If you’re a veteran and have an injury or illness related to your service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Applying for disability benefits can be long and complex, but you must understand what’s involved in getting the help you deserve.
How to apply for VA benefits?
To apply online for VA benefits, visit the Veterans Affairs webpage at www.va.gov/disability. Alternatively, you can fax all information to (844) 531-7818 or, if you are outside the US, to (248) 524-4260.
Applying for VA benefits depends on whether you use them as an individual or a dependent. If you’re applying as an individual, you can apply online at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call the Veterans Benefits Administration at 1-800-827-1000. If you involve someone else, including a spouse, child, or parent, you must fill out a form SF-15 and mail it to the Veterans Benefits Administration.
If you’re a veteran eligible for VA benefits, there are several steps to follow to apply for those benefits.
You’re not alone. Veterans applying for VA benefits for the first time may find the process daunting. But it’s important to know that every veteran who uses is treated with dignity and respect by the people in our department, who are proud to serve those who have served.
Before you apply, you will need:
- Your social security number
- Your military service dates
- Copies of service medical records or discharge papers (DD-214) or other supporting documentation (SF-15)
- You’ll need to apply if you are a veteran eligible for VA health care benefits.
- Complete a Health Benefits Application (VA Form 10-10EZ). You can apply online through the VA website.
- Provide proof of military service, such as DD214s and military ID cards. You can upload these documents online through the VA’s eBenefits portal.
- Provide proof of discharge. If you were released from military service before January 28, 2003, the VA would accept copy 4 of your DD Form 214 as your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. For anyone released after this date, the VA will take a Department of Defense (DD) Form 214 showing CharacteHonorice service’s service for the first time; you’ll fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).
What means VACP TREAS 310 XXVA?
VACP means Veterans Disability Compensation, while TREAS 310 means stimulus payment resulting from a filed tax return, amendment, or tax adjustment. Usually, this payment represents special veterans’ disability compensation. To see various veterans’ compensations, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp0101.asp.
If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). This can be done online or at any VA healthcare facility. The form must be submitted with supporting documents, including your DD214, marriage and divorce records (if applicable), and additional information about your dependents. You can’t submit this application electronically—you’ll have to print it out and mail it to your local VA enrollment center.
The Application for Health Benefits is used if you are not currently enrolled in the VA health care system. If you’re a returning veteran who has previously been registered but has had a break in service, you will use a different form—the Application for Health Care Benefits Renewal (VA Form 1010-R).
This form is available online or at any VA healthcare facility and requires critical information.
Veterans interested in applying for the full range of VA benefits should submit a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, available online or at any VA health care facility. The form requires information such as grade (or rank), the branch of service, dates of service, and separation code. Ensuring that all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly is essential to avoid unnecessary processing delays.
You’ll need to include your Social Security number, proof of direct service in the military under circumstances other than dishonorable conditions, and evidence of discharge except when you are on active duty.
Step 1: Locate your Social Security Number and write it on VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits).
The first step is to locate your social security number and fill out VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits).
Step 2: Attach proof of direct service, including active service in a uniformed branch of the US armed forces, being inducted as a reservist or national guard member, or being ordered to full-time active duty.
Additionally, you’ll need to attach a DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that provides evidence that you were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, with some exceptions if you served during World War II; if this is your situation, skip this step because there are no enlistment records left for those who served during World War II.
Non-disabled veterans may be required to pay co-payments for VA medical services.
You may be required to pay a co-payment for VA medical services. This includes services related to drugs, laboratory tests, and surgery.
You are exempt from these charges if you have a service-connected disability or receive VA pension benefits.
Your yearly co-payments are capped at the following amounts:
- Annual enrollment fee: $600 ($50/month)
- Emergency room visits: $30 (or $45 for veterans who were dishonorably discharged)
- Inpatient care: $780 per admission (excludes mental health care)
- Outpatient care (other than mental health): $15 for each visit
You must pay your co-payments at the time of service unless you qualify for the VA’s Fee Relief program or set up a direct payment plan with your local VA facility.
Conclusion
There are several steps to go through when initiating your VA claim. It may seem tedious at first, but be thorough as you follow each step to ensure that your request is filed with the proper documentation and within thirty days of your separation date. When it comes time to submit your disability claim, there are a few critical documents that you will need to obtain benefits successfully; therefore, it is essential to stay organized, gather your necessary medical records, and submit them accordingly with your benefit claim.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
At Promtfinance.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification.
Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page.
Contact Daniel: daniel@promtfinance.com