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VA Disability Claim

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VA Disability Claim
Preparing to Submit a VA Disability Claim
Submitting a VA Disability Claim

VA Disability Claim

The VA Disability Claim is Step 2 of the IDES process.

A VA Disability Claim is an application for VA Disability benefits. A veteran can submit a VA Disability Claim for a service-connected condition at any time. For service members, if they are being medically discharged, then they will submit a VA Disability Claim during Step 2 of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). If they are not being medically discharged, then they can submit a claim once they are within 180 days of their discharge date.

Once you submit a VA Disability Claim, you will undergo C&P Exams. The VA’s Rating Authorities will then consider all of the information they received from the VA Disability Claim and the C&P Exams and assign a VA Disability Rating to each of your service-connected medical conditions.

The Initial Claim

It is best to include every service-connected condition you have on your initial claim. Do not assume that a condition will not qualify based on the knowledge you gain as you prepare your claim. The VA will ultimately review everything and decide which conditions do and do not qualify, but if you do not list something, then they cannot consider it and you could miss out on benefits.

You can submit multiple initial claims at any time for different conditions, but you can only submit one initial claim for each condition. Even though it is allowed, having multiple claims opened at one time will muddy the waters for the VA, so we recommend including all of your conditions on a single claim, if possible.

If you do need to submit an additional claim, only include new conditions that were not included on previous claims. If you disagree with the VA’s Rating Decision, you need to submit an appeal, not another VA Disability Claim, until the period allowed for appeals has expired. You can then submit a new claim in order to reopen the case for that condition.

Claiming Additional Conditions

If a condition was not included on your initial VA Disability Claim, another VA Disability Claim can be submitted for that additional condition at any time. This includes any new conditions and secondary conditions that develop in the future.

Increased Evaluations

The VA will increase a condition’s rating if the condition worsens over time. To claim a condition that has worsened and now qualifies for a higher rating, list the condition on a VA Disability Claim and indicate that you are applying for an increased evaluation. The VA will then increase the rating for that condition based on the new evidence you submit with the claim.

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Preparing to Submit a VA Disability Claim

The VA Disability Process takes time, but you can help it along by submitting a clear and complete VA Disability Claim (a “fully developed claim” or “FDC”).

The first thing you should do is submit VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim. This will guarantee that the affective date for your conditions is the earliest date you can get. You then have 12 months from the date of submission to submit your complete claim. If you are submitting your claim digitally through VA.gov, starting a new claim in your portal is the same as filing an Intent to File a Claim. You will have 12 months from the date you start a new claim online to complete it.

To complete your claim, first gather all of the evidence the VA needs in order to assign a VA Disability Rating to each of your conditions. You can Find Your Conditions on our site to figure out what information is needed to rate your conditions. This evidence should include all of your military and civilian medical records regarding your conditions and any additional supporting evidence, like a Nexus Letter. Submitting sufficient medical evidence with your VA Disability Claim is essential to having your conditions rated correctly. 

You’ll also need to submit your Discharge DD Form 214, and, if you already went through the DoD Disability Process, the official documents from your Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board.

Finally, you need to gather the evidence necessary to prove service-connection for each of your conditions.

Once you’ve gathered all of your evidence, you’re ready to submit your VA Disability Claim.

In order to receive full VA Disability Back Pay to your discharge date, it is vital that you file your Intent to File within 1 year of your discharge date. If you do, then your benefits will be effective starting on your discharge date. If you miss this 1-year deadline, then the effective date will be the first day of the month after you submit your Intent to File.

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Submitting a VA Disability Claim

You can submit your VA Disability Claim in one of two ways.  

  • You can use the online system on VA.gov.

-OR-

  • You can submit VA Form 21-526EZ via mail or in person at your local VA office. Make sure to pay close attention to all directions on the form so that you can get it submitted correctly the first time. 

If you have not yet separated from the military, you cannot sumbit a VA Disability Claim unless you are within 180 days of your discharge date. If you are separating from the military because of your medical conditions, you will go through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process, and you will be guided by your PEBLO to submit your VA Disability Claim as part of the process. 

There are a few more forms that are submitted along with the VA Form 21-526EZ if the following circumstances apply:  

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FAQs

What is a VA Disability Claim?

Veterans submit a VA Disability Claim in order to collect disability benefits from the VA for their service-connected conditions.

How do I submit my claim?

The best way to submit a claim along with all of your supporting materials is directly through the VA's eBenefits portal. You can also submit a paper copy of VA Form 21-526EZ to the address on the form.

Can I submit a claim any time?

Once you are a veteran, yes, you can submit a claim for disability benefits at any time. If you are still active duty, you can only submit a VA Disability Claim once you are within 180 days of your discharge date or as part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.

Do I submit a claim for each condition I have?

The VA will only rate conditions that you can prove are service-connected. Each service-connected condition you have must be included on a claim in order to be considered by the VA. You can and should submit each of your service-connected conditions on the same claim to simplify your process, but if you leave one off or another condition develops later, you will have to submit a new claim for those conditions.

What evidence should I submit with my claim?

You must submit documentation that proves that your conditions meet the requirements for service-connection; all medical records that include information on the diagnosis, treatment, and current state of your conditions, including the information necessary to properly rate the conditions; and your DD Form 214 and forms from your medical separation, if any. Additional evidence, like NEXUS Letters and buddy statements may be needed in some cases.

How long does it take the VA to process my claim?

A fully developed claim submitted with all the information necessary will usually be processed within 3 months. Claims with missing information could take significantly longer.

What do I do if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, then you can follow the instructions on the Rating Decision to submit an appeal. When you submit your appeal, you will need to pick for your appeal to be processed in one of the RAMP lanes, depending on the reason your claim was denied. Full information can be found on our Appeals page.

How can I check on the status of my claim?

You can find the current status of your claim in your eBenefits portal or by calling your Regional VA office.

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