VA Disability Benefits
VA Disability Benefits
To be considered for VA disability benefits, the individual must:
- Have served on active duty, active-duty training, or inactive duty training, and
- Have a disability rating for their service-connected physical or mental condition
- Normally, those who received a dishonorable, bad conduct, or other than honorable discharge are not eligible. However, there are ways to apply to have a discharge upgraded.
In addition, the following requirements apply. The veteran must:
- Have became ill or injured while serving in the military, and the illness or injury is linked to the military service; or
- Have had an illness or injury before entering military service, and that illness or injury was exacerbated (worsened) by the activities of military service; or
- Have a service-related disability that did not show up until after the veteran left the military. (Examples: A bullet fragment moves and causes paralysis; lung disease or neurologic disease from a chemical exposure during deployment.)
Applying for VA Disability Benefits
Gather all the relevant documents prior to filing your application for VA Disability Benefits. You will need:
- Medical records, doctors’ reports, and diagnostic tests showing the nature and extent of your injury and illness. These can be VA medical records or from private physicians or hospitals.
- Supporting statements from family, friends, law enforcement, clergy, and/or those you served with in the military. These statements should discuss the physical or mental condition that is the basis of your disability claim, and they should describe how the condition has affected your life and the lives of those around you. The statements should also mention how your condition started and if and when it became worse.
- Your DD-214, any other separation documents you have, and any medical treatment records from your military service.
Once you have gathered all the documentation you need, fill out your application. You can from the VA website.
Read over the form carefully and make sure you fill it out completely. You may be able to file your form online. You will be required to answer some questions on the VA website about your ability to upload forms and records.
You can also apply by mail. Print the form, fill it out completely, and mail the completed, signed form along with copies of your supporting documentation to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
You also have the option of making an appointment at your local VA office and submitting your claim in-person. To find your local VA office, .
What if I start my application but need additional time to collect my documentation?
Starting an application does not count as showing the VA “intent to file.” Unless you file online, you will need to submit an “intent to file” form which sets the effective date you can begin getting benefits. Once you have filed your application, you can expect a decision from the VA within 131 days.
To learn more about Veterans Disability Benefits, .