how to file for va benefits

How does someone know if they qualify for VA benefits?

• Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
• Were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
• Served prior to September 7, 1980

How long does it take to get VA benefits?

You will generally get an initial rating within six months of filing a claim, but the actual length of time for claims has varied widely from 90 days to 2 years. To understand why the process takes so long and is so variable, it helps to understand how the process works. First Things First: Who Can Qualify To Receive VA Benefits?

How to check your VA benefits?

You can also view these details:

• Any evidence you’ve filed online to support your initial claim
• Any additional evidence we’ve requested from you
• Your claim type
• What you’ve claimed
• Your representative for VA claims

What VA benefits Am I eligible for?

You may be eligible for VA disability benefits or compensation if you meet both of these requirements. Both of these must be true: You have a current illness or injury (known as a condition) that affects your mind or body, and You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training And at least one of these must be true:

What qualifies you for Veterans benefits?

Open to Veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve) If you served on active duty during wartime, are at least 65 years old or have a service-connected disability, and have limited or no income, find out if you qualify for Veterans Pension benefits.

Can I file a VA claim by myself?

Can I file a claim myself? Do I need a lawyer? The initial filing of a claim is simple. You may file the appropriate forms yourself or get help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer who will likely work for a Veterans Service Organization or a State Veterans Service Office.

What is the income limit for VA benefits?

2021 yearly income limit Your yearly income must be $22,555 or less to continue receiving this benefit.

What is the best way to file a VA disability claim?

There are two ways to file a VA compensation claim: print the 526EZ and mail/fax it, or submit it electronically through VA and DoD's eBenefits web portal. Most Veterans opt for the former, cross their fingers, and hope for the best.

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 are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?

According to a recent Veterans Administration report to Congress, the ten most commonly awarded medical conditions that are getting approved for benefits are as follows:Tinnitus.Limitation of flexion (knee)Hearing loss.Lumbosacral or cervical strain (back and neck strains)Limitation of arm motion.General scars.More items...•

Do veterans get paid for life?

The SSA evaluates military records when claimants apply for benefits, and qualifying veterans can get a lifetime earnings credit for wages during service. Eligibility is based on length of service.

Can any veteran get VA benefits?

If you served in the active military service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits.

Do all veterans get a pension?

To receive Pension, a veteran must have served on active duty at least 90 days, during a period of war. There must an honorable discharge or other qualifying discharge. Single surviving spouses of such veterans are also eligible.

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.

When should I file for VA disability?

If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner.

How long does VA disability claim take?

You can expect to wait a while when you file a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to information published on the VA website, the average claims process time is approximately 125 days from the receipt of your application and supporting materials.

You can still file a claim and apply for benefits during the coronavirus pandemic

Get the latest information about in-person services, claim exams, extensions, paperwork, decision reviews and appeals, and how best to contact us during this time. Go to our coronavirus FAQs

What evidence will I need to provide to support my claim?

You can help to support your VA disability claim by providing documents, such as:

Should I submit an intent to file form?

If you plan to file for disability compensation using a paper form, you may want to submit an intent to file form first. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date).

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.

More information about filing disability claims

Learn about standard claims, supplemental claims, secondary claims, and more.

How to apply for VA health benefits?

Why apply for VA health benefits? 1 There is no cost to apply. 2 Enroll once – comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them. 3 Remain enrolled, even if you don't use VA for your health care. 4 Enrollment in VA health care meets health care law requirements; you don't need any other coverage. 5 If you are not eligible to enroll at this time, VA will save your application and contact you if eligibility criteria change.

How to apply for VA 10-10EZ?

You will need Adobe Reader 9.2 or newer to open the 10-10EZ form. You can also apply by phone by calling our toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387) or in person at your local VA medical center.

Is it expensive to apply for VA health insurance?

There is no cost to apply. Enroll once – comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them. Remain enrolled, even if you don't use VA for your health care. Enrollment in VA health care meets health care law requirements; you don't need any other coverage.

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

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.

How to submit intent to file?

You can submit your intent to file by phone or by written form. Note: If you file your claim online, you don't need to separately send an intent to file form. The online application already includes your intent to file.

Inside Veterans Benefits

We appreciate your patience as we continue to work with you during this time of crisis.

VA Outreach Events

Veterans benefits help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more. Join an event for conversation and information.

You can still file a claim and apply for benefits during the coronavirus pandemic

Get the latest information about in-person services, claim exams, extensions, paperwork, decision reviews and appeals, and how best to contact us during this time. Go to our coronavirus FAQs

Should I submit an intent to file form?

You may want to submit an intent to file form before you apply for pension benefits. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date).

How long does it take VA to make a decision?

It depends. We process claims in the order we receive them, unless a claim requires priority processing.

VA Rating Increase: 4 Essential Elements for VA Disability Claims

There are four (4) essential elements you must prove to get your VA disabilities service connected, rated, or increased.

About the Author

Brian Reese is VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, and founder of VA Claims Insider – “The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”