By Helena Baker
Applying for service-connected disability can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has streamlined the process, making it less difficult to get compensation.Collect your medical records from your time in service. Any injury or illness which occurred during your service or within a certain time period from your separation from duty can be claimed for the purpose of obtaining a disability rating from the VA.
Fill out VA form 21-526, the Veterans Application for Compensation or Pension, which you can obtain from your local VA office. Or go to the VONAPP Web site and fill it out online.
Attach your medical records, DD214 and, if applicable, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates and/or adoption papers to your application. You will also need to include evidence that your disability is service connected; attach any documentation you have that supports your claim.
Check on your application by calling the VA. The validation process takes several months, but by checking up you can ensure that your application has not fallen through the cracks.
Attend all medical and other appointments the VA requires of you.
Keep records of everything you do with the VA. If something becomes lost or needs to be resubmitted, you will not have to restart your entire application. If you wish to apply for education or career benefits, fill out VA form 28-1900, the Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and mail it to your local VA office. You can often get a full grant covering tuition, books and living expenses.
Don't miss any of your appointments. They can take months to get and you will go to the back of the queue if you miss one.
http://www.lenderva.com
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