CINXE.COM
How To File A VA Disability Claim | Veterans Affairs
<!DOCTYPE html><!--[if lt IE 7 ]> <html lang="en" class="ie6"> <![endif]--><!--[if IE 7 ]> <html lang="en" class="ie7"> <![endif]--><!--[if IE 8 ]> <html lang="en" class="ie8"> <![endif]--><!--[if IE 9 ]> <html lang="en" class="ie9"> <![endif]--><!--[if (gt IE 9)|!(IE)]><!--><html lang="en"><!--<![endif]--><!-- layout: page.drupal.liquid path: disability/how-to-file-claim entityId: 905 --><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="True"> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="320"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <!-- Preconnecting required origins: https://web.dev/uses-rel-preconnect/ --> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com"> <!-- Index only pages on production. --> <!-- Add metatags. --> <!-- Canonical URL --> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/"> <!-- Last updated --> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="W3CDTF" content="2024-11-04"> <!-- Last updated --> <!-- Mobile App Promo Banners config --> <!-- End Mobile App Promo Banners config --> <!-- og:url --> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/"> <!-- og:type --> <meta property="og:type" content="website"> <!-- article:tags --> <!-- Custom metatags --> <meta name="description" content="Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased disability compensation."> <link rel="image_src" href="https://www.va.gov/img/design/logo/va-og-image.png"> <meta property="og:description" content="Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased disability compensation."> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.va.gov/img/design/logo/va-og-image.png"> <meta property="og:image:alt" content="U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs"> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Veterans Affairs"> <meta property="og:title" content="How to file a VA disability claim | Veterans Affairs"> <title>How To File A VA Disability Claim | Veterans Affairs</title> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Learn how to file a VA disability claim for a service-connected disability. File a disability claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a professional. Review the documents and information you’ll need before you get started."> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.va.gov/img/design/logo/va-og-image.png"> <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content="U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@DeptVetAffairs"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="How to file a VA disability claim | Veterans Affairs"> <!-- Default metatags --> <!-- Add polyfills. --> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" nomodule data-entry-name="polyfills.js" src="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/polyfills.entry.js"></script> <!-- Add analytics helpers. --> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39"> /** * An alias for window.dataLayer.push made available under the window so that it is accessible in content files. * @module module:record-event * @see https://developers.google.com/tag-manager/devguide * @see module:platform/monitoring/record-event * @param {object} data - The event data that will be sent to GA. */ window.dataLayer = [] || window.dataLayer; window.recordEvent = function(data) { return window.dataLayer.push(data); }; window.recordMultipleEvents = function (events){ events.forEach(event => recordEvent(event)) } </script> <!-- Add web components. --> <link rel="stylesheet" data-entry-name="web-components.css" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/web-components.css"> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" defer data-entry-name="web-components.js" src="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/web-components.entry.js"></script> <!-- Render GA template. --> <script data-e2e="analytics-script" nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39"> (function(w, d, s, l, i) { w[l] = w[l] || []; w[l].push({ 'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(), event: 'gtm.js' }); var f = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j = d.createElement(s), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? '&l=' + l : ''; j.async = true; j.src = 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; f.parentNode.insertBefore(j, f); })(window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WFJWBD'); (function(window) { function withFormContent(acc, data) { //console.log("acc.content data",data.Content); acc.content = data.Content; } function withFeedbackUUID(acc, data) { acc.feedbackUUID = data.Feedback_UUID; } function mEvent(name, action, opts) { opts = opts || {}; var custom = opts.custom; var label = opts.label; function handle(event) { var start = +new Date(); var cm = window.cm || function() {}; var mData = event.detail; var eData = { category: 'Medallia', action: action, label: label || mData.Form_Type, value: mData.Form_ID, myParams: {}, }; if (custom) { for (var i = 0; i < custom.length; i++) custom[i](eData.myParams, mData); } var end = +new Date(); console.log('send', 'event', eData, end - start); recordEvent({ event: eData.action, 'survey-tool': eData.category, 'survey-form-id': eData.value, 'survey-status': eData.label, 'survey-details': eData.myParams, }); } window.addEventListener('MDigital_' + name, handle); } mEvent('ShowForm_Called', 'survey-show-form-call'); mEvent('Form_Displayed', 'survey-start-form'); mEvent('Form_Next_Page', 'survey-next-click'); mEvent('Form_Back_Page', 'survey-back-click'); mEvent('Form_Close_Submitted', 'survey-submit-close'); mEvent('Form_Close_No_Submit', 'survey-no-submit-close'); mEvent('Feedback_Submit', 'survey-submit', { custom: [withFeedbackUUID, withFormContent], }); mEvent('Submit_Feedback', 'survey--submission', { custom: [withFeedbackUUID, withFormContent], }); mEvent('Feedback_Button_Clicked', 'survey-button-click', { custom: [withFeedbackUUID], }); mEvent('ThankYou_Displayed', 'survey--submission-successful', { custom: [withFeedbackUUID, withFormContent], }); mEvent('Invite_Displayed', 'survey-invitation-display', { label: 'Invite', }); mEvent('Invite_Accepted', 'survey-invitation-accept', { label: 'Invite', }); mEvent('Invite_Declined', 'survey-invitation-decline', { label: 'Invite', }); mEvent('Invite_Skipped', 'survey-invitation-skip', { label: 'Invite', }); })(window); recordEvent({ environment: 'vagovprod' }); if ( self !== top ) { recordEvent({ event: 'iframed', embeddedIn: document.referrer }); } </script> <!-- Add Icons. --> <link href="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/design/icons/apple-touch-icon.png" rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed"> <link href="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/design/icons/apple-touch-icon-72x72.png" rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="72x72"> <link href="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/design/icons/apple-touch-icon-114x114.png" rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="114x114"> <link href="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/design/icons/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png" rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="144x144"> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/design/icons/favicon.ico"> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="/img/design/icons/apple-touch-icon-114x114"> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#144073"> <!-- Preload main fonts --> <link rel="preload" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/sourcesanspro-bold-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/sourcesanspro-regular-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/bitter-bold.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/fa-solid-900.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <!-- CSS --> <link rel="stylesheet" data-entry-name="style.css" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/style.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" data-entry-content="content-build.css" href="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/assets/content-build.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" data-entry-name="static-pages.css" href="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/static-pages.css"> <!-- Old IE --> <!--[if lt IE 9]> <link rel='stylesheet' href='/assets/css/ie.css'> <![endif]--> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" defer data-entry-name="vendor.js" src="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/vendor.entry.js"></script> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" defer data-entry-name="static-pages.js" src="https://prod-va-gov-assets.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/generated/static-pages.entry.js"></script> <!-- We participate in the US government鈥檚 analytics program. See the data at analytics.usa.gov. https://github.com/digital-analytics-program/gov-wide-code --> <script async type="text/javascript" nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=VA" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" type="text/javascript"> function focusContent(e) { e.preventDefault(); const contentElement = document.querySelector('#content h1') || document.querySelector('#content'); contentElement.setAttribute('tabindex', '-1'); contentElement.addEventListener('blur', function(event) { event.target.removeAttribute('tabindex'); }, true); window.scrollTo(0, contentElement.offsetTop); contentElement.focus(); } window.VetsGov = window.VetsGov || {}; window.VetsGov.headerFooter = JSON.parse("{\"footerData\":[{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/accessibility-at-va\",\"order\":1,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Accessibility\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/resources/your-civil-rights-and-how-to-file-a-discrimination-complaint/\",\"order\":2,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Civil Rights\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/foia/\",\"order\":3,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/report-harassment/\",\"order\":4,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Harassment\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/oig/\",\"order\":5,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Office of Inspector General\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/opa/Plain_Language.asp\",\"order\":6,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Plain language\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/privacy-policy/\",\"order\":7,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Privacy, policies, and legal information\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.oprm.va.gov/\",\"order\":8,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA Privacy Service\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/ormdi/NOFEAR_Select.asp\",\"order\":9,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"No FEAR Act Data\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.usa.gov/\",\"order\":10,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"USA.gov\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/performance-dashboard/\",\"order\":11,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA performance dashboard\"},{\"column\":\"bottom_rail\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/veterans-portrait-project/\",\"order\":12,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Veterans Portrait Project\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/homeless/\",\"order\":1,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Homeless Veterans\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/womenvet/\",\"order\":2,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Women Veterans\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/\",\"order\":3,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Minority Veterans\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt/\",\"order\":4,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"LGBTQ+ Veterans\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/\",\"order\":5,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"PTSD\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/\",\"order\":6,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Mental health\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/\",\"order\":7,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Adaptive sports and special events\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/\",\"order\":8,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA outreach events\"},{\"column\":1,\"href\":\"https://www.nrd.gov/\",\"order\":9,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"National Resource Directory\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/find-forms/\",\"order\":1,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA forms\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/\",\"order\":2,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA health care access and quality\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative\",\"order\":3,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Get help from an accredited representative or VSO\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.mobile.va.gov/appstore/\",\"order\":4,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA mobile apps\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/about/state-departments-of-veterans-affairs-office-locations/\",\"order\":5,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"State Veterans Affairs offices\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/opal/fo/dbwva.asp\",\"order\":6,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Doing business with VA\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/jobs/\",\"order\":7,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Careers at VA\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/outreach-materials\",\"order\":8,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA outreach materials\"},{\"column\":2,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/\",\"order\":9,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Your VA welcome kit\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://news.va.gov/\",\"order\":1,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"VA news\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/\",\"order\":2,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Press releases\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/subscriber/new/\",\"order\":3,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Email updates\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs\",\"order\":4,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Facebook\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://www.instagram.com/deptvetaffairs/\",\"order\":5,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Instagram\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://www.twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs/\",\"order\":6,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Twitter\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/VeteransAffairs/\",\"order\":7,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Flickr\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://www.youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairs\",\"order\":8,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"YouTube\"},{\"column\":3,\"href\":\"https://digital.va.gov/web-governance/social-media/social-media-sites/\",\"order\":9,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"All VA social media\"},{\"column\":4,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/resources/\",\"order\":1,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Resources and support\"},{\"column\":4,\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/contact-us/\",\"order\":2,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Contact us\"},{\"column\":4,\"label\":\"Call us\",\"href\":\"tel:18006982411\",\"order\":3,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"800-698-2411\"},{\"ariaLabel\":\"TTY: 7 1 1.\",\"column\":4,\"href\":\"tel:+1711\",\"order\":4,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"TTY: 711\"},{\"column\":4,\"label\":\"Visit a medical center or regional office\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/find-locations/\",\"order\":5,\"target\":null,\"title\":\"Find a VA location\"}],\"megaMenuData\":[{\"title\":\"VA Benefits and Health Care\",\"menuSections\":[{\"title\":\"Health care\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in health care\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get health care benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About VA health benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits\"},{\"text\":\"How to apply\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply\"},{\"text\":\"Family and caregiver health benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits\"},{\"text\":\"Apply now for health care\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your health\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Refill and track your prescriptions\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/refill-track-prescriptions\"},{\"text\":\"Send a secure message to your health care team\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/secure-messaging\"},{\"text\":\"Schedule and manage health appointments\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/schedule-view-va-appointments\"},{\"text\":\"View your lab and test results\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/view-test-and-lab-results\"},{\"text\":\"Order medical supplies\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/order-medical-supplies\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/health-care.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"The PACT Act and your VA benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/\"},\"description\":\"Learn what this law means for Veterans and their survivors.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Disability\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in disability\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get disability benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Eligibility\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility\"},{\"text\":\"How to file a claim\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim\"},{\"text\":\"Survivor and dependent compensation (DIC)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/dependency-indemnity-compensation\"},{\"text\":\"File a claim online\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Check your claim, decision review, or appeal status\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status\"},{\"text\":\"View your payment history\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/va-payment-history\"},{\"text\":\"Upload evidence to support your claim\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/upload-supporting-evidence\"},{\"text\":\"File for a VA disability increase\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/\"},{\"text\":\"Request a decision review or appeal\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/disability.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"Fully Developed Claims program\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims\"},\"description\":\"Use this program to get a faster decision by submitting evidence along with your claim.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Education and training\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in education\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get education benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About GI Bill benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits\"},{\"text\":\"Eligibility\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/eligibility\"},{\"text\":\"How to apply\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply\"},{\"text\":\"Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation\"},{\"text\":\"Education and career benefits for family members\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"View your VA payment history\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/va-payment-history\"},{\"text\":\"Check Post-9/11 GI Bill Statement of Benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/check-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits\"},{\"text\":\"Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits\"},{\"text\":\"Verify your school enrollment\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment\"},{\"text\":\"Change your direct deposit information\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/education.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"GI Bill\u00AE Comparison Tool\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool\"},\"description\":\"Learn about education programs and compare benefits by school.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Careers and employment\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in careers and employment\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get employment benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation\"},{\"text\":\"How to apply\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply\"},{\"text\":\"Educational and career counseling\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/education-and-career-counseling\"},{\"text\":\"Veteran-owned small business support\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/veteran-owned-business-support\"},{\"text\":\"Apply for VR&E benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/apply-vre-form-28-1900/\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your career\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"VA transition assistance\",\"href\":\"https://www.benefits.va.gov/tap/\"},{\"text\":\"Find a job\",\"href\":\"https://www.dol.gov/veterans/findajob/\"},{\"text\":\"Find VA careers and support\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/jobs/\"},{\"text\":\"Print your civil service preference letter\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/careers.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"VA for Vets\",\"href\":\"https://www.vaforvets.va.gov/\"},\"description\":\"Get help transitioning to a civilian career and matching your skills and experiences to VA job opportunities.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Pension\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in pension\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/pension\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get pension benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Veterans Pension eligibility\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility\"},{\"text\":\"How to apply\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/pension/how-to-apply\"},{\"text\":\"Apply now for a Veterans Pension\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/pension/application/527EZ\"},{\"text\":\"Aid and attendance benefits and housebound allowance\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound\"},{\"text\":\"Survivors Pension\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Check your claim, decision review, or appeal status\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status\"},{\"text\":\"View your VA payment history\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/va-payment-history\"},{\"text\":\"Change your address\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/change-address\"},{\"text\":\"Change your direct deposit information\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/pension.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"Get your pension payments electronically\",\"href\":\"https://www.godirect.gov/gpw\"},\"description\":\"Sign up for direct deposit or a pre-paid debit card.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Housing assistance\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in housing assistance\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get home loan benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About VA home loan types\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types\"},{\"text\":\"How to request a COE\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/how-to-request-coe\"},{\"text\":\"Check your COE status\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/check-coe-status\"},{\"text\":\"Request a COE online\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/request-coe-form-26-1880\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Get Veterans housing grants\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About disability housing grants\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants\"},{\"text\":\"Check your claim, decision review, or appeal status\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status\"},{\"text\":\"How to apply for an SAH grant\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/how-to-apply\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/housing.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"National Call Center for Homeless Veterans\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp\"},\"description\":\"Find out how we can help you or a Veteran you care about connect with VA and local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Life insurance\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in life insurance\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/life-insurance\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get life insurance\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About life insurance options\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility\"},{\"text\":\"Benefits for totally disabled or terminally ill policyholders\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/totally-disabled-or-terminally-ill\"},{\"text\":\"Beneficiary financial counseling and online will preparation\",\"href\":\"https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/bfcs.asp\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your life insurance\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Access your policy online\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/manage-your-policy\"},{\"text\":\"Update your beneficiaries\",\"href\":\"https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/updatebene.asp\"},{\"text\":\"File a claim for insurance benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/sglivgli.asp\"},{\"text\":\"Check your claim, decision review, or appeal status\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/life-insurance.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"Learn how to apply for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/valife\"},\"description\":\"VALife is our new life insurance program for Veterans with service-connected disabilities.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Burials and memorials\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in burials and memorials\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get burial benefits\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Eligibility\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility\"},{\"text\":\"Pre-need burial eligibility determination\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility\"},{\"text\":\"Veteran burial allowance\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance\"},{\"text\":\"Memorial items\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items\"},{\"text\":\"Survivor and dependent compensation (DIC)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Plan a burial\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Schedule a burial for a Veteran or family member\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/schedule-a-burial\"},{\"text\":\"Find a cemetery\",\"href\":\"https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/listcem.asp\"},{\"text\":\"Request military records (DD214)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/burials.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"Find National Cemetery Administration Information\",\"href\":\"https://www.cem.va.gov/\"},\"description\":\"Locate a grave, search for cemeteries, and find benefits information and resources.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Records\",\"links\":{\"seeAllLink\":{\"text\":\"View all in records\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records\"},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Get your records\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Get your VA medical records (Blue Button)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-medical-records\"},{\"text\":\"Download your VA benefits letters\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters\"},{\"text\":\"How to request a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/how-to-request-coe\"},{\"text\":\"Get Veteran ID cards\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Manage your records\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Request your military records (DD214)\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records\"},{\"text\":\"Change your address\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/change-address\"},{\"text\":\"How to apply for a discharge upgrade\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions\"},{\"text\":\"View your VA payment history\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/va-payment-history\"},{\"text\":\"Search historical military records (National Archives)\",\"href\":\"https://www.archives.gov/\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/hub_promos/records.png\",\"alt\":\"\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"Confirm your VA benefit status\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters\"},\"description\":\"Download letters like your eligibility or award letter for certain benefits.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Service member benefits\",\"text\":\"Service member benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits\"},{\"title\":\"Family member benefits\",\"text\":\"Family member benefits\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits\"}]},{\"title\":\"About VA\",\"menuSections\":{\"mainColumn\":{\"title\":\"VA organizations\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Veterans Health Administration\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/health\"},{\"text\":\"Veterans Benefits Administration\",\"href\":\"https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/\"},{\"text\":\"National Cemetery Administration\",\"href\":\"https://www.cem.va.gov/\"},{\"text\":\"VA Leadership\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/biographies/?_bio_position=assistant-secretary%2Cchairman%2Cdeputy-secretary%2Cgeneral-counsel%2Cinspector-general%2Cprincipal-executive-director%2Csecretary%2Cunder-secretary%2Cva-chief-of-staff/%3Fredirect%3D1%2Cva-chief-of-staff\"},{\"text\":\"Public Affairs\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/administrations-and-offices/public-and-intergovernmental-affairs/\"},{\"text\":\"Congressional Affairs\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/oca/index.asp\"},{\"text\":\"All VA offices and organizations\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/about/\"}]},\"columnOne\":{\"title\":\"Innovation at VA\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"Health research\",\"href\":\"https://www.research.va.gov/\"},{\"text\":\"Public health\",\"href\":\"https://www.publichealth.va.gov/\"},{\"text\":\"VA open data\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/data/\"},{\"text\":\"Veterans analysis and statistics\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/VETDATA/index.asp\"},{\"text\":\"Appeals modernization\",\"href\":\"https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp\"},{\"text\":\"VA Innovation Center\",\"href\":\"https://www.innovation.va.gov/\"},{\"text\":\"Recovery Act\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/recovery/\"}]},\"columnTwo\":{\"title\":\"Learn about VA\",\"links\":[{\"text\":\"About VA\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/about/\"},{\"text\":\"History of VA\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/history/\"},{\"text\":\"VA plans, budget, finances, and performance\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/about/va-plans-budget-finances-and-performance/\"},{\"text\":\"National cemetery history program\",\"href\":\"https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/history/index.asp\"},{\"text\":\"Veterans legacy program\",\"href\":\"https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/legacy/index.asp\"},{\"text\":\"Volunteer or donate\",\"href\":\"https://www.volunteer.va.gov/index.asp\"}]},\"columnThree\":{\"img\":{\"src\":\"https://www.va.gov/img/styles/3_2_medium_thumbnail/public/2023-11/disability%20icon.png\",\"alt\":\"Paper icon\"},\"link\":{\"text\":\"Agency Financial Report\",\"href\":\"https://department.va.gov/administrations-and-offices/management/finance/agency-financial-report/\"},\"description\":\"View the FY 2024 report that includes VA accomplishments with taxpayer dollars and the challenges that remain.\"}}},{\"title\":\"Find a VA Location\",\"href\":\"https://www.va.gov/find-locations\"}]}"); </script> <script defer type="text/javascript" nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" src="https://resource.digital.voice.va.gov/wdcvoice/2/onsite/embed.js" async></script> </head> <body class=" merger"> <div id="announcement-root"></div> <!-- Draft status --> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-WFJWBD" height="0" width="0" class="csp-inline-patch-footer"></iframe></noscript> <a class="show-on-focus" href="#content" id="5a69d6c70c334ce6350cfeeb85bbe32c">Skip to Content</a> <!-- Header Default--> <header class="header" role="banner" id="header-default"> <!-- Mobile Layout --> <div data-widget-type="header" data-show="true" data-show-nav-login="true" data-show-mega-menu="true" id="header-v2"></div> <!-- Tablet/Desktop Layout --> <div id="legacy-header" class="vads-u-display--none"> <div class="va-notice--banner"> <div class="va-notice--banner-inner"> <div class="usa-banner"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <div class="usa-banner-header"> <div class="usa-grid usa-banner-inner"> <img src="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/tiny-usa-flag.png" alt="U.S. flag" height="20" width="20"> <p>An official website of the United States government</p> <button id="usa-banner-toggle" class="usa-accordion-button usa-banner-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner"> <span class="usa-banner-button-text">Here’s how you know</span> </button> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner-content usa-grid usa-accordion-content" id="gov-banner" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="usa-banner-guidance-gov usa-width-one-half"> <img class="usa-banner-icon usa-media_block-img" src="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" alt="Dot gov"> <div class="usa-media_block-body"> <p> <strong>The .gov means it’s official.</strong> <br> Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner-guidance-ssl usa-width-one-half"> <img class="usa-banner-icon usa-media_block-img" src="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/icon-https.svg" alt="SSL"> <div class="usa-media_block-body"> <p> <strong>The site is secure.</strong> <br> The <strong>https://</strong> ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="va-crisis-line-container vads-u-background-color--secondary-darkest"> <button class="va-crisis-line va-overlay-trigger vads-u-background-color--secondary-darkest" data-show="#modal-crisisline" id="7767f0701f7323f6b4bc35c1eeebc2ac"> <div class="va-crisis-line-inner"> <span class="va-crisis-line-icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> <span class="va-crisis-line-text" id="d3fb5e57822ecb62d89bb1f0e645301d">Talk to the <strong>Veterans Crisis Line</strong> now</span> <img alt aria-hidden="true" class="va-crisis-line-arrow" src="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/arrow-right-white.svg"> </div> </button> </div> </div> <!-- /header alert box --> <div class="row va-flex usa-grid usa-grid-full" id="va-header-logo-menu"> <div class="va-header-logo-wrapper"> <a href="/" class="va-header-logo"> <img src="https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/header-logo.png" alt="VA logo and Seal, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs" height="59" width="264"> </a> </div> <div id="va-nav-controls"></div> <div class="medium-screen:vads-u-display--none usa-grid usa-grid-full"> <div class="menu-rule usa-one-whole"></div> <div class="mega-menu" id="mega-menu-mobile"></div> </div> <div id="login-root" class="vet-toolbar"></div> </div> <div class="usa-grid usa-grid-full"> <div class="menu-rule usa-one-whole"></div> <div class="mega-menu" id="mega-menu"></div> </div> </div> <!-- Banners --> <!-- Derive visible banners. --> <!-- Banners --> <!-- Situation Updates banner --> <div data-widget-type="situation-updates-banner"></div> <!-- Maintenance banner --> <div data-widget-type="maintenance-banner"></div> <!-- Derive visible promo banners. --> <!-- Promo Banners --> </header> <!-- Fullwidth banner alerts --> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" type="text/javascript"> (function() { var isIe = /(trident|msie)/i.test(navigator.userAgent); if (isIe && document.getElementById && window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener('hashchange', function skipLinkFocus() { var id = location.hash.substring(1); var element; if (!/^[A-z0-9_-]+$/.test(id)) { return; } element = document.getElementById(id); if (element) { if (!/^(?:a|select|input|button|textarea)$/i.test(element.tagName)) { element.tabIndex = -1; } element.focus(); } }); } })(); </script> <script type="text/javascript" defer nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39"> window.onload = function() { const contentElement = document.querySelector('.smartbanner'); if(contentElement){ contentElement.style.top = '-84px' } }; </script> <div class="vads-u-padding-x--1p5" data-template="includes/breadcrumbs"> <va-breadcrumbs class="row" wrapping> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39"> const bcComponent = document.querySelector('va-breadcrumbs'); if (bcComponent) { bcComponent.setAttribute('breadcrumb-list', "[{\"href\":\"/\",\"isRouterLink\":false,\"label\":\"Home\",\"lang\":\"en-US\"},{\"href\":\"/disability\",\"isRouterLink\":false,\"label\":\"Disability benefits\",\"lang\":\"en-US\"},{\"href\":\"/disability/how-to-file-claim\",\"isRouterLink\":false,\"label\":\"How to file a VA disability claim\",\"lang\":\"en-US\"}]"); } </script> </va-breadcrumbs></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <div id="content" class="interior"> <main class="va-l-detail-page" lang="en"> <div class="usa-grid usa-grid-full"> <nav data-template="navigation/sidebar_nav" aria-label="Secondary" id="va-detailpage-sidebar" data-drupal-sidebar="true" class="va-drupal-sidebarnav usa-width-one-fourth va-sidebarnav"> <div> <button class="va-sidenav-btn-close va-sidebarnav-close" type="button" aria-label="Close this menu"> <va-icon icon="close" size="3" class="vads-u-color--gray-dark"></va-icon> </button> <div class="vads-u-display--flex vads-u-align-items--center left-side-nav-title"> <va-icon icon="description" size="3" class="hub-icon vads-u-color--white vads-u-background-color--hub-disability vads-u-display--flex vads-u-align-items--center vads-u-justify-content--center vads-u-margin-right--1"></va-icon> <h4>Disability benefits</h4> </div> <ul class="usa-accordion"> <li> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="a1"> Get benefits </button> <div id="a1" class="usa-accordion-content" aria-hidden="false"> <ul class="usa-sidenav-list"> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility" id="9ae432a0b44d06c479cd887bbf979b9d">Eligibility</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure" id="7216e63f02af14f51f3a4919027b9142">Exposure to hazardous materials</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/specific-environmental-hazards" id="c609b9e03bc95cc033b00c49d2323fc9">Specific environmental hazards</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange" id="7b3d4611793cfa25bdebd3fa95fdf4b1">Agent Orange</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos" id="86308b76cdcc2028c9dab0d8661cdecc">Asbestos</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/mustard-gas-lewisite" id="2b2105f98eb67cf13655bce6826bbb5a">Mustard gas or lewisite</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination" id="4a9bc8d9f69fc2d8c5a559467962da69">Camp Lejeune water contamination</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/ionizing-radiation" id="bb81012a358371ce2b7d4c9b76267e68">Radiation exposure</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/project-112-shad" id="0602daf3cc19a21160c8fa4fe1991c73">Project 112/SHAD</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-southwest-asia" id="d0e954a3cb31c6226d22ae5dc45c2977">Gulf War Illnesses SW Asia</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-afghanistan" id="3377abb662a373c6bf510e4e1cd72568">Gulf War Illnesses Afghanistan</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/former-pows" id="273c95450a5f45fdfcec2081c90eb76d">Former POWs</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/ptsd" id="157d2b9d0e1386702e35af349eca6a11">PTSD</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/illnesses-within-one-year-of-discharge" id="da5da2ebbfb015318e5b3d4bae646838">Illnesses within 1 year after discharge</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims" id="05df059af6474a6135143868b2af6ef2">Special claims</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/automobile-allowance-adaptive-equipment" id="6ba07824ff4532b414a654a60791bfe8">Auto allowance and adaptive equipment</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/birth-defects" id="9d8dbf53000ec32a1ed9352dd96ad8cc">Birth defects</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/clothing-allowance" id="05abc0955422d1028bebd8c90c9565e3">Clothing allowance</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/dental-care" id="9372da95fb6a80b137ad0a06b3e2ab4b">Dental care</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/temporary-increase-after-surgery-or-cast" id="8e868eea2c23e50cd1a6832b34f841ad">Temporary disability rating after surgery or cast</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/temporary-increase-for-time-in-hospital" id="9a4f6de6e51171e4837f3f9f2d845051">Increase for time in hospital</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/temporary-rating-prestabilization" id="5c005e78e26fc0e16e1d69b51b158e32">Prestabilization rating</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/1151-claims-title-38" id="86ea37cff41e92f9434307d1fac63ecd">Title 38 U.S.C. 1151 claims</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims/unemployability" id="61e63085b96ffc2632f7218407b64167">Individual unemployability</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility-esp" id="64d5bc90b0716f234e8463039f91648d">Elegibilidad</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure" id="d44c50cc3b16aea997e780bd413d4aef">Exposure to hazardous materials</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/former-pows" id="e7ffa28222691f1164bc7dede6e84c24">Former POWs</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/ptsd" id="d18ce603da255a41d7db2c34ba6801bb">PTSD</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/illnesses-within-one-year-of-discharge" id="a4302abb3391c0fd14c574cd50965df1">Illnesses within 1 year after discharge</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/eligibility/special-claims" id="87c36e46f0ab51680e1a2a87fb99a5a0">Special claims</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="active-level"> <a class="usa-current" href="/disability/how-to-file-claim" id="ed9931efa174b5545e21c9cde4838ae4">How to file a claim</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file" id="42b7217975a6e3bd154f40b659dfdeee">When to file</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim" id="e6a1e867a491ed4a9f87f639ac1c5685">Pre-discharge claim</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed" id="ac90d828f10993cb5873f707a9aba58b">Evidence needed</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims" id="075ec6d9ab2ce41cdc70956c9783d4f7">Fully Developed Claims program</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/standard-claims" id="e37b531d403da5ab9173c4e09bb9663f">Standard claims</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/additional-forms" id="6cc0a4035e53fbe238f197c813c6904d">File additional forms for your disability claim</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="active-level"> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim-esp" id="39c90115e56117a834477caec56939ad">Cómo presentar una reclamación</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file" id="60c7438dd0d7433d2a3c02503b425c80">When to file</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed" id="f8cc694997f7abdd2dddf4a1aebae182">Evidence needed</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/additional-forms" id="45999fe889549413d0014880457a5bac">File additional forms for your disability claim</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/" id="5e91d4eaeadf743ea5fd299adc06195f">File a claim online</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/after-you-file-claim" id="062070544e6a6177c47121b9d3a20411">After you file your claim</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/after-you-file-claim-esp" id="43df5af5dc7917eba01aed54ac86b46f">Después de presentar su reclamación</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation-esp" id="fd843a0b72d0f4fded81e9414dc55eb5">Compensación para sobrevivientes y descendientes (DIC)</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="a2"> Manage benefits </button> <div id="a2" class="usa-accordion-content" aria-hidden="false"> <ul class="usa-sidenav-list"> <li> <a href="/claim-or-appeal-status" id="d073f09ca74dc5eb034df119c53b4133">Check claim, decision review, or appeal status</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/view-disability-rating" id="e6592e9cb93cf255c72d8f934570a9f5">View your disability ratings</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/" id="31973c9b84a7269375511e07cee7658b">File for increased disability</a> </li> <li> <a href="/decision-reviews" id="392d602e4931f5c6119f1e9ff471913e">Request a decision review</a> </li> <li> <a href="/view-change-dependents" id="b2c07d2b2c0e696b8a3b67d1f2fdb11e">Add or remove a dependent</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/upload-supporting-evidence" id="495006f8aea113e5905f8f0c90b8ffb4">Upload evidence to support your disability claim</a> </li> <li> <a href="/change-address" id="98e115856961b6a47ae8f8735c0537ce">Change your address</a> </li> <li class="active-level"> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/additional-forms" id="44873c8d98d9ca71a3a1f663afff6b47">File additional forms for your disability claim</a> </li> <li> <a href="/change-direct-deposit" id="29a137ebaf715787ede098b3ab7fd13b">Change your VA direct deposit information</a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-care/get-medical-records" id="cc0a4ff4d9a1535d10401ac08643ebc9">Get your VA medical records</a> </li> <li> <a href="/records/download-va-letters" id="2c0fc1f0b7b0b9a5255d0baacf938fee">Download VA benefit letters</a> </li> <li> <a href="/va-payment-history" id="90703c2f5cb6f9691d4f390cac32ab67">View disability payment history</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="a3"> More resources </button> <div id="a3" class="usa-accordion-content" aria-hidden="false"> <ul class="usa-sidenav-list"> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates" id="febff4501d7041fa546f8bd96677f3e7">Disability compensation rates</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates" id="55aaf483d87961eeaf3534b7ccc7ea17">Veterans disability compensation rates</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/past-rates-2023" id="eea4fbd5e0e30d2cc5f3b5aebe1b438b">Past rates: 2023</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/past-rates-2022" id="cb21b7f66470804f44a4dca632c7f0b3">Past rates: 2022</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/past-rates-2021" id="a0ade8c7f85a16c21e0f8c632a76b746">Past rates: 2021</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates" id="4af253c55e94ef85676172260fa44d62">Special monthly compensation rates</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/past-rates-2023" id="038e8123305bac5e4fb5573843b735c5">Past rates: 2023</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/past-rates-2022" id="e9bae16aefc1cf4bfc6eb5e34704cbfc">Past rates: 2022</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/past-rates-2021" id="dab2e4683fad185cecb44cb2147da750">Past rates: 2021</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates" id="d55ff86816e16f5f030cad556e4f8665">Special benefit allowances rates</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/past-rates-2023" id="23a9cfafcafa6a0c5161c41fe7e26959">Past rates: 2023</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/past-rates-2022" id="7803b61b521897b22936d3f25593f5d1">Past rates: 2022</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/past-rates-2021" id="07e2c91a103f1a3794da49417705c265">Past rates: 2021</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/birth-defect-rates" id="9dd793cb1a0e72949fba70cb69edc5e8">Birth defect compensation rates</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/birth-defect-rates/past-rates-2023" id="253d638904126a8633f82364f4ec5449">Past rates: 2023</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/birth-defect-rates/past-rates-2022" id="d92d0e8037bd6e55068ddf135fe6f256">Past rates: 2022</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/compensation-rates/birth-defect-rates/past-rates-2021" id="a7114573308c76efafb6ad1bbf65b17d">Past rates: 2021</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/about-disability-ratings" id="26ea8e1e572909bb57f54c57b7ca0dfa">About disability ratings</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/about-disability-ratings/after-you-get-a-rating" id="b48eebee1da7f4d2356ab1c0ba891ea3">After you get a rating</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/get-help-filing-claim" id="fc51b5007ec4f7ffc01d1aeb5241fffb">Get help from an accredited representative</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/va-claim-exam" id="655040b20acbfc190419f9a5a9601b18">VA claim exam (C&P exam)</a> </li> <li> <a href="/disability/effective-date" id="5ae5c0ea56b5a2b79ac66c5e8afa0fbf">Effective dates</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <div class="usa-width-three-fourths"> <div class="va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger" id="sidebar-nav-trigger"> <!-- The button background is to hide any content that is behind the trigger --> <div class="button-background"></div> <div class="button-wrapper"> <button aria-controls="va-detailpage-sidebar"> <strong>In this section</strong> <va-icon icon="menu" size="3" class="vads-u-color--link-default"></va-icon> </button> </div> </div> <div class="trigger-placeholder"></div> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" type="text/javascript"> var mobileMediaQuery = window.matchMedia('(max-width: 767px)') var navTrigger = document.getElementsByClassName('va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger')[0] var buttonWrapper = document.querySelector( '.va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger .button-wrapper' ) var buttonBackground = document.querySelector( '.va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger .button-background' ) var navTriggerPlaceholder = document.querySelector('.trigger-placeholder') var navTriggerPosition // Helper to get the height of the nav button, with or without the bottom // padding. This is used to set the height of the button's placeholder and the // height of the white button background function getButtonHeight(withBottomPadding) { // If the mobile nav button is hidden, just return 0 if (!mobileMediaQuery.matches) { return 0 } const style = window.getComputedStyle(buttonWrapper) const { height, paddingBottom } = style if (withBottomPadding) { return parseFloat(height) } return parseFloat(height) - parseFloat(paddingBottom) } function setElementHeights() { // In some edge cases when switching from desktop to mobile viewport (such // as when you open the web inspector), getButtonHeight() was returning 0, // likely due to `mobileMediaQuery.matches` failing. This simple hack // ensures that the height is not computed until the next run of the event // loop setTimeout(() => { navTriggerPlaceholder.style.height = getButtonHeight(true) + 'px' buttonBackground.style.height = getButtonHeight(false) + 'px' }, 0) } function setMenuTriggerPosition() { navTriggerPosition = navTriggerPlaceholder.offsetTop } function pinTrigger() { if (mobileMediaQuery.matches) { if (navTriggerPosition < window.pageYOffset) { navTrigger.classList.add('fixed-trigger') } else { navTrigger.classList.remove('fixed-trigger') } } } // As the document loads, make sure the height and trigger positions are // updated document.onreadystatechange = () => { setElementHeights() setMenuTriggerPosition() } window.addEventListener( 'resize', () => { // The height of the trigger can change at extreme browser widths setElementHeights() // The trigger can be pushed up/down as elements above it change height as // the browser width changes setMenuTriggerPosition() // We might need to pin/unpin the trigger if we transitions from/to mobile // browser widths pinTrigger() }, false ) window.addEventListener( 'scroll', () => { // We are resetting the trigger button's position on scroll just in case any // elements have been removed from above the menu trigger, such as a // dismissible alert. setMenuTriggerPosition() // Primarily scrolling will pin/unpin the trigger from the top of the // viewport pinTrigger() }, false ) </script> <article class="usa-content vads-u-padding-bottom--0"> <div data-widget-type="i18-select"></div> <h1>How to file a VA disability claim</h1> <div class="va-introtext"> <p>Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased disability compensation.</p> </div> <script type="application/ld+json" nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I prepare before starting my application?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What evidence do I need to support my claim?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } } ] } </script> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a_section" data-entity-id="6376"> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="6375" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="How do I prepare before starting my application?"> <div id="6375"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="how-do-i-prepare-before-starti"> How do I prepare before starting my application? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="6375"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6377"> <div itemprop="text"> <ul><li>Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation.<br><a href="/disability/eligibility" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="626497ad-443f-4bc9-88ae-5caf2ff0bbd7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Eligibility for VA disability benefits">Learn about eligibility</a></li><li>Be sure to fill out your claim completely. </li><li>Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your VA disability claim. We encourage you to send in all your supporting documents along with your claim. This will help us process your claim quickly.<br><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8b6b64dd-37f7-440a-ac5f-04fd621a8abe" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="VA Fully Developed Claims program">Learn about fully developed claims</a></li><li>Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional forms with your claim.<br><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/additional-forms" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="84e469a4-6465-4ec7-a055-1e44c535a809" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="File additional forms for your disability claim">Learn about additional forms you may need to file</a></li></ul><p>To learn more about filing a disability claim, you can play our disability claims video.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ORYYo-Q2Jc">Go to our disability claims video on YouTube</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="6378" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="What evidence do I need to support my claim?"> <div id="6378"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="what-evidence-do-i-need-to-sup"> What evidence do I need to support my claim? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="6378"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6379"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>You can support your VA disability claim by providing these documents:</p><ul><li><strong>VA medical records and hospital records. </strong>These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or they could show that your rated disability has gotten worse.</li><li><strong>Private medical records and hospital reports. </strong>These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or they could show that your disability has gotten worse.</li><li><strong>Supporting statements.</strong> These could be from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or people you served with. These statements could tell us more about your claimed condition and how and when it happened or how it got worse.</li></ul><p>Depending on the type of claim you file, you may gather supporting documents yourself, or you can ask for our help to gather evidence.</p><p><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e508255b-9d1c-4c64-92c6-4dc32a8d194d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Evidence needed for your disability claim">Learn more about the evidence we’ll need for your claim</a></p><p>We’ll also review your discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents) and service treatment records.</p><h2 id="do-i-have-to-submit-evidence-w">Do I have to submit evidence with my claim?</h2><p>No. 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.</p><p><a href="/disability/va-claim-exam" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cf3c37db-47d4-4e74-8326-c24f9ca789b5" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="VA claim exam (C&P exam)">Learn more about VA claim exams (C&P exams)</a></p><p>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.</p><h2 id="how-do-i-file-a-claim-for-comp">How do I file a claim for compensation?</h2><p>You can file a claim in any of these 5 ways.</p><h3 id="option-1-online">Option 1: Online</h3><p>You can file a claim online now. </p><p><a class="vads-c-action-link--green" href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/">File for disability compensation online</a></p> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6381"> <div itemprop="text"> <h3 id="option-2-by-mail">Option 2: By mail</h3><p>File your claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).<br><a href="/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1d659c00-7499-461f-8516-072b60f23c02" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="About VA Form 21-526EZ">Get VA Form 21-526EZ to download</a></p><p>Print the form, fill it out, and send it to this address:</p><p class="va-address-block">Department of Veterans Affairs<br>Claims Intake Center<br>PO Box 4444<br>Janesville, WI 53547-4444</p><h3 id="option-3-in-person">Option 3: In person</h3><p>Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.</p><p><a href="/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits">Find a VA regional office near you</a></p><h3 id="option-4-by-fax">Option 4: By fax</h3><p>If you’re in the U.S., fax your application to <va-telephone contact="844-531-7818" extension></va-telephone>.</p><p>If you’re outside the U.S., fax your application to <va-telephone contact="248-524-4260" extension></va-telephone>.</p><h3 id="option-5-with-the-help-of-a-tr">Option 5: With the help of a trained professional</h3><p>You can work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help filing a claim for disability compensation.</p><p><a aria-label="2 4 8. 5 2 4. 4 2 6 0." href="tel:+12485244260"></a><a href="/get-help-from-accredited-representative" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="22542619-a8be-48ec-abd0-405fbd9f6509" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO">Get help filing a claim</a></p><h2 id="should-i-submit-an-intent-to-f">Should I submit an intent to file form?</h2><p>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). When you notify us of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments (compensation that starts at a point in the past).</p><p><strong>Note:</strong> If you file for disability compensation online, then you don’t need to notify us of your intent to file. This is because your effective date gets set automatically when you start filling out the form online—before you submit it.</p><p><a href="/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3c0f1ca0-bc4d-41ef-a521-7a3ff8cb1ac4" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Your intent to file a VA claim">Find out how to submit an intent to file form</a>           </p><h2 id="what-happens-after-i-file-my-v">What happens after I file my VA disability claim?</h2><p><a href="/disability/after-you-file-claim" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="121fd666-766d-4254-b5da-f326967cd9ad" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="The VA claim process after you file your claim">Find out what happens after you file</a></p><p>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.</p><p><a class="vads-c-action-link--blue" href="/claim-or-appeal-status" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2ba48b5f-a92c-4775-9cfd-9530d1c87347" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Check your VA claim, decision review, or appeal status">Check your VA claim status</a></p><h3 id="how-long-does-it-take-va-to-ma-864">How long does it take VA to make a decision?</h3> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/number_callout" data-entity-id="6382"> <va-card background class="vads-u-margin-bottom--3"> <span class="number vads-u-font-family--serif 40px vads-u-font-size--h2 vads-u-font-weight--bold vads-u-line-height--1 vads-u-padding-bottom--2 vads-u-border-bottom--1px vads-u-border-color--gray-light vads-u-display--inline-block"> 140.5 days </span> <span class="description vads-u-font-size--base vads-u-font-weight--normal vads-u-padding-top--0p5 vads-u-display--block"> <p>Average number of days to complete disability-related claims in October 2024</p> </span> </va-card> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section data-template="paragraphs/list_of_link_teasers" data-entity-id="6383" class="field_content_block"> <h2 id="more-information-about-filing-" class="va-nav-linkslist-heading" tabindex="-1"> More information about filing disability claims </h2> <ul class="va-nav-linkslist-list"> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6384" data-links-list-header="Claim types and when to file" data-links-list-section-header="More information about filing disability claims"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id> <va-link href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file" text="Claim types and when to file"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Learn about standard claims, supplemental claims, secondary claims, and more.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6385" data-links-list-header="Evidence needed for your disability claim" data-links-list-section-header="More information about filing disability claims"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-1"> <va-link href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed" text="Evidence needed for your disability claim"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Find out what evidence we’ll need to support your disability claim.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6386" data-links-list-header="Disabilities that appear within 1 year after discharge" data-links-list-section-header="More information about filing disability claims"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-2"> <va-link href="/disability/eligibility/illnesses-within-one-year-of-discharge" text="Disabilities that appear within 1 year after discharge"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Find out if you can get disability benefits if you have signs of an illness within a year after being discharged from service.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6387" data-links-list-header="Get help from an accredited representative or VSO" data-links-list-section-header="More information about filing disability claims"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-3"> <va-link href="/get-help-from-accredited-representative" text="Get help from an accredited representative or VSO"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to file a claim or request a decision review.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="133427" data-links-list-header="Supporting forms for VA claims" data-links-list-section-header="More information about filing disability claims"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-4"> <va-link href="/supporting-forms-for-claims" text="Supporting forms for VA claims"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Find additional forms that you may need to support your claim.</p> </li> </ul> </section> <va-back-to-top></va-back-to-top> <!-- Last updated & feedback button--> <div class="last-updated usa-content vads-u-padding-x--1 desktop-lg:vads-u-padding-x--0"> <div class="mobile-lg:vads-u-display--flex above-footer-elements-container"> <div class="vads-u-flex--auto"> <span class="vads-u-text-align--justify"> <p>Last updated: <time datetime="2024-11-04">November 4, 2024</time></p> </span> </div> <div class="vads-u-flex--1 vads-u-text-align--right"> <span class="vads-u-text-align--right"> <button type="button" class="feedback-button usa-button" id="mdFormButton" aria-label="give feedback"> Feedback </button> </span> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div></main> </div> </div> <!-- src url from https://docs.datadoghq.com/real_user_monitoring/browser/setup/#cdn-sync --> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" type="text/javascript" defer src="https://www.datadoghq-browser-agent.com/datadog-rum-v5.js"></script> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" type="text/javascript"> window.addEventListener('load', () => { // All of the page urls we want to monitor include www.va.gov (production only) if (window.DD_RUM && window.location?.hostname === 'www.va.gov') { /** * Unauthenticated Static pages may be crawled by bots, so we won't initialize * RUM sessions. The following code is from DataDog: * https://docs.datadoghq.com/real_user_monitoring/guide/identify-bots-in-the-ui */ // regex patterns to identify known bot instances (5/2024): const botPattern = '(googlebot\/|bot|Googlebot-Mobile|Googlebot-Image|Google favicon|Mediapartners-Google|bingbot|slurp|java|wget|curl|Commons-HttpClient|Python-urllib|libwww|httpunit|nutch|phpcrawl|msnbot|jyxobot|FAST-WebCrawler|FAST Enterprise Crawler|biglotron|teoma|convera|seekbot|gigablast|exabot|ngbot|ia_archiver|GingerCrawler|webmon |httrack|webcrawler|grub.org|UsineNouvelleCrawler|antibot|netresearchserver|speedy|fluffy|bibnum.bnf|findlink|msrbot|panscient|yacybot|AISearchBot|IOI|ips-agent|tagoobot|MJ12bot|dotbot|woriobot|yanga|buzzbot|mlbot|yandexbot|purebot|Linguee Bot|Voyager|CyberPatrol|voilabot|baiduspider|citeseerxbot|spbot|twengabot|postrank|turnitinbot|scribdbot|page2rss|sitebot|linkdex|Adidxbot|blekkobot|ezooms|dotbot|Mail.RU_Bot|discobot|heritrix|findthatfile|europarchive.org|NerdByNature.Bot|sistrix crawler|ahrefsbot|Aboundex|domaincrawler|wbsearchbot|summify|ccbot|edisterbot|seznambot|ec2linkfinder|gslfbot|aihitbot|intelium_bot|facebookexternalhit|yeti|RetrevoPageAnalyzer|lb-spider|sogou|lssbot|careerbot|wotbox|wocbot|ichiro|DuckDuckBot|lssrocketcrawler|drupact|webcompanycrawler|acoonbot|openindexspider|gnam gnam spider|web-archive-net.com.bot|backlinkcrawler|coccoc|integromedb|content crawler spider|toplistbot|seokicks-robot|it2media-domain-crawler|ip-web-crawler.com|siteexplorer.info|elisabot|proximic|changedetection|blexbot|arabot|WeSEE:Search|niki-bot|CrystalSemanticsBot|rogerbot|360Spider|psbot|InterfaxScanBot|Lipperhey SEO Service|CC Metadata Scaper|g00g1e.net|GrapeshotCrawler|urlappendbot|brainobot|fr-crawler|binlar|SimpleCrawler|Livelapbot|Twitterbot|cXensebot|smtbot|bnf.fr_bot|A6-Indexer|ADmantX|Facebot|Twitterbot|OrangeBot|memorybot|AdvBot|MegaIndex|SemanticScholarBot|ltx71|nerdybot|xovibot|BUbiNG|Qwantify|archive.org_bot|Applebot|TweetmemeBot|crawler4j|findxbot|SemrushBot|yoozBot|lipperhey|y!j-asr|Domain Re-Animator Bot|AddThis)'; const regex = new RegExp(botPattern, 'i'); // Don't initialize RUM if a bot is crawling the page const isBot = regex.test(navigator.userAgent); /** * Initialize DataDog Real User Monitoring (RUM) sessions * https://docs.datadoghq.com/real_user_monitoring/browser/#cdn-sync */ if ( !isBot && // is DataDog is already initialized? !window.DD_RUM?.getInitConfiguration() ) { window.DD_RUM.init({ site: 'ddog-gov.com', env: 'production', version: '1.0.0', service: 'benefits-decision-review-static-pages', clientToken: 'pub17c22ff5e9e7e51f7ac28b828741e21a', applicationId: '133801ec-0b13-4a6f-9689-bd937a1ddf27', sessionSampleRate: 10, // sessionReplaySampleRate: 20, trackInteractions: true, trackUserInteractions: true, trackResources: true, trackLongTasks: true, // https://docs.datadoghq.com/real_user_monitoring/session_replay/browser/privacy_options/ defaultPrivacyLevel: 'mask-user-input', }); window.DD_RUM.startSessionReplayRecording(); } } }); </script> <footer class="footer"> <div id="footerNav" data-minimal-footer="false"></div> </footer> <div id="logout-modal-root"></div> <!-- VA's mission: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. --> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39" type="text/javascript"> (function() { var module = {}; function mountWidgets(widgets, slowLoadingThreshold) { [].slice.call(widgets).forEach(function(widget) { var timeout = widget.getAttribute('data-widget-timeout'); if (timeout) { timeout = parseInt(timeout, 10); } timeout = (timeout || 0) * 1000; if (timeout > slowLoadingThreshold) { setTimeout(function() { var replacedWithWidget = !widget.querySelector( '.static-widget-content' ); var slowMessage = widget.querySelector( '.loading-indicator-message--slow' ); var regularMessage = widget.querySelector( '.loading-indicator-message--normal' ); if (!replacedWithWidget && regularMessage) { regularMessage.setAttribute('aria-hidden', 'true'); regularMessage.classList.add('vads-u-display--none'); } if (!replacedWithWidget && slowMessage) { slowMessage.setAttribute('aria-hidden', 'false'); slowMessage.classList.remove('vads-u-display--none'); } }, slowLoadingThreshold); } if (timeout > 0) { setTimeout(function() { var replacedWithWidget = !widget.querySelector( '.static-widget-content' ); var errorMessage = widget.querySelector('.sip-application-error'); var loadingMessage = widget.querySelector( '.loading-indicator-container' ); if (!replacedWithWidget && loadingMessage) { loadingMessage.parentNode.removeChild(loadingMessage); } if (!replacedWithWidget && errorMessage) { errorMessage.setAttribute('aria-hidden', 'false'); errorMessage.classList.remove('vads-u-display--none'); } }, timeout); } }); } if (module) { module.exports = mountWidgets; } mountWidgets(document.querySelectorAll('[data-widget-type]'), 6000); })(); </script> <script nonce="Kh9TDAqiZlkp1AWEBm9sRVw7MAIvXV39"> (function() { document.getElementById('5a69d6c70c334ce6350cfeeb85bbe32c').addEventListener('click', function(event) { focusContent(event) }); document.getElementById('7767f0701f7323f6b4bc35c1eeebc2ac').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-crisis-header' }) }); document.getElementById('d3fb5e57822ecb62d89bb1f0e645301d').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-jumplink-click' }); }); document.getElementById('9ae432a0b44d06c479cd887bbf979b9d').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('7216e63f02af14f51f3a4919027b9142').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('c609b9e03bc95cc033b00c49d2323fc9').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('7b3d4611793cfa25bdebd3fa95fdf4b1').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('86308b76cdcc2028c9dab0d8661cdecc').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('2b2105f98eb67cf13655bce6826bbb5a').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('4a9bc8d9f69fc2d8c5a559467962da69').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('bb81012a358371ce2b7d4c9b76267e68').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('0602daf3cc19a21160c8fa4fe1991c73').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('d0e954a3cb31c6226d22ae5dc45c2977').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('3377abb662a373c6bf510e4e1cd72568').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('273c95450a5f45fdfcec2081c90eb76d').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('157d2b9d0e1386702e35af349eca6a11').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('da5da2ebbfb015318e5b3d4bae646838').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('05df059af6474a6135143868b2af6ef2').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('6ba07824ff4532b414a654a60791bfe8').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('9d8dbf53000ec32a1ed9352dd96ad8cc').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('05abc0955422d1028bebd8c90c9565e3').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('9372da95fb6a80b137ad0a06b3e2ab4b').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('8e868eea2c23e50cd1a6832b34f841ad').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('9a4f6de6e51171e4837f3f9f2d845051').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('5c005e78e26fc0e16e1d69b51b158e32').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('86ea37cff41e92f9434307d1fac63ecd').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('61e63085b96ffc2632f7218407b64167').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('64d5bc90b0716f234e8463039f91648d').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('d44c50cc3b16aea997e780bd413d4aef').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('e7ffa28222691f1164bc7dede6e84c24').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('d18ce603da255a41d7db2c34ba6801bb').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('a4302abb3391c0fd14c574cd50965df1').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('87c36e46f0ab51680e1a2a87fb99a5a0').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('ed9931efa174b5545e21c9cde4838ae4').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('42b7217975a6e3bd154f40b659dfdeee').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('e6a1e867a491ed4a9f87f639ac1c5685').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('ac90d828f10993cb5873f707a9aba58b').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('075ec6d9ab2ce41cdc70956c9783d4f7').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('e37b531d403da5ab9173c4e09bb9663f').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('6cc0a4035e53fbe238f197c813c6904d').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('39c90115e56117a834477caec56939ad').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('60c7438dd0d7433d2a3c02503b425c80').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('f8cc694997f7abdd2dddf4a1aebae182').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('45999fe889549413d0014880457a5bac').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('5e91d4eaeadf743ea5fd299adc06195f').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('062070544e6a6177c47121b9d3a20411').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('43df5af5dc7917eba01aed54ac86b46f').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('fd843a0b72d0f4fded81e9414dc55eb5').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('d073f09ca74dc5eb034df119c53b4133').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('e6592e9cb93cf255c72d8f934570a9f5').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('31973c9b84a7269375511e07cee7658b').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('392d602e4931f5c6119f1e9ff471913e').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('b2c07d2b2c0e696b8a3b67d1f2fdb11e').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('495006f8aea113e5905f8f0c90b8ffb4').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('98e115856961b6a47ae8f8735c0537ce').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('44873c8d98d9ca71a3a1f663afff6b47').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('29a137ebaf715787ede098b3ab7fd13b').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('cc0a4ff4d9a1535d10401ac08643ebc9').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('2c0fc1f0b7b0b9a5255d0baacf938fee').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('90703c2f5cb6f9691d4f390cac32ab67').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('febff4501d7041fa546f8bd96677f3e7').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('55aaf483d87961eeaf3534b7ccc7ea17').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('eea4fbd5e0e30d2cc5f3b5aebe1b438b').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('cb21b7f66470804f44a4dca632c7f0b3').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('a0ade8c7f85a16c21e0f8c632a76b746').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('4af253c55e94ef85676172260fa44d62').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('038e8123305bac5e4fb5573843b735c5').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('e9bae16aefc1cf4bfc6eb5e34704cbfc').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('dab2e4683fad185cecb44cb2147da750').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('d55ff86816e16f5f030cad556e4f8665').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('23a9cfafcafa6a0c5161c41fe7e26959').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('7803b61b521897b22936d3f25593f5d1').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('07e2c91a103f1a3794da49417705c265').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('9dd793cb1a0e72949fba70cb69edc5e8').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('253d638904126a8633f82364f4ec5449').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('d92d0e8037bd6e55068ddf135fe6f256').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('a7114573308c76efafb6ad1bbf65b17d').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('26ea8e1e572909bb57f54c57b7ca0dfa').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('b48eebee1da7f4d2356ab1c0ba891ea3').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('fc51b5007ec4f7ffc01d1aeb5241fffb').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('655040b20acbfc190419f9a5a9601b18').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('5ae5c0ea56b5a2b79ac66c5e8afa0fbf').addEventListener('click', function(event) { recordEvent({ event: 'nav-sidenav' }); }); document.getElementById('mdFormButton').addEventListener('click', function(event) { KAMPYLE_ONSITE_SDK.showForm('17') }); })(); </script></body></html>