How to Apply for Full Disability From VA

By Virginia Gaskin

Take initiative to apply for full disability from VA when medical problems arise from military service. Monthly benefit compensation is provided by the VA when disability application claims are approved. Keeping organized records can save a lot of time when providing proof and answers during the application process. Payment for military severance and compensation for the same disability is not allowed. If severance has been paid previously for the disability, compensation will be withheld until the severance amount paid has been retained.

Complete the VA application form 21-526 by answering all applicable questions. The form is available on the Veterans Benefits Administration website.

Provide copies of medical records and dependency documents. Make copies of personal military discharge papers (DD form 214).

Mail the form and documentation to your local VA Regional Office. If emailed, send as a Word document attachment.

Do not procrastinate if you think that you have waited too long to apply. The opportunity is not limited by any deadline.

If you need time to get copies of records together, send the application in and send the documents later. This will get the process started more quickly.

The Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees website states that if you do not have a copy of your military discharge DD form 214, you can ask for a copy from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.

If your claim is not approved or the amount approved is low, you can make an appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Appeal up to one year after the original decision is communicated to you. After one year, the decision is final and cannot be appealed.

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