File a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability claim using Form 21-526EZ online, through the mail, or in person. Submit this form within one year of filing an “Intent to File” to secure backdated pay.
When you complete the form, you’ll have to provide your service, medical, and personal information for a new, secondary, or increased compensation claim.
Trust a Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyer to answer any questions you have about filing a VA disability claim with Form 21-526EZ. Your attorney can guide you through the claims process and minimize your risk of a denial.
Steps to File a VA Disability Claim Using Form 21-526EZ
Partner with a Veterans Disability attorney before you start the claims process. Your lawyer can provide you with a VA disability calculator and other tools.
In addition, they can assist you as you go through the steps for filing a VA disability claim with Form 21-526EZ, which are:
- Gather evidence. Collect medical records, service treatment records, employment records, lay statements, a nexus letter, and other proof.
- Complete your form. Fill out each section of your form accurately and include information about the in-service events that led to your disability and your current symptoms.
- File your claim materials. Submit your form and evidence online through the VA’s website; via mail to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center at PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI, 53547-4444; or in person at a VA Regional Office.
Veterans Affairs could schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) exam for you following your Form 21-526EZ submission. Talk with your Veterans Disability lawyer if this happens. Your attorney can explain what this exam entails. They can also offer tips to help you prepare for your C&P exam.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Key Considerations When You File a VA Disability Claim Using Form 21-526EZ
Just because you file Form 21-526EZ in accordance with the VA’s guidelines doesn’t guarantee that your submission will be successful. Below are factors to consider as you get ready to file your claim materials.
Intent to File
Use a VA Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to notify the VA that you plan to file a disability claim using Form 21-526EZ. This allows you to set a potential effective date for your disability benefits.
Your Intent to File gives you up to one year to retrieve evidence and submit your claim. Plus, it could help you secure retroactive pay to the date you submitted Form 21-0966.
Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program
Take advantage of the VA’s Fully Developed Claims program, as this lets you submit all of your evidence for your claim at once and certify that no further proof is needed. As such, the program can speed up the disability claims process.
Required Information
Be diligent as you finalize your claim materials. Form 21-526EZ will require you to submit your Social Security number and other personal information, military service history, and details about your disabilities. If any of this information is missing or the VA has doubts about the validity of the details you provide, your claim will be denied.
It usually takes months for the VA to decide on a disability claim after Form 21-526EZ has been submitted. The process is typically faster for those who utilize the VA’s FDC program. Missing evidence or having to complete a C&P exam can extend the timeline for your claim.
Tips to Help You File Your VA Disability Claim Using Form 21-526EZ
Work with a VA disability benefits claims lawyer who has received many positive client testimonials. Your attorney may advise you to do several things as you complete Form 21-526EZ to boost your chances of approval, such as:
- Highlight your evidence. Mark diagnoses, lab results, and other information in your medical records that show the VA that you are dealing with a disability and how it’s affecting you.
- Explain how your disability is linked to your service. Be specific about how and when your disability occurred during your service.
- File your claim online. If possible, complete the claims process online, as this reduces the risk of lost paperwork.
- Sign and submit your form properly. Make sure that you signed your form and included a voided check for direct deposit prior to finalizing your submission.
- If your Form 21-526EZ is denied, you have one year from the date of the VA’s decision notification letter to appeal. At this time, you can file a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Get Help Filing a Veterans Affairs Disability Claim With Form 21-526EZ
Rush through the process of filing your Veterans Affairs disability claim via Form 21-526EZ, and the VA could deny your request. Alternatively, ask for help from a Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims attorney, and you can make it easier for the VA to see why your claim is warranted.
Marc Whitehead & Associates offers legal guidance and support to veterans as they complete Form 21-526EZ. Our legal team has 120 years of combined experience. If you have concerns about Form 21-526EZ and your Veterans Disability benefits claim, we’ll address them promptly.
Contact us for more information.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
