Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased disability compensation.
How do I prepare before starting my application?
Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation.
Learn about eligibility
Be sure to fill out your claim completely.
Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your VA disability claim. We encourage you to send in all your supporting documents along with your claim. This will help us process your claim quickly.
Learn about fully developed claims
Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional forms with your claim.
Learn about additional forms you may need to file
To learn more about filing a disability claim, you can play our disability claims video.
Go to our disability claims video on YouTube
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
You can support your VA disability claim by providing these documents:
VA medical records and hospital records. These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or they could show that your rated disability has gotten worse.
Private medical records and hospital reports. These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or they could show that your disability has gotten worse.
Supporting statements. These could be from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or people you served with. These statements could tell us more about your claimed condition and how and when it happened or how it got worse.
Depending on the type of claim you file, you may gather supporting documents yourself, or you can ask for our help to gather evidence.
Learn more about the evidence we’ll need for your claim
We’ll also review your discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents) and service treatment records.
Do I have to submit evidence with my claim?
No. You don’t have to submit any evidence to support your claim. But we may need to schedule a claim exam so we can learn more about your condition.
Learn more about VA claim exams (C&P exams)
You should also know that you have up to a year from the date we receive your claim to turn in any evidence. If you start your application and need time to gather more supporting documents, you can save your application and come back later to finish it. We’ll recognize the date you started your application as your date of claim as long as you complete it within 365 days.
How do I file a claim for compensation?
You can file a claim in any of these 5 ways.
Option 1: Online
You can file a claim online now.
File for disability compensation online
Option 2: By mail
File your claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).
Get VA Form 21-526EZ to download