How to File a VA Disability Claim
Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation.
How do I prepare before starting my application?
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Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your disability claim.
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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.
Learn more about fully developed claims. -
Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional (supplemental) forms with your claim.
What evidence will I need to provide to support my claim?
You can help to support your claim by providing documents, such as:
- VA medical records and hospital records that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries
- Private medical records and hospital reports that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries
- Supporting statements you’d like to provide from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or those you served with that can tell us more about your claimed condition and how and when it happened
Depending on the type of claim you file, you may gather supporting documents yourself, or you can ask for our help to gather evidence.
Find out how to gather evidence for your claim.
We’ll also review your discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents) and service treatment records.
Please note: You don’t have to submit any evidence to support your claim, but we may need to schedule a claim exam so we can learn more about your condition.
You should also know that you have up to a year from the date we receive your claim to turn in any evidence. If you start your application and need time to gather more supporting documents, you can save your application and come back later to finish it. We’ll recognize the date you started your application as your date of claim as long as you complete it within 365 days.
You can also file your claim:
By mail
File your claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).
Download VA Form 21-526EZ.
Print the form, fill it out, and send it to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
In person
Bring your application to a VA regional benefit office near you.
Find a VA regional benefit office near you.
With the help of a trained professional
You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help filing a claim for disability compensation.
Get help filing your claim.
If you have a power of attorney and need to update their information, please call Veterans Benefits Assistance at 1-800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (ET).
What happens after I file my claim?
Find out what happens after you file.
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.
Track the Status of Your Claim