How to File a Veterans Claim

By Kayla Lowe

If you served in the military and have a disability, then you may be eligible to receive disability benefits through the Veterans Administration, or VA. If your disability was caused by your military service or made worse by it, then you might be able to receive VA compensation. If you have a low income and a disability that wasn't necessarily caused by your military service but keeps you from working, then you might be eligible for a VA pension. Before you can receive VA benefits, however, you must first file a veteran's claim.

Download the veteran's application for compensation and/or pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Fill out the form on your computer by typing your information into the fillable text boxes, or print it and fill it out by hand with black ink.

Fill out the general information part of the application by providing your most basic information, such as your name, date of birth, address, the branch of the military you served in, the dates of your military service and any VA benefits that you already receive. Include a copy of your DD214 separation papers with this part of the application.

Fill out the compensation part of the application if you are applying for VA compensation. Include a list of all disabilities that you are claiming are related to your military service. List the places where you were treated for them while in the military and the dates that you were treated for them as well. List any places and dates for treatment after you were discharged from the military. Include copies of medical records supporting your treatment after discharge to this part of the application.

Fill out the dependency part of the application by providing your spouse's information, any previous marriages or divorce dates, and information about any dependents. Include a copy of your marriage certificate, any divorce certificates and birth certificates of your dependents with this part of the application.

Fill out the pension part of the application if you are applying for a VA pension. List all sources of your income, including any nursing home expenses. Include any records of nursing home expenses with this part of the application.

Mail your completed veteran's application for compensation and/or pension to your closest VA office.

File your application for compensation and/or pension online through VA's VONAPP service.

Apply for both compensation and pension, and if you're awarded both, select which one you would like to receive.

Never falsify information on your application for VA benefits because you can be prosecuted and imprisoned or fined if you do.

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