How to Apply for Service Connected Disability

Applying for service-connected disability can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has streamlined the process, making it less difficult to get compensation.

Instructions

• 1

  Collect your medical records from your time in service. Any injury or illness which occurred during your service or within a certain time period from your separation from duty can be claimed for the purpose of obtaining a disability rating from the VA.

• 2

  Fill out VA form 21-526, the Veterans Application for Compensation or Pension, which you can obtain from your local VA office. Or go to the VONAPP Web site and fill it out online.

• 3

  Attach your medical records, DD214 and, if applicable, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates and/or adoption papers to your application. You will also need to include evidence that your disability is service connected; attach any documentation you have that supports your claim.

• 4

  Check on your application by calling the VA. The validation process takes several months, but by checking up you can ensure that your application has not fallen through the cracks.

• 5

  Attend all medical and other appointments the VA requires of you.