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Getting Ready

Applying for VA Pension Benefits (also called filing a claim) is a multi-step process. The first step is to gather the information needed. This includes your Social Security number and your VA file number (if you have one), plus details about your:

• Military history
  • Note: A fire in 1973 destroyed records for certain periods of time, but they can be reconstructed.
• Marital history (and your spouse’s marital history if you are married)
• Work history
• Dependents
• Finances
  • Monthly income
  • Assets
  • Unreimbursed medical expenses
• Medical records, if you’re under age 65

The VA lists the information you need to apply and explains the application process.

The Application Process

To begin the VA Pension application process, you can:

• Apply online, or
• Use a paper application. Download and complete VA Form 21P-527EZ and then submit your completed form by:
  • Uploading it online using the Quick Submit tool through AccessVA
  • Mailing it to:
    Department of Veterans Affairs
    Pension Intake Center
    P.O. Box 5365
    Janesville, WI 53547-5365, or
  • Submitting it in person at the oficina regional de Phoenix del VA

Note: If you already get VA Pension benefits and you want apply for Aid & Attendance benefits of the Housebound allowance, complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) and mail it (with other details about your situation and supporting evidence) to the Pension Intake Center (see address above).

The exact details and documents you need to submit with your application depend on whether you’re filing a standard claim or participating in the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program.

Fully Developed Claims (FDC) and Standard Claims

Fully Developed Claims is an optional program that gives veterans and survivors faster decisions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on claims for pension, compensation, or survivor benefits. It's faster because you gather together (and submit) the evidence needed to support your claim, instead of having the VA do it for you.

With the standard claims process, the VA:

• Gets relevant records from any federal agency that you adequately identify
• Makes every reasonable effort to get relevant records from other sources (like a private doctor or hospital, state or local governments, or current or former employers), if you clearly identify the source and you authorize the VA to get those records.
• Provides a medical examination for you or gets a medical opinion (at no cost to you) if they need it to make a decision on your claim.

With the FDC program, at the time that you file your claims you must:

• Submit all the relevant records that you have, plus any records that are easy to get, like private medical records
• Certify that you have no more evidence to submit

The VA then makes a decision on your application without asking for more information.

Applying through the FDC program gives you more control, the process is typically faster than a standard claim, and it’s risk-free: If the VA decides it needs more nonfederal records to decide if you qualify for benefits or if you turn in additional information or evidence after you submit your FDC application, the VA will simply remove your claim from the FDC program and process it as a standard claim.

The VA lists the steps you need to take for the FDC program and for a standard claim. Learn more about the Fully Developed Claims program.

Getting Help with the Application Process

Applying for VA benefits can be difficult. You need to:

• Know about the benefits the VA offers
• Understand the laws, regulations, and policies that govern them, and
• Know what evidence you need to send in with your application.

Even if the VA approves your application, you still need to figure out if the VA has granted you everything you should be getting. This article is not a substitute for getting help from a qualified and trained professional.

Many veterans have successfully applied for and gotten the benefits they claimed on their own. To do this, they have spent time learning everything they can about how the VA works. If you have the time and education needed to understand the VA, this is definitely an option.

However, if you find the VA’s rules and programs confusing, you should consider other options:

• Accredited Service Officers are employees of a recognized veterans service organization or a state or county department of veterans affairs who have been trained and are accredited and authorized by the VA to represent claimants (people applying for veterans benefits). Service officers do not charge for their services.
• Accredited Claims Agents are non-attorneys who have been authorized by the VA to represent claimants. Claims agents may charge you a fee for some services.
• Accredited Attorneys are attorneys authorized by the VA to represent you. They typically charge fees.

You can search the VA website for accredited representatives, claims agents, and attorneys.

A family member, friend, or other person can help you apply, but anyone who is not accredited as a representative by the VA cannot charge a fee for helping with your claim. No matter who helps you or represents you, make sure it’s a person you trust who knows what they’re doing. Ask other veterans in your area if they know of good accredited service officers, claims agents, or attorneys. Do not settle for a substandard representative. If you get a representative you are not happy with, you can change your representative at any time.