Filing a New VA Disability Claim

Filing an Intent to File can help preserve an earlier effective date while giving you additional time to gather the evidence needed to support your claim. If benefits are ultimately awarded, VA compensation generally begins the month following the effective date, as the VA does not pay partial-month benefits.

Use this form to apply for VA disability compensation for conditions related to your military service.  

Complete the application in full and sign it using your handwritten signature. Do not use an electronic or digital signature.

Use this form to provide a personal statement describing how your claimed condition is related to your military service, the symptoms you experience, and how the condition currently affects your daily life. You may also consider submitting a “buddy statement.” A spouse, friend, fellow service member, or other person with firsthand knowledge of your service-related injury, condition, or current symptoms can provide a statement in support of your claim.

 If you received treatment from a civilian or private healthcare provider for any of the conditions you are claiming, use this form to authorize the VA to request those medical records on your behalf.

 Use this form to list the civilian or private healthcare providers whose medical records you have authorized the VA to obtain in support of your claim.

 If you are married and/or have dependent children, use this form to provide the VA with information about your dependents. Veterans with a qualifying disability rating of 30% or higher may be eligible for additional monthly compensation for eligible dependents.

 If you are claiming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), use this form to provide information about the traumatic event(s) related to your claim. This form should be completed in addition to any personal statement or other supporting evidence you submit.