How to Get VA Disability

By Kayla Lowe

If you are disabled and served in the military, then you might be able to get Veterans Administration (VA) disability. VA disability appears in two different ways. VA compensation exists for veterans whose disabilities developed while they served in the military, and a VA pension aids low-income veterans with disabilities not caused by the military, but which keep them unemployable. If you want to get VA disability, you first have to apply for VA disability benefits.

Download Form 21-526: the veteran's application for compensation and/or benefits.

Input your basic information into the general information section. This includes information like your name, branch of military service, dates of military service, etc. Include a copy of your DD214 with this section to document your military service.

Input a list of all disabilities that you are claiming into the compensation section of the application (if applying for VA compensation). Ensure that you list when and where you were treated for the disabilities while in military service, as well as the places and dates you were treated for them outside the military. If treated outside the military, include copies of medical records with this section to document your treatment.

Input your spouse's information, as well as that of any previous spouses, divorce dates and any dependents into the dependency section of the application. Provide a copy of your marriage license, divorce decree(s) and birth certificates of dependents with this section.

Input your sources of income into the pension section of the application (if you are applying for a VA pension). Provide any nursing home expenses, and attach copies of any nursing home expenses to this section to document them as well.

Send your completed application for VA disability benefits to your nearest VA office.

Complete your application online through VA's VONAPP service.

You may apply for both compensation and pension if you wish, but you can only select one to receive if you are awarded both.

The VA may take six months or longer to process your claim and make a decision.

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