We love our veterans here at VA Benefits Attorneys and we know that many have questions about the disability application process with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. How do I apply for disability benefits? What service-connected injuries, illnesses and medical conditions qualify for disability? What documents do I need for a VA disability claim? We are a nationwide resource for veterans in need of legal help and we are here to answer your questions at VA Benefits Attorneys.

What Medical Evidence Do You Need to Support a VA Disability Claim?

When you file a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will have to complete VA-Form 21-526EZ – the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. The online application form can be found here www.va.gov/disability and with your individual login information, you can save your progress. Veterans who use the online form will have a year from when the form is started to make updates and finish the application. When you start the application, it is considered a declaration of intent to file and will impact the effective date of your disability benefits when the application is approved.

When you prepare to file for disability, it is important that you have the correct medical and service-related documents to ensure that your claim is accepted. Here is a quick overview of the forms, documents and evidence that you will need to support your disability claim.

• VA Medical and Hospital Records – Medical records are essential for your claim and it is imperative that you include any medical documents and records that are related to your service-connected injury, illness or medical condition and may show that your current disability has worsened.
• Private Medical Records and Reports – You may not have access to a VA medical facility or you may have seen your own personal doctor to treat your service-related injury, illness or medical condition. When you submit your claim, include any private medical records that are related to your claim.
• Supporting Statements – The impact your injury, illness or medical condition has on your day-to-day life will have an impact on how your disability claim is received and viewed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. When you submit your claim, include any statements from friends, family, coworkers or civil servants that pertain to your claim and how your injury affects your life.

When you have completed the online application and submitted your medical documents, your application will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The average time it takes for a disability claim to be approved or denied is 104.1 days – a number that is based on the type of claim, how complex the claim is and the evidence provided. When your application is approved, you will receive documents in the mail with a veteran disability rating.

What Do I Do If I Need Help with My VA Disability Application?

That is a general overview of how you can apply for VA disability – but we know it is not always that cut and dried. You may need help with your application and there are a few avenues that you can use to get the help you need. You can contact the VA Regional Office in your area and speak to a counselor or you can contact our team here at VA Benefits Attorneys. We can help you complete your application, provide legal advice and help you appeal any denied disability claims.

READ MORE: What Injuries Are the Easiest to Claim for VA Disability?

We know you may have questions about how to apply for veteran disability benefits. Questions like – what documents do I need for a VA disability claim? We can help answer your questions at VA Benefits Attorneys. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for a FREE case review!