How Can I Check My Veterans Disability Claim

By Kayla Lowe

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the administration designated to aid veterans of the United States military. It provides those who were honorably discharged with benefits like education grants, financial assistance, home loans and disability benefits. Disabled veterans can receive either a compensation, which is for veterans whose disability is related to their military service, or a pension, which is for veterans whose disability is not related to their military service.

A veteran must start the disability claims process by completing Form 21-526, the Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension. He must provide information about his branch of service, dates of service, release date, disability condition and financial information. In addition, he must attach supporting documents like a copy of his DD214 separation papers, medical records and financial information. Once submitted to the VA, the length of time that it takes the administration to review the claim and make a decision depends on how complete the application is, as well as how many claims the VA has to review. It may take six months or more to receive a ruling in a disability claim.

The VA offers the eBenefits website, which has numerous online tools for veterans to use regarding their benefits. All you do to access the status of your claim on this website is sign up for an account and click on the "My Benefits" link. Then you simply click "Compensation & Pension Claims Status" from the "Compensation" tab. The status of your claim is then displayed.

Call 1-800-827-1000 and follow the prompts on the automated system to reach a customer service representative. You will have to provide the representative with proof of your identity by stating your branch of service, dates of service, release date and your Social Security number. The VA representative can then release the information about the status of your claim.

Your local VA office can also tell you the status of your claim. Either walk in or set up an appointment to meet with a VA representative. Present the representative with your military ID, and then she can look up the status of your claim on the VA's administrative system where all your VA military files are stored.

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