Request priority processing for an existing claim
Use this form to request that we process your claim faster due to certain situations.
What to know before you fill out this form
If any of these descriptions are true for you, you may qualify for priority processing. That means we’ll make a faster decision on your claim.
One of these descriptions must be true:
- You’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, or
- You’re experiencing extreme financial hardship (such as loss of your job or a sudden decrease in income), or
- You have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, or
- You have a terminal illness (a condition that can’t be treated), or
- You have a Very Seriously Injured or Ill (VSI) or Seriously Injured or Ill (SI) status from the Defense Department (DOD) (this status means you have a disability from a military operation that will likely result in your discharge from the military), or
- You’re age 85 or older, or
- You’re a former prisoner of war, or
- You received the Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart award
We’ll need one of these forms to show that you have permission to receive information about the person’s claim or to sign for the person:
In this form, we’ll ask you about your relationship to the person with the claim. If you’ve submitted 21-22 or 21-22a, we’ll refer to you as an “accredited representative with power of attorney.”
Types of evidence to submit
You can submit your request with or without supporting evidence. But we encourage you to submit any evidence you have to help us process your request faster. The type of evidence you may need depends on your qualifying situation. Read the examples listed here to understand the types of evidence you may need for different situations.
Extreme financial hardship
- Eviction or foreclosure notice
- Notices of past-due utility bills
- Collection notices from creditors
- Other supporting documents you think may show evidence of your financial hardship
ALS or other terminal illnesses
- Medical evidence that show an ALS diagnosis or evidence of a terminal illness
Note: If you want us to get your private treatment records, you’ll need to submit an authorization to release non-VA medical information to us (VA Forms 21-4142 and 21-4142a).
Very Seriously Injured or Ill (VSI) or Seriously Injured or Ill (SI)
- Military personnel records, such as a determination from the DOD and
- Medical evidence showing severe disability or injury
Former prisoners of war
- Military personnel records such as DD214, Certificate of Release, or Discharge from Active Duty,or
- Information such as service number, branch and dates of service, dates and location of internment, detaining power, or any other information relevant to the detainment
Medal of Honor or Purple Heart award recipients
- Military personnel records, such as DD214, or
- Information showing receipt of Medal of Honor or Purple Heart award
How to submit supporting evidence
- You can upload your documents online as you complete this form. This will help us process your request faster.
- You can also send copies of your documents by mail.
Find the benefit type you’re requesting priority processing for. Then use the corresponding mailing address.
Note: Please don’t send original documents. Send copies instead.
Compensation claims
Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Pension and survivors benefit claims
Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans' Appeals
PO Box 27063
Washington, DC 20038
Fiduciary
Department of Veterans Affairs Fiduciary Intake Center
PO Box 5211
Janesville, WI 53547-5211