How to Download VA Form 21-526EZ (PDF)
If you are a veteran with a disability that is related to your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation and related benefits. To apply for these benefits, you need to fill out and submit VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. This form is also used to request an increase in your disability rating or to reopen a previously denied claim.
download va form 21-526ez (pdf)
In this article, we will explain what VA Form 21-526EZ is, how to fill it out, how to submit it, how to track the status of your claim, and what common mistakes to avoid when filing this form. We will also provide you with a link to download the PDF version of the form and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is VA Form 21-526EZ?
VA Form 21-526EZ is a form that veterans use to apply for disability compensation and related benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Disability compensation is a monthly payment that veterans receive for disabilities that are caused or aggravated by their military service. Related benefits may include housing allowance, health care, vocational rehabilitation, education, and compensation for dependents.
Purpose and benefits of VA Form 21-526EZ
The purpose of VA Form 21-526EZ is to provide the VA with the information and evidence they need to process your claim for disability compensation and related benefits. By filling out this form, you can:
Formally request disability compensation and related benefits from the VA
Provide evidence of your service-connected disabilities and how they affect your daily life
Indicate whether you want to participate in the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program or the Standard Claim Process
Authorize the VA to obtain your medical records from other sources
Designate a representative or an organization to assist you with your claim
The benefits of using VA Form 21-526EZ are:
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You can apply for multiple disabilities on one form
You can choose the fastest way to get your claim processed by opting for the FDC Program
You can ensure that your claim is complete and accurate by following the instructions on the form
You can avoid delays and denials by providing all the required information and evidence
Eligibility and requirements for VA Form 21-526EZ
To be eligible for disability compensation and related benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have served in the active military, naval, or air service
You must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
You must have a current disability that is at least 10% disabling
You must have a link between your disability and your military service
To file a claim using VA Form 21-526EZ, you must also meet one of the following conditions:
You have never filed a claim for disability compensation before
You have filed a claim for disability compensation before but it was denied more than one year ago
You have an existing disability rating but you want to request an increase or add new disabilities
</ul How to fill out VA Form 21-526EZ
VA Form 21-526EZ is a 12-page form that consists of six sections. You can download the PDF version of the form from the VA website or use the online tool to apply electronically. Here are the steps to fill out the form:
Step 1: Choose a claims process
On page 1 of the form, you need to choose whether you want to participate in the FDC Program (Optional Expedited Process) or the Standard Claim Process. The FDC Program is the fastest way to get your claim processed, but it requires you to submit all the relevant evidence and information with your claim. The Standard Claim Process allows you to submit additional evidence after you file your claim, but it may take longer to process. Check the box that corresponds to your preference.
Step 2: Enter your personal and contact information
On page 2 of the form, you need to enter your personal and contact information in Section I (Identification Information). This includes your name, Social Security Number, VA file number, date of birth, service number, gender, address, phone number, email address, and preferred method of contact. You also need to indicate if you have a change of address pending or if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Step 3: Provide details about your service and disability
On pages 3 to 6 of the form, you need to provide details about your military service and your disability in Section II (Service Information) and Section III (Disability Information). This includes:
The dates and branches of your service
The type and character of your discharge
The names and locations of your units
The dates and places of any combat or hazardous duty
The names and addresses of any federal or state agencies that have your service records
The disabilities for which you are claiming compensation
The date of onset and diagnosis of each disability
The symptoms and severity of each disability
The names and addresses of any doctors or facilities that have treated you for each disability
The names and addresses of any sources that have your medical records for each disability
Whether you have filed a claim for Social Security disability benefits or workers' compensation benefits for any disability
Whether you have been incarcerated for any disability
Whether you have a spouse, children, or parents who depend on you for financial support
Whether you want to apply for special monthly compensation or automobile allowance for any disability
Step 4: Sign and date the form
On page 7 of the form, you need to sign and date the form in Section IV (Signature). By signing the form, you are certifying that the information you provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. You are also authorizing the VA to obtain your records from other sources and to release your information to third parties as needed. You are also indicating whether you want to designate a representative or an organization to assist you with your claim.
Step 5: Attach any supporting documents
On page 8 of the form, you need to attach any supporting documents that are relevant to your claim in Section V (Evidence). This may include:
Your DD Form 214 or other proof of service
Your medical records or treatment reports for each disability
Your VA Form 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs, for each source that has your medical records
Your VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability, if you are claiming that you are unable to work due to your disability
Your VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, if you have dependents who rely on you for financial support
Your VA Form 21-0781 or 21-0781a, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), if you are claiming PTSD due to a traumatic event in service
Your VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 39, if you are applying for automobile allowance due to loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet
Your VA Form 10-8678, Application for Annual Clothing Allowance, if you are applying for clothing allowance due to a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that wears out or tears clothing
Any other evidence that supports your claim, such as buddy statements, service medals, or awards
Make sure to label each document with your name and VA file number and to arrange them in the same order as the disabilities listed on the form. You can use the table below to keep track of the documents you need to attach:
Disability
Document
Example: Hearing loss
Example: Audiogram report from VA medical center
How to submit VA Form 21-526EZ
Once you have filled out and signed VA Form 21-526EZ and attached all the supporting documents, you are ready to submit your claim. You can submit your claim in one of the following ways:
Online
The easiest and fastest way to submit your claim is online through the VA website. You can use the online tool to upload your form and documents, review your information, and submit your claim electronically. You will also receive a confirmation email and a tracking number for your claim. You can use this number to check the status of your claim online or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
By mail
If you prefer to mail your claim, you can send it to the nearest VA regional office. You can find the address of your regional office on the VA website or by calling 1-800-827-1000. Make sure to use certified mail and request a return receipt for proof of delivery. You should also keep a copy of your form and documents for your records.
In person
If you want to submit your claim in person, you can visit your nearest VA regional office or a VA-accredited representative or organization. You can find the location of your regional office on the VA website or by calling 1-800-827-1000. You can also use the VA website or call 1-800-827-1000 to find a VA-accredited representative or organization near you. They can help you fill out and submit your claim and provide you with guidance and support throughout the process.
How to track the status of your claim
After you submit your claim, you can track its status online or by phone. To track your claim online, you need to create an account on the VA website and log in with your username and password. Then, you can go to the "Track Your Status" page and enter your tracking number or search by your name and date of birth. You will be able to see the current status of your claim, the estimated completion date, and any requests for additional information or evidence from the VA.
To track your claim by phone, you can call 1-800-827-1000 and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your name, Social Security Number, VA file number, and tracking number. You will be able to hear a recorded message with the current status of your claim and any requests for additional information or evidence from the VA.
Common mistakes to avoid when filing VA Form 21-526EZ
Filing VA Form 21-526EZ can be a complex and lengthy process that requires attention to detail and accuracy. To avoid delays, denials, or errors in your claim, here are some common mistakes to avoid when filing this form:
Failing to choose a claims process: If you do not indicate whether you want to participate in the FDC Program or the Standard Claim Process on page 1 of the form, the VA will assume that you are opting for the Standard Claim Process. This may result in a longer processing time for your claim.
Leaving blank spaces or providing incomplete information: If you leave any blank spaces or provide incomplete information on any section of the form, the VA may reject your claim or request additional information from you. This may cause delays in your claim or affect your eligibility for benefits. Make sure to fill out every field on the form and provide as much detail as possible.
Misreporting or omitting disabilities: If you misreport or omit any disabilities that you are claiming compensation for, the VA may not be able to evaluate your claim properly or grant you the benefits you deserve. Make sure to list all the disabilities that are related to your military service and provide accurate and consistent information about them.
Submitting insufficient or irrelevant evidence: If you submit insufficient or irrelevant evidence to support your claim, the VA may not be able to verify your service connection or disability rating. This may result in a lower or denied claim. Make sure to submit only the evidence that is relevant to your claim and that shows the link between your disability and your service. You can use the table on page 8 of the form to check what evidence you need to attach for each disability.
Forgetting to sign and date the form: If you forget to sign and date the form on page 7, the VA will not accept your claim. Signing the form is essential to certify that the information you provided is true and complete and to authorize the VA to obtain and release your records. Make sure to sign and date the form before you submit it.
Conclusion
VA Form 21-526EZ is a form that veterans use to apply for disability compensation and related benefits from the VA. It is important to fill out and submit this form correctly and completely to avoid delays, denials, or errors in your claim. You can download the PDF version of the form from the VA website or use the online tool to apply electronically. You can also mail or deliver your claim in person to your nearest VA regional office or a VA-accredited representative or organization. You can track the status of your claim online or by phone using your tracking number or your name and date of birth.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to download, fill out, and submit VA Form 21-526EZ. If you have any questions or need any assistance with your claim, you can contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website. You can also check out some of the frequently asked questions below for more information.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to process a claim using VA Form 21-526EZ?
A: The processing time for a claim using VA Form 21-526EZ depends on several factors, such as the type of claim, the complexity of the claim, the amount of evidence submitted, and the workload of the VA. Generally, claims that participate in the FDC Program are processed faster than claims that use the Standard Claim Process. According to the VA website, as of June 2023, the average processing time for an FDC claim is 97 days, while the average processing time for a standard claim is 125 days.
Q: How do I check if I am eligible for disability compensation and related benefits?
A: To check if you are eligible for disability compensation and related benefits, you can use the online eligibility tool on the VA website. You will need to answer some questions about your service history, your current disability, and your financial situation. The tool will then tell you if you are eligible for any benefits and what steps you need to take to apply for them.
Q: What if I disagree with the decision on my claim?
A: If you disagree with the decision on your claim, you have the right to appeal it within one year from the date of the decision letter. You can appeal by submitting a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) on VA Form 21-0958, which is available on the VA website. You can also request a higher-level review or a supplemental claim within one year from the date of the decision letter. For more information on how to appeal a decision, you can visit the VA website or contact a VA-accredited representative or organization.
Q: What if I need help filling out or submitting VA Form 21-526EZ?
A: If you need help filling out or submitting VA Form 21-526EZ, you can contact a VA-accredited representative or organization who can assist you with your claim. You can find a list of VA-accredited representatives and organizations on the VA website or by calling 1-800-827-1000. They can help you understand the eligibility criteria, the claims process, the evidence requirements, and the benefits available to you. They can also help you fill out and submit your form and documents, review your claim for accuracy and completeness, and represent you before the VA if needed.
Q: Where can I find more information about VA disability compensation and related benefits?
A: You can find more information about VA disability compensation and related benefits on the VA website or by calling 1-800-827-1000. You can also visit your nearest VA regional office or a VA-accredited representative or organization to get more information and assistance. Some of the topics that you can learn more about are:
The types and amounts of disability compensation and related benefits
The eligibility criteria and evidence requirements for different disabilities
The different claims processes and programs available to veterans
The appeals process and your rights as a claimant
The resources and services available to veterans with disabilities
References:
[Nuclear fusion breakthrough as reactor runs seven times hotter than the Sun]
[Apply for Disability Compensation Veterans Affairs]
[VA Form 21-526EZ (PDF)]
[Accreditation Search]
[Disability Compensation Veterans Affairs]
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