If you get a letter from the VA Evidence Intake Center, don’t throw it away! They could be telling you important things about your benefits, like decisions on your claims or if you can add more dependents. Take the time to read it carefully and follow any instructions they give you.
The VA Evidence Intake Center (EIC) is a centralized mail processing center for disability compensation claims. Although the EIC might look like another layer of military bureaucracy, it enhances the efficiency of processing your disability claim by creating a single address for delivery and receipt of all paperwork.
What information does the VA EIC generally request?
Veterans who file claims for disability benefits will receive correspondence via mail from the EIC. In most cases, it may ask you to submit the following:
- Evidence of your medical condition and treatments you have requested or received for a claimed disability.
- Your service records, including postings and the events that led to your disability.
- Any forms you have requested from the VA regarding a disability claim or an appeal to a denied claim. .
- General information relating to a claim.
You might also receive materials that refer to a decision on a disability claim, notices about events related to your claim, and changes or revisions to VA processes and procedures.
For easy reference, create a file that includes original copies of all documents and materials you have sent or received from the EIC.
What steps does the EIC take when a veteran files a claim for disability benefits?
After you submit an application for veterans disability benefits, the EIC will:
- Log your application as having been received and sort the documents you submitted.
- Scan and digitize physical documents and upload electronic files into the Veteran’s Benefits Management System.
- Index and categorize all documents and materials relating to your claim.
- Submit your claim to a quality assurance review.
- Assign your claim for substantive review by a regional VA office.
What should a veteran do after receiving a communication from the EIC?
It can take up to six months before you receive an initial decision on your claim from the EIC. Review that decision carefully, especially if your claim has been denied. Instructions usually accompany that notice on how to appeal. Pay attention to any interim requests from the EIC for additional documents and materials and deadlines for their submission. Send everything by certified mail, which allows you to track it, to the following address:
The Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, Wisconsin 53547
If your application has been approved, the EIC will send you an award letter that explains the benefits you will receive. Keep that approval notice and award letter safe because you will need it if you apply for other benefits.
Is there anything that a veteran should not send to the EIC?
With the sole exception of dual disability compensation and pension claims, the EIC is responsible only for processing and managing veterans’ disability claims. You should not send the EIC any documents or materials relating to other veteran’s matters, such as educational claims or home loan applications.
Further, ensure that the information you send to the EIC is relevant to your disability claim. Extraneous documents or materials can muddle or delay the processing of your disability benefits application.
MARC WHITEHEAD & ASSOCIATES WILL FIGHT FOR YOU.
We understand that every day, week and month counts until your disabilities are properly rated and
compensation is received. Since 1992, our firm has been representing injured and disabled people.
Our commitment is to those who have served our country, and our veterans’ benefit lawyers and
supporting staff will work hard on your claim. When you’re stuck, frustrated, underrated—our VA
accredited attorneys are here for you. Call us today for a free case evaluation, 800-562-9830.
