It can be a laborious process to file a disability claim with the VA. Even if you finish the online version of the claim at the Veterans Affairs (VA) website, filling in all of the blanks may take half an hour or more, and gathering the necessary supporting documents and submitting everything to the VA will take even longer and can become an exercise in futility.
Save yourself a lot of headaches by using our tips for making the filing process easier and doing things right the first time.
Pointers when submitting all supporting documentation
The fastest method to receive a decision from the VA is to file a “Fully Developed Claim.” That is, you should include all of your supporting documentation with your claim for compensation. This paperwork covers:
- Medical evidence from hospital and doctor’s reports, be they military and/or civilian documentation
- DD214 and/or separation documents, if any
- Children’s birth certificates, marriage certificate, and/or other dependency records
If you don’t have the documentation above with you, you can obtain it from the government – go to the Military Records Overview page to learn how.
IMPORTANT: If you have any reservations about whether or not to submit a document, always do so! Also, always submit copies and keep the VA originals.
Only make claims for persistent conditions caused by acute disabilities or illnesses acquired during your service. Avoid making claims for other conditions as this will slow down the VA’s decision-making process. Talk to disability lawyers to learn more about making the right claims.
In case you acquire a disability before being discharged from service, you can take part in the Pre-Discharge Program for Disability Compensation.
Pointers for filing your disability claim
You can go for one of three ways:
- Apply online via VETS.GOV;
- Have a Veteran’s Service Organization help you deal with the VA and make sure that your submission is error-free and complete. Their assistance is free of charge, so anyone who charges you a fee is a fraudster.
- Visit a VA regional office and seek the assistance of a VA staff member.
Things to keep in mind while waiting
Upon filing your claim, you won’t really have to do anything except wait. The VA can take months to make a decision on your claim, but they usually mail you a letter when:
- they receive your claim,
- they begin processing your claim,
- they ask you for more information,
- they ask you to undergo an examination to assess your disabilities
- they provide a monthly update, and
- they’ve made a decision on your claim.
You can check the status of your claim yourself depending on your mode of submission. If you submitted your claim online, then you can always check VETS.GOV. If you had a Veteran’s Service Organization help you out with your claim, you can ask for an update from them.
Disability lawyers worth their salt will always tell you that if the VA asks you to do something, be it provide more medical information or undergo a medical exam, then do it. The VA processes many claims and serves many functions, so failing to what they ask will likely delay your claim for a couple of months.
Always be aware of your benefits as a veteran
The benefits of military service are always evolving. Stay on top of all of your perks and pay charts by becoming a Military.com member. Membership is free.
