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Disability Benefits
Understanding Veterans Disability Benefits
VA disability compensation
VA disability compensation (pay) offers tax-free on 50% of disability payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans' disability benefits you've earned.
How to use this resource
Simply click the link that interests you and you will be directed to that topic. If you still need additional information or help with a particular issue please contact MC6 Veteran Advocates and we’ll be happy to assist you. You may contact us at 202-854-0062 or schedule an appointment for a one on one meeting. Please be advised that all links are in the color blue and you will be redirected to VA.gov for additional information concerning the resource that you are inquiring about.
Get VA disability compensation (pay)
Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability benefits for a presumptive disability or other service-connected condition.
Find out how to prepare and file a claim for disability compensation online or by phone or mail.
Find out what happens after you file for VA disability compensation, how long it takes us to make a decision, and what to do if you disagree.
Compensation benefits for a surviving spouse and dependents (VA DIC)
Learn about getting VA disability benefits as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent.
Manage your Veterans disability benefits
Check your VA claim or appeal status
Track the status of your disability claim or appeal.
View your VA disability ratings and which of your ratings are service-connected.
File for a VA disability increase
If your service-connected disability has gotten worse, find out how to file a claim to increase your disability rating.
Request a decision review or manage a legacy appeal
If you disagree with a decision on your disability claim, you can request a decision review. You can also manage any review requests or appeals you already filed.
Find out how and when to add a dependent spouse, child, or parent to your VA disability benefits. Also, learn how to remove a dependent from your benefits.
Upload evidence to support your disability claim
Send us evidence (like doctor's reports, medical test results, or service records) to help support your open disability claim.
File additional forms for your disability claim
Find out if you'll need to turn in any additional forms to support your disability claim.
Change your VA direct deposit information
Find out how to change your direct deposit information online.
Set up your personal health record and download reports to share with your VA and non-VA doctors.
Download your VA benefit letters
Download a copy of letters like your eligibility or award letter for certain benefits.
View your VA disability payments history
Check the status of your VA disability and pension payments. You can also see certain survivor benefits.
More information and resources
Learn how we assign disability ratings and effective dates, and what to do after you get your rating.
Disability compensation effective dates
The effective date is the day you can start getting your disability benefits. Learn how we decide effective dates in different cases.
View VA disability compensation rates
See the Veterans compensation benefits rates tables to find your rate based on your disability rating and dependents.
DIC benefit rates for surviving spouses and children
Learn the current DIC benefit rates for spouses and children.
DIC benefit rates for surviving parents
Learn the current DIC benefit rates for surviving parents.
Find out why you might need a claim exam, how to schedule and prepare for your appointment, and what to expect during and after the exam.
Connect with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited Veterans representative for help applying for benefits.
Other VA benefits and services
Disability housing grants for Veterans
Find out how to apply for a housing grant as a Veteran or service member with a service-connected disability.
Learn how to become a VA fiduciary to handle the financial affairs of a Veteran in need.
VA nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care
Explore long-term care options for Veterans and their caregivers.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Find out if you qualify for help exploring employment options, any training you may need, and other VR&E services.
Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance
See if you're eligible for extra monthly pension payments if you need more aid than you're currently receiving.
VA Fully Developed Claims program
Find out how you can use the Fully Developed Claims program to get a faster decision on your disability benefits claims by submitting evidence along with your claim.
Can I submit a fully developed disability claim?
You can submit a fully developed disability claim if you’re applying for compensation for:
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An illness or injury (also called a condition) that was caused by—or got worse because of—your active-duty service, or
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A condition that was caused—or made worse—by a disability we’ve already determined is service-connected
What do I need to do to submit a fully developed claim?
For VA to consider your claim fully developed, you’ll need to:
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Submit your completed Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ), and
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Submit all the evidence (supporting documents) you have—or can easily get—along with your claim, and
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Certify that there’s no more evidence we might need to decide your claim, and
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Go to any VA medical exams required for us to decide your claim. We’ll let you know if you need any exams.
What evidence will I need to submit along with my disability claim?
You’ll need to send VA:
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All private medical records related to the claimed condition, like reports from your own doctor or X-rays or other test results from a non-VA hospital or other treatment centers, and
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Any records of medical treatment you’ve received for the claimed condition while serving in the military, and
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Any military personnel records you have that relate to the claimed condition, and
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Information about any related health records that you don’t have but that we can request on your behalf from a federal facility like a VA medical center or clinic
If you think your service records don’t include a description of your disability, you can also submit letters from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or those you served with that can tell us more about your claimed condition and how and when it happened.
Note: In 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis destroyed records held for Veterans who were discharged from the Army and Air Force during certain periods of time. Your records may have been destroyed in the fire if you were discharged from the Army between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1960, or if you were discharged from the Air Force between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964. If you think your records may have been involved in this fire, you can learn more about the fire and how to get help filing a claim. Learn more about the fire at the NPRC
Are there any risks to using the Fully Developed Claims program?
No. Filing a fully developed claim won’t affect the attention VA gives to your claim or the benefits you’re entitled to receive.
If VA determines that they need other non-federal records to make a decision on your claim, they will simply remove the claim from the Fully Developed Claims program and process it as a standard claim.
Once you start your fully developed claim, you’ll have up to 1 year to complete it. If VA approves your claim, you’ll be paid back to the day you started it.
What should the evidence show to support my disability claim?
This depends on the type of claim you’re filing. See what evidence is needed for different types of claims
Can VA help me gather evidence?
Yes. VA can help you through the Fully Developed Claims program.
They will:
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Request your military service records (with your permission), and
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Request relevant Social Security benefits information and medical records that you identify and authorize us to get from a federal facility, like a VA medical center, and
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Schedule a health exam for you or get a medical opinion from a health care provider if we decide we need it for your claim
Note: Even though VA will gather federal records (like your DD214 or VA medical records) on your behalf, we encourage you to submit these if you have them to save time in the process.
When should I turn in my evidence?
To submit your claim through the Fully Developed Claims program, you’ll need to turn in the information and evidence at the same time as you file your claim. If you turn in more information or evidence after you send in your fully developed claim, they will remove your claim from the FDC program and process it as a standard claim.
If VA decides your claim before 1 year from the date we receive the claim, you’ll have the rest of that 1-year period to turn in additional information or evidence to support your claim.
How do I turn in my information and evidence?
You’ll need to upload all medical evidence or supporting documents at the end of the disability compensation form.
You can start your online application right now, or find out how to file a claim by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation
Should I work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to file my claim?
You don’t have to, but VA encourages you to work with an accredited VSO. These trained professionals can help you file your claim and gather the needed medical records and evidence. Find out how to get help filing your claim
More information about disability claims
Pre-discharge claim
Learn how to file a disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials
Learn more about claims for conditions related to contact with hazardous materials.
Disability benefits for former prisoners of war (POWs)
Learn more about claims for former prisoners of war (POWs).
Special claims
Learn more about other special claims.
Standard disability claims
Find out how to submit a standard disability claim if you’d like VA to take more responsibility for gathering the evidence (supporting documents) they will need to make a decision on your claim.
You can still file a claim and apply for benefits during the coronavirus pandemic
Get the latest information about in-person services, claim exams, extensions, paperwork, decision reviews and appeals, and how best to contact VA during this time. Go to our coronavirus FAQs
What do I need to do to submit a standard disability claim?
You’ll need to:
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Submit your completed Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ), and
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Let VA know about related records not held by a federal agency, and give VA any information they may need in order to get them, and
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Go to any medical exams that we schedule if VA decide these exams are needed to make a decision on your claim
Note: You should know that if a person or agency refuses to turn over the evidence VA needs, asks for money for the evidence, or can’t get the evidence, we’ll ask you to try to get it for them. It’s your responsibility to make sure VA receives all requested records that aren’t at a federal agency or office.
What kinds of records might VA need that aren’t held by a federal agency?
VA will need any records related to your claim from sources like these:
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State or local governments
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Any private (non-VA) doctors who’ve treated you
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Any private (non-VA) hospitals or other health facilities where you’ve been treated
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Your current or former employers
What evidence will VA gather when I file a standard disability claim?
With your permission, VA will get related records from:
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Any federal agency (including the military)
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VA medical centers (including private facilities where we’ve authorized treatment)
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The Social Security Administration
VA will also:
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Make every reasonable effort to request relevant records that you authorize VA to get that aren’t at a federal facility (including records from non-VA doctors and hospitals), and
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Provide a medical exam for you, or get a doctor’s opinion if VA need it to make a decision on your claim
Example: A Veteran filed a disability claim that included prior treatment from a private doctor and a prior Social Security disability award. In this case, VA was responsible for getting the Social Security records. VA will also help to get the private doctor’s records, but the Veteran was responsible for making sure we got those.
What should the evidence show to support my disability claim?
This depends on the type of claim you’re filing. See what evidence is needed for different types of claims
When do I need to turn in my evidence to support my standard claim?
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You’ll need to turn in the information and evidence as soon as you can.
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You have up to 1 year from the date we receive your claim to turn in any information and evidence. If we decide your claim before this, you’ll have the rest of the one-year period to turn in more information or evidence to support your claim.
How do I get started filing my standard claim?
You can start your online application right now, or find out how to file a claim by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation
Does it take longer to get a decision from VA on a standard claim than a fully developed claim?
Yes. The process is slower for getting a decision on a standard disability claim. This is because VA needs time to gather evidence for your claim.
If you’d like to get a decision on your claim faster, you can submit a fully developed claim. For this type of claim, you gather all of the evidence—or as much as you can get easily—and submit it at the same time as your claim.
Learn more about submitting a fully developed disability claim