the supporting documents ready to send in along with your claim. This will help us process your claim quickly.#N#Learn about fully developed claims 4 Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional forms with your claim
How to apply for VA benefits?
You may also apply by visiting a VA Regional Office where trained staff can assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page. If you have records that support your claim, you should bring them with you. VA will help you obtain records by requesting them from the person, company, or agency that has them, but if submit them yourself you can save processing time and obtain a quicker decision.
What is an accredited representative for VA?
VA encourages individuals who are applying for disability compensation to work with an accredited representative or agent to assist them in completing Fully Developed Claim for submission through eBenefits. Being accredited means organizations and individuals must have VA permission to represent Veterans before the Department in their claims for VA benefits. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that Veterans have qualified and competent representation. These individuals receive specialized training in VA benefits law and procedure. You may search for an accredited representative in eBenefits on the Manage Your Representative for VA Claims page.
How to send VA compensation claim?
The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented centralized mail processing (CMP) for compensation claims. Veterans should send correspondence pertaining to compensation claims to the locations listed on the centralized mailing addresses web page. If you have records that support your claim, you should send them with your claim. If you want us to request records for you, you must tell us the name and address of the person, company or agency that has these records, the approximate time frame covered by them, and the condition for which you were treated. If you received treatment from a non-VA health care provider you must complete VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We will use this form to request non-VA health records.
How to contact the VA?
To find the VA regional office nearest you, use the Veterans Affairs National Facilities Locator or call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
What are VA medical records?
VA medical records and hospital records that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your rated disability has gotten worse. Private medical records and hospital reports that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your disability has gotten worse.
Does the VA have to obtain private medical records?
VA will make every reasonable effort to obtain relevant records not held by a Federal agency that you adequately identify and authorize VA to obtain. These may include privately held evidence and information you tell us about (such as records from a private doctor or hospital) and/or records from State or local governments or current or former employers.
How long do you have to file for disability benefits?
This program allows you to file for benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave ...
What is the VA number for hearing loss?
For help filling out this form, or if the form isn’t working right, please call VA Benefits and Services at 800-827-1000. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.
How old do you have to be to apply for disability?
You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you: Are age 18 or older; Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death: and. Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days.
What is a copy of Social Security?
A copy of your Social Security Statement. The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968. A list of the jobs (up to 5) that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work and the dates you worked at those jobs.
What does DOD stand for in the military?
Veterans associated with Department of Defense (DoD) projects to test, dispose of, or store herbicides in the U.S.
Can blue water veterans be exposed to Agent Orange?
Blue Water Navy Veterans who served aboard ships in the open waters off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War are now presumed to be exposed to Agent Orange. If we denied your claim in the past, you can file a new claim based on Public Law 116-23.
Can you get disability if you didn't serve in Vietnam?
Even if you did not serve in Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone during the specified time periods, you can still apply for disability compensation if you were exposed to an herbicide while in the military and believe it led to the onset of a disease. This includes:
Can you still apply for service connection with Agent Orange?
If you believe that you have a disease caused by herbicide exposure, but that disease is not on the list of diseases associated with Agent Orange, you may still apply for service-connection. In these cases, VA requires all of the following:
Does the VA pay for herbicides?
VA and federal law presumes that certain diseases are a result of exposure to these herbicides. This "presumptive policy" simplifies the process for receiving compensation for these diseases since VA foregoes the normal requirements of proving that an illness began during or was worsened by your military service.
How to apply for VA disability?
How do I prepare before starting my application? 1 Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation 2 Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your VA disability claim. 3 Be sure your claim is filled out completely and you have all the supporting documents ready to send in along with your claim. This will help us process your claim quickly.#N#Learn about fully developed claims 4 Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional forms with your claim
Where to bring VA application?
Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.
What happens after I file my VA disability claim?
You don’t need to do anything while you’re waiting unless we send you a letter asking for more information. If we schedule exams for you, be sure not to miss them.
