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 Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) will help you assemble and file for free — they're state-employed claims experts, no fee ever.
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: every U.S. county has a CVSO who files claims for free. Find yours below.
- Initial decision typical timeline: 4-6 months. PACT Act claims may take longer due to volume.
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