How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits

By John Marcheur

The application process for disability pension and compensation for former service members is a task that demands research, continued correspondence and attention to detail. The federal government's Department of Veterans Affairs oversees the myriad of disability claims filed by veterans each year. Though the process has evolved with the introduction of electronic filing resources, the often extensive time period from application to award of benefits continues to be a stressful characteristic of the procedure.

Determine eligibility. To file a claim with Veterans Administration, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. In general, you may be eligible for disability compensation or benefits if you were determined to have a service-connected disability and received a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. Documented evidence of medical conditions must be presented along with the application for disability pension or compensation.

Complete VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation Or Pension. This application must be completed and evaluated prior to the approval of VA disability benefits. This is a 12-page application that will provide information on the nature of your military service, current financial status and an account of your disability claims. In addition, this application provides the opportunity to apply for either monetary compensation or an age and income-based pension. You must also forward any medical evidence related to your disability claim in the form of doctor's or hospital notes.

Visit the VA's VONAPP online application tool. VONAPP is an online resource developed by Veterans Administration to streamline the claims application process. This online tool can be utilized to apply for disability compensation and benefits. To use the application, you must first establish an account by generating a user name and password. The VONAPP website also provides general information on the application process along with links to state and federal veterans resources.

Hire a specialist. You may wish to seek the services of a veterans benefits adviser to avoid delay or mistakes in applying for compensation or pension. Many veterans service organizations such as AMVETS or the Veterans of Foreign Wars can provide information regarding private and nonprofit benefits advisers. Generally, the ranks of veterans benefits advisers are filled with former service members and retirees who share expertise in the administrative process regarding disability claims.

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