Overview
Filing a VA disability claim is your legal right as a veteran. If you have a service-connected condition — a physical or mental health condition that started, worsened, or is related to your military service — you may be entitled to monthly tax-free compensation.
The primary form for filing is VA Form 21-526EZ, "Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits." This guide walks you through every step.
Before You File: What You Need
Gather the following before you start your claim:
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) — your proof of service
- Service treatment records — medical records from your time in service
- Private medical records — any relevant records from doctors outside the VA
- Buddy statements — written statements from fellow veterans or family members (VA Form 21-10210)
- Nexus letter — a doctor's opinion connecting your condition to your service (highly recommended)
Tip: You don't have to have everything before filing. You can submit your claim and then have up to one year to add supporting evidence. Filing early "locks in" your effective date, which affects how much back pay you may receive.
Step 1: Create an Account on VA.gov
Go to VA.gov and sign in or create an account. You can use:
- Login.gov (recommended)
- ID.me
- DS Logon
- MyHealtheVet
Once logged in, navigate to "File a disability claim" or go directly to the 21-526EZ online application.
Step 2: Start the 21-526EZ Application
Click "Start your disability compensation application." The online form will walk you through these sections:
- Veteran information — your personal details (pre-filled from your account)
- Military service history — periods of service, branch, and dates
- Disabilities — list each condition you are claiming (be specific and list every condition)
- Supporting evidence — upload records or authorize VA to retrieve them
- Additional information — any special circumstances, homeless status, etc.
- Review and submit
Step 3: List Every Condition You Have
Do not leave conditions out. List everything that you believe is service-connected, including:
- Physical injuries (back, knees, shoulders, hearing loss, etc.)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- PTSD and other mental health conditions
- Skin conditions
- Sleep disorders (secondary to another condition)
- Conditions secondary to a primary service-connected condition
Secondary conditions are conditions that were caused or worsened by a primary service-connected condition. For example, if you have service-connected diabetes, and the diabetes caused peripheral neuropathy, you can claim the neuropathy as a secondary condition.
Step 4: Upload Your Evidence
In the evidence section, you can:
- Upload documents directly (PDFs, images)
- Authorize VA to retrieve records from military records centers, VA facilities, or your private doctors
- List private medical facilities where the VA can request your records
The stronger your evidence, the better your claim. Ideally you want:
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis
- A nexus letter from a doctor stating your condition is "at least as likely as not" related to your service
- A buddy statement from someone who witnessed your condition or injury
Step 5: Submit and Track
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Save it. You can track your claim status at VA.gov under "Check your claim or appeal status."
The VA will send you a letter within a few weeks confirming receipt. If they need more information, they will send a "development letter."
What Happens After You File
- Claim received — VA acknowledges your submission
- Initial review — VA checks the claim is complete
- Evidence gathering — VA requests records (if authorized)
- Review/rating — A VA rater evaluates your evidence
- Preparation for decision — The rating is reviewed
- Decision sent — You receive a Rating Decision letter
- Award — Your monthly compensation begins
Average processing time is 3–6 months, but this varies widely. Complex claims or those needing C&P exams may take longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing vague conditions — "bad back" is weaker than "lumbar degenerative disc disease." Be specific.
- Not claiming secondary conditions — Many veterans leave significant compensation on the table.
- Missing the C&P exam — Missing your Compensation & Pension exam can result in a denial. Attend every scheduled exam.
- Not appealing denials — A denial is not the end. You have the right to appeal.
If You Are Denied
A denial does not mean you are out of options. You have three review options:
- Supplemental Claim — Submit new evidence not previously considered
- Higher-Level Review (HLR) — A senior VA rater reviews for errors, no new evidence
- Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) — An appeal to a Veterans Law Judge
See our Appeals Process Guide for full details.