CALL FOR FORMS

Request a claim form by calling VA at 1-800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. When you call, inform VA of your intent to file a compensation claim, and request that they mail you the form(s) needed to file your claim. That call will serve as your effective date if a completed claim is filed within one year.

DOWNLOAD FORMS

Download and print the claim form(s) via the VA website here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/

DIFFERENT FORMS

Different forms are needed for different claims.

1. If you are claiming that you have a current disability that is related to your service, or that your already service-connected disability has worsened, you need an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).
2. If you are claiming that your already service-connected disabilities prevent you from working, you also need an Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (VA Form 21-8940), and a Request for Employment Information (VA Form 21-4192).
3. If you are claiming that you have a current disability that is related to your service, and VA has previously denied that disability, you need a Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995).
4. If you are claiming compensation benefits as the survivor of a deceased Veteran, you need an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Survivors Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534EZ).

ONLINE

1. VA's online application allows you to fill out the claim form and then submit a supporting statement and/or documents all at the same time. The online application will walk you through the process and let you know what information is needed. Once you start the online process you can save and return to complete your claim, and your intent to file and effective date is automatically established from the date you started the online process if the claim is completed within 1 year.
2. You can start the online application here: https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction.

IN PERSON

1. After following the steps above to obtain a claim form, you must fill in and drop off the form at your local VA Regional Office. You can find the nearest VA Regional Office here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations.

BY MAIL

1. After following the steps above to obtain a claim form, you must fill in and mail the form to VA's Evidence Intake Center.
2. Department of Veterans Affairs
   Claims Intake Center
   PO Box 4444
   Janesville, WI 53547-4444

VA REQUESTS

VA will request your service and VA treatment records.

GENERAL RELEASE FOR MEDICAL PROVIDER

You will need to provide the information for any private treatment providers so that VA can request those records. To give VA permission to obtain your private treatment records, you will need to complete and submit a General Release for Medical Provider Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Form 21-4142a). You can request this form from VA or download it here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-4142a/.

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF CLAIM

You should also submit a Statement in Support of Claim describing why you think your current disability is related to your service. You can request this form from VA or download it here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-4138/.

VA REQUESTS

VA will request your service and VA treatment records.

VA EXAMINATION

VA will arrange for a Compensation and Pension Examination. This is your opportunity to discuss your claimed disability and how it is related to your service.

EVIDENCE REVIEW/DECISION

Once VA has requested your records and obtained a medical opinion, the evidence will be reviewed, and a decision issued.

CALL OR CLICK FOR STATUS

You can check the status of your filed claim online or by calling VA.

1. 1-800-827-1000
2. https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/.
   1. Click green link or log in at top right and then go to "My VA”
   2. Select "Track Claims"
   3. Select "View Status" for specific claim

OVERPAYMENT NOTICE

If you received an overpayment notice, you must request a waiver (relief) of the debt or a payment plan before your monthly benefits are withheld to repay the debt. You can request a debt waiver if you cannot afford to repay the debt.

DEBT WAIVER

VA will stop collection of the debt while considering a debt waiver if the request is submitted within:

1. 0 days for education debts.
2. 90 days for all other debts.

TIMELINE FOR DEBT WAIVER

VA will only consider a debt waiver if the request is received within the following days of the initial debt notification letter:

1. 180 days for education, disability compensation, or pension benefit debt.
2. 1 year for home loan debt.

SUBMITTING DEBT WAIVER OPTIONS

You can submit a debt waiver online or by mail.

1. Submit a debt waiver online here: https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/request-debt-help-form-5655/.
2. Submit a debt waiver by mail:
   1. Obtain a Financial Status Report (VA Form 5655) either by calling VA or online as discussed above.
   2. Draft and sign a personal statement regarding why the debt should be waived, such as you cannot afford to repay it and the debt was not your fault.
   3. Mail the VA Form 5655 and personal statement to:
      1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Debt Management Center
         PO Box 11930
         St. Paul, MN 55111