FILING A VA CLAIM

There are two types of claims that a veteran may qualify for:

 

  • Compensation for service-connected disabilities, mental or physical
  • Aid and Attendance and/or pensions for low-income, severely disabled Veterans, and surviving spouses
 

Many Veterans are unaware that they can be compensated for service-connected problems that may result in them receiving benefits. Our Chapter Service Officers (CSOs) can help you with your service-connected claims with the VA.

 

They can advise you on what service-connected conditions you may qualify for, how to get the necessary evidence, navigate the complicated VA system for compensation claims, and help fill out the necessary claims forms for you at no cost to the veteran. 


 What you will need


It is necessary for each claim to have relative evidence to support the Veteran's disability or pension claim. It is important that you have this paperwork with you when you meet with a Chapter Service Officer (CSO).​


Required for all:

  • DD-214 or
  • NG Form 22
  • Veteran's Social Security Number
  • Bank RTN and Checking Account number (for direct deposit)
  • All your VA decision letters from previous claims
 

​​For Disability Claims:

  • Dates, records, and address for private providers
  • Dates and location of service by VA providers
  • Dates and location of service by military providers

 

​​For Aid & Attendance or DIC/Pension Claims:

  • Documentation of service-connected disability affecting Veteran
    • Will require examination/certification by a doctor on VA Form 21-2680 or 21-0779​
  • For DIC/Pension, Veteran's death certificate
    • DIC: Death certificate must show a rated disability as the primary or secondary cause of death​

​​

To Establish or Remove Dependents:


  • Adding:
    • Birth certificate (minor children)​
    • Birth and Marriage certificate (spouse)
    • Social Security Number (children and spouse)
    • Information on all previous marriages/divorces (Veteran and spouse)
  • Removing:​
    • Marriage certificate​
    • Divorce decree or death certificate
    • Social Security Number of the Veteran and the person being removed

 

What to Expect 


  • You will receive a copy of your claim paperwork. Any time you come back to the office regarding your claim, bring that paperwork along with you as well as any associated paperwork or correspondence.

  • If the VA requests that you fill out more paperwork, bring it into the office so that we can forward it to ensure it is received.

  • Within 5-10 business days, the DAV will send you a copy of the cover sheet used to upload your claim into the VA system. There is NO action required on your part when you receive this cover letter copy.

  • Within 3-6 weeks after that, the VA, VES, or QTR will send you a "C&P Request for Examination" (C&P = Compensation & Pension) for disabilities listed in your claim.

    • If you do not see the VA for your medical needs and do not get this letter, bring your documents back into the office so we can do an inquiry.​

  • Keep all your appointments!​

  • Normally, about 2-3 months after completion of your examinations, you will get a Decision Letter.

    • If you get a large deposit from the VA in your bank account, do not spend it until you receive the Decision Letter!​