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File for disability compensation with VA Form 21-526EZ

Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ)


By clicking the button to start the disability application, you’ll declare your intent to file. This will reserve a potential effective date for when you could start getting benefits. You have 1 year from the day you submit your intent to file to complete your application.

Follow the steps below to file a claim for a new or secondary condition or for increased disability compensation.

Notice of evidence needed

We’re required by law to tell you what evidence you’ll need to submit to support your disability claim.

You can review the evidence requirements on our evidence needed for your disability claim page.

Prepare

When you file a disability claim, you’ll have a chance to provide evidence to support your claim. Evidence could include:

  • VA medical records and hospital records that relate to your claimed condition or that show your rated disability has gotten worse
  • Private medical records and hospital reports that relate to your claimed condition or that show your disability has gotten worse
  • Supporting statements from family, friends, coworkers, clergy, or law enforcement personnel with knowledge about how and when your disability happened or how it got worse

In some cases, you may need to turn in one or more additional forms to support your disability claim. For example, you’ll need to fill out another form if you’re claiming a dependent or applying for aid and attendance benefits.

Learn what additional forms you may need to file with your disability claim.

What if I need help with my application?

If you need help filing a disability claim, you can contact a VA regional office and ask to speak to a counselor. To find the nearest regional office, please call .

An accredited representative, like a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), can help you fill out your claim.

Get help filing your claim.

Apply

Complete this disability compensation benefits form. After submitting the form, you’ll get a confirmation message. You can print this for your records.

Review

We process applications in the order we receive them. The amount of time it takes to process your claim depends on how many injuries or disabilities you claim and how long it takes us to gather evidence needed to decide your claim.

Decision

Once we’ve processed your claim, you’ll get a notice in the mail with our decision.


By clicking the button to start the disability application, you’ll declare your intent to file. This will reserve a potential effective date for when you could start getting benefits. You have 1 year from the day you submit your intent to file to complete your application.

For help filling out this form, or if the form isn’t working right, please call VA Benefits and Services at .
If you have hearing loss, call .