Step 6 of 7
📄File Your Claim
Submit your completed claim with all evidence through VA.gov, mail, or in person.
📄
Claim Builder
1
Gather Your Evidence
2
File an Intent to File
3
Write Your Personal Statement
4
Get Buddy Letters
5
Get a Nexus Letter
6
File Your Claim
7
Attend Your C&P Exam
How to File
- Online (Recommended): VA.gov → File a disability claim → Follow the wizard
- By Mail: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ and mail to your regional VA office
- In Person: Visit your local VA regional office
- With a VSO: A Veterans Service Organization (free!) can file on your behalf
The Main Form: VA Form 21-526EZ
This is the primary application for disability compensation. It asks for:
- Personal information
- Military service history
- Conditions you're claiming
- Whether each claim is direct, secondary, or for increase
- Treatment history
- Employment information
Types of Claims
- Direct Service Connection: Condition caused directly by service
- Secondary Service Connection: Condition caused by an already service-connected disability
- Presumptive: Conditions the VA automatically links to certain service (Agent Orange, burn pits, Gulf War)
- Increase: Already rated but condition has worsened
What to Submit With Your Claim
- VA Form 21-526EZ (completed)
- Personal statement (VA Form 21-4138)
- Nexus letter(s)
- Buddy letters
- Medical records not already in your VA file
- Any other supporting evidence
Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
If you submit ALL evidence upfront, check the "Fully Developed Claim" box. This tells the VA you have nothing more to submit and often results in FASTER processing (sometimes months faster).
Pro Tips
- File online — it's faster and you get instant confirmation
- Save your confirmation number
- Upload all documents digitally if possible (clearer than faxed copies)
- Consider using a VSO (free!) — they know the system and can help avoid mistakes
- Don't wait for perfection — file with what you have and submit additional evidence later if needed