Filing A VA Disability Claim

Data compiled: W I DubeAPRIL 27, 2009

VA Forms Various:

• 21-526 Application for Compensation and/or Pension.

• 21-22 Appointment of VET Service Organization as Claimant’s Rep.

• 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim• 21-4142 Authorization for Info Release to VA• 24-0296 Direct Deposit Enrollment• 21-0760 VA Benefits in Brief

NEED FOR FILING VA DISABILITY• Original DD-214 or Certified Copy to file with claim.

(NEVER SEND ORIGINALS!!!)• Form 21-526 (can be downloaded from web)• Medical Treatment record• Record of service Active and Reserve• Current medical evidence about disabilities.• *Marriage/divorce decrees• *Birth records/ adoption for dependants * Varies, may not be needed.

File Form 21-526 with VADirectly or through Representative• 23 pages: The first seven pages are

instructions and checklists.• Seek help if you don’t understand instructions.• Be sure to keep copy of this form and

anything else provided to VA.• Form 21-526 found at:

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526-ARE.pdf

Useful INTERNET Links• Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.vba.va.gov/• DOD FORMS Source:

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm

• Veterans Service Agency San Diego: (Google your local rep) http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/veterans_services/index.html

• American Legion/one of the many National Organizations: Listed on VA Form 21-22: http://www.legion.org/homepage.php

Final Notes• As the old Yellow Pages ad said “Let your

fingers do the walking.” Use internet and your phone to gather as much information as possible before filing.

• Keep good records, Honesty is best policy.• There is nothing wrong with filing for a VA

Disability claim. The VA will physically evaluate you and your claim for purposes of compensation.