How To File A Disability Claim
Filing a disability claim with the VA establishes service connection for disabilities, diseases, or injuries that were incurred in or aggravated by military service.
Is My Veteran Eligible For Disability?
Technically, you don't know unless you have your Veteran apply.
Even if it seems that your Veteran may not qualify for disability benefits or they do not think they do, still apply. Remember, you can also always ask for assistance from the VA itself, an attorney, or researching the information :)
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For some conditions, the VA "automatically assume(s)" that the service caused the disability. They call these "presumptive conditions." If your Veteran has a presumptive condition, they may not need to prove that their service caused the condition, rather only meet the service requirements for the presumption. Below are some of the presumptive conditions:
How Do We File A Disability Claim?
An individual can file a claim for disability compensation in any one of 5 ways:
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​Online
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By mail
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File a claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ)​
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Print the form, fill it out, and send it to the location provided by your regional office. In Wisconsin, you would send it to:
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Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center​
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
3. In person (Find a VA regional office near you)
4. By fax
Residing in the U.S., fax the application to 844.531.7818
Residing outside the U.S., fax the application to 248.524.4260​​
5. With the help of a trained professional (for example: an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization)​​​
How Is Our Claim Processed?
The claims process can be daunting, especially during the time of transition. There are several steps that take place when a VA claim is processed and the timeline is different for everyone.
How Is Our Claim Processed?
The VA disability claims process consists of 8 steps, each with a specific purpose to move the claim from submission to completion.
The steps are:
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Some points to keep in mind: timelines and processing times are different for every person.