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Veteran Q&A

How do I file a VA disability claim?

File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.

File VA Form 21-526EZ online at va.gov, by mail to the Janesville Intake Center, or in person at any VA Regional Office. Include your DD-214, any private medical records, and supporting evidence. A county or state veterans service officer (CVSO/VSO) can help you assemble and file it for free. CVSOs are typically VA-accredited representatives; ask whether the person helping you is VA-accredited. Accredited representatives cannot charge you for an initial claim.

Detail

  • Submit VA Form 21-526EZ online at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez (recommended, fastest) or mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
  • Include: DD-214 (proof of service), service treatment records (STRs), private medical records showing the diagnosis, and any nexus letter from a doctor.
  • For PACT Act presumptive conditions (Agent Orange, burn pits, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, radiation): NO nexus letter required — service connection is presumed.
  • File a 21-0966 ("Intent to File") within 1 day of deciding to claim — this locks in your effective date so back-pay starts from when you filed the intent, not when you assemble the formal claim.
  • Free help: most states have county or regional veterans service officers who file claims for free; if your county has none, your state veterans agency can point you to the nearest one. Find yours below.
  • Initial decision typical timeline: 4-6 months. PACT Act claims may take longer due to volume.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

VA Form 21-526EZ — full detailsVA Form 21-0966 — Intent to FileFind a free CVSOWhat is a C&P exam?What is a nexus letter?

Other veteran questions

How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.Is hypertension a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes — hypertension was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list under the 2024 PACT Act expansion.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors (national 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.