Filing a claim for veterans benefits can seem overwhelming but understanding the process can make it significantly more manageable. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits to eligible veterans and their families including disability compensation, pension, healthcare, education, and survivor benefits. This guide explains how the claims process works and how to get the help you need.
Types of VA benefits claims
There are several types of VA benefits claims depending on what benefits you are seeking:
- Disability compensation — monthly tax-free payments to veterans who have a service-connected disability — an injury or illness that occurred or was aggravated during active military service
- VA pension — a needs-based benefit for low income wartime veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a non-service-connected condition
- Aid and Attendance — an enhanced pension benefit for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities
- Survivor benefits — benefits for surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Survivors Pension
- Healthcare enrollment — enrollment in the VA healthcare system which provides medical care at VA facilities
- Education benefits — benefits such as the GI Bill that help veterans and their dependents pay for education and training
Before you file — gather your documents
Before filing a VA benefits claim gather the following documents:
- DD-214 — your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. This is the most important document for establishing your military service. If you do not have your DD-214 you can request a copy through the National Archives at archives.gov.
- Service records — military personnel records and service treatment records that document your service and any injuries or illnesses that occurred during service
- Medical records — private medical records and VA medical records documenting your current disabilities or medical conditions
- Buddy statements — written statements from fellow service members or others who can attest to your in-service injuries or the circumstances of your disability
- Financial records — for pension and needs-based claims, documentation of income and assets including bank statements and tax returns
- Marriage and birth certificates — for claims involving dependents or survivor benefits
Ways to file a VA benefits claim
There are several ways to file a VA benefits claim:
- Online at va.gov — the VA’s website allows veterans to file many types of claims online through the eBenefits portal or directly at va.gov. Online filing is often the fastest method.
- By mail — claims can be submitted by mail to the VA regional office that serves your state
- In person — claims can be filed in person at your local VA regional office. Find your nearest office at va.gov.
- Through a Veterans Service Organization — VSOs such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and many others provide free claims assistance. VSO representatives are accredited by the VA and can help you prepare, file, and follow up on your claim at no cost.
- Through a VA accredited claims agent or attorney — accredited claims agents and attorneys can represent veterans in VA claims. They may charge a fee but only after a claim is approved and only from retroactive benefits awarded.
The VA claims process step by step
Once you file a VA benefits claim the general process is as follows:
- Claim received — the VA acknowledges receipt of your claim and assigns it a tracking number. You can track your claim status online at va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
- Initial review — the VA reviews your claim to determine if additional information or evidence is needed
- Evidence gathering — the VA may request additional records including military service records and medical records. They may also schedule a Compensation and Pension — C&P — exam to evaluate your disability.
- Compensation and Pension exam — if scheduled this medical exam is conducted by a VA or contracted healthcare provider to assess the nature and severity of your disability and its connection to your military service. Attending this exam is critical — missing it can result in denial of your claim.
- Rating decision — the VA issues a rating decision that assigns a disability rating — expressed as a percentage — and determines your benefit eligibility and payment amount
- Notification — you receive a decision letter explaining the VA’s decision and your options if you disagree
VA disability ratings
For disability compensation claims the VA assigns a disability rating that reflects the severity of your service-connected disability. Ratings are assigned in increments of 10 percent from 0 to 100 percent. The rating determines the amount of monthly compensation you receive.
If you have multiple service-connected disabilities the VA uses a combined ratings formula to calculate your overall disability rating. This formula does not simply add the individual ratings together.
What to do if your claim is denied
If the VA denies your claim or assigns a rating you believe is too low you have several options:
- Supplemental claim — submit new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered
- Higher-level review — request that a more senior VA reviewer look at your existing evidence without submitting new evidence
- Board of Veterans Appeals — appeal directly to the Board of Veterans Appeals for a review by a Veterans Law Judge
You have one year from the date of the VA’s decision to choose one of these review options. Working with a VSO or accredited VA attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful appeal.
How long does a VA claim take
Processing times vary depending on the type of claim, the complexity of the evidence, and the VA’s current workload. Simple claims may be decided in a few months while complex claims involving multiple disabilities or extensive evidence can take a year or more.
Filing a well documented and complete claim from the start is one of the most effective ways to reduce processing time. Working with a VSO or accredited claims agent can also help ensure your claim is complete and accurate.
The importance of Veterans Service Organizations
Veterans Service Organizations provide free claims assistance to veterans and their families and are one of the most valuable resources available to anyone filing a VA claim. VSO representatives are trained and accredited by the VA and have extensive experience navigating the claims process. Using a VSO costs nothing and can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Major VSOs include:
- American Legion — legion.org
- Veterans of Foreign Wars — vfw.org
- Disabled American Veterans — dav.org
- Paralyzed Veterans of America — pva.org
- Vietnam Veterans of America — vva.org
Key terms to know
- DD-214 — the official military discharge document required for most VA benefit claims
- Service-connected disability — an injury or illness that occurred or was aggravated during active military service
- Compensation and Pension exam — a medical exam conducted by the VA to assess the nature and severity of a disability
- Disability rating — a percentage assigned by the VA that reflects the severity of a service-connected disability and determines benefit eligibility
- Veterans Service Organization — VSO — a nonprofit organization that provides free claims assistance to veterans and their families
- Higher-level review — a VA appeals option that requests review of an existing decision by a more senior reviewer
- Board of Veterans Appeals — the VA body that reviews appeals of VA decisions
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
- National Archives — archives.gov
- Disabled American Veterans — dav.org
- USA.gov — Veterans Benefits
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. VA benefit rules and procedures are subject to change. Visit va.gov or contact a Veterans Service Organization for the most current information specific to your situation.