Types of Claims
There are 19 types of disability benefits claims that a veteran can file for.
The average time it takes the VA to process a claim is 145 days.
Original Disability Claim-[VA Form 21-526EZ]:
The is the first claim you file for service-connected disability benefits.
See an example of an Original Claim
Increased Disability Claim-[VA Form 21-526EZ]:
Filed when a veteran believes their service-connected disability has worsened. It requires medical evidence showing increased severity of the condition.
See an example of an Increased Claim
New or Supplemental Claim-[VA Form 20-0995]:
Filed when a previous claim was denied, but the veteran has new and relevant evidence.
See an example of a Supplemental Claim
Secondary Service-Connection Claim-[VA Form 21-526EZ]:
Filed when a new disability develops due to an already service-connected condition.
See an example of a Secondary Claim
Presumptive Service Connection Claim-VA Form 21-526EZ]:[https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumption.pdf]
For veterans who develop specific conditions related to service, even without direct medical evidence. For some conditions, we automatically assume (or “presume”) that your service caused your condition. We call these presumptive conditions. If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
Categories of presumptive claims includes:
–Former Prisoners of War
–Vietnam Veterans (Agent Orange)
–Atomic Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation
–Gulf War and Post 9/11 Veterans (Gulf War illnesses and burn pit-related diseases)
–Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
See an example of a Presumptive Claim
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Claim-[VA Form 21-2680]:
In addition to receiving benefits for a 100% disability rating, veterans can receive additional compensation. This is called Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This benefit is based on loss of use of limbs, blindness, or the need for a caregiver to provide aid and attendance. There are different levels of SMC which runs from SMC-K to SMC-S. SMC rates can go above $11,000 depending on your situation and whether you have dependents (child/spouse).
SMC-K – $136.06
Awarded for the loss of use of an anatomical part or creative organ (e.g., erectile dysfunction, blindness in one eye).
SMC-L – $4,980-$5,110
SMC-L 1/2 – $5,014-$5,356
Awarded when a veteran needs daily help with basic needs due to severe disabilities or has lost limbs or the ability to use them.
SMC-M – $5,261-$5,604
SMC-M 1/2 – $5,623-$5,965
Awarded for extreme disabilities, like the loss of both hands, or other severe combinations of disabilities.
SMC-N – $5,985-$6,327
SMC-N 1/2 – $6,337-$6,679
Awarded for severe conditions like loss of both arms near the shoulder.
SMC-O/P – $6,689-$7,032
The highest level, typically for veterans with full paralysis or conditions requiring significant care.
SMC-Q – $67.00
This is a protected rate that we haven’t awarded since August 19, 1968.
SMC-R.1 – $9,559-$9,902
SMC-R.2/T – $10,964-$11,307
R – Awarded when a veteran requires daily help from another person for basic needs.
T – Awarded when a veteran needs daily help from another person for basic needs, similar to SMC-R, but with additional criteria.
SMC-S – $4,288-$4,631
Awarded when a veteran cannot leave their home due to service-connected disabilities.
See an example of a SMC claim
Total Disability Due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) Claim [VA Form 21-8940]:
Filed when a service-connected disability prevents the veteran from maintaining substantial employment. It grants 100% disability compensation even if the combined rating is below 100%.
See an example of a TDIU Claim
Temporary and Total Disability Claim [VA Form 21-526EZ]:
Provides temporary 100% disability compensation for hospitalization, surgery, or immobilization. Covers convalescence after major surgery or severe conditions like cancer treatment.
See an example of a Temporary and Total Claim
Pre-Discharge Claim (BDD Program) [VA Form 21-526EZ]:
Allows active-duty service members to apply for VA disability benefits before separation (90-180 days prior). Uses Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) for faster processing.
See an example of a Pre-Discharge Claim
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claim [VA Form 21P-534EZ]:
For surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans who died due to service-related conditions.
See an example of a DIC Claim
38 U.S.C. § 1151 Claim [VA Form 21-526EZ]:
For disabilities caused by VA medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, or VA hospital care. Compensation is awarded if VA negligence or unforeseen medical complications occur.
See an example of a 38 USC 1151 Claim
Post-Service Disability Claim [VA Form 21-526EZ or VA Form 21-0781 depending on the disability]:
For conditions that manifested after service but are linked to military service even if it wasn’t present during the time in service. This could be within one or more years after leaving service. There is no time limit to file. Example: PTSD due to combat experiences.
See an example of a Post-Service Claim
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claim [VA Form 21-0781]:
For disabilities resulting from sexual assault, harassment, or trauma experienced in service. Includes mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
See an example of an MST Claim
Radiation Exposure Claim [VA Form 21-526EZ]:
For veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during nuclear testing, cleanups, or specific military duties. Covers conditions like leukemia, lung cancer, and thyroid disorders.
See an example of a Radiation Claim
Gulf War Syndrome Claim [VA Form 21-526EZ]:
For undiagnosed illnesses and chronic multi-symptom conditions related to service in the Persian Gulf War. Covers symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues.
See an example of a Gulf War Syndrome Claim
Auto Allowance & Adaptive Equipment Claim [VA Form 21-4502]:
• This is for veterans who need to purchase specially equipped vehicles or require modifications/adaptive equipment to operate their vehicles safely.
• Requires loss or permanent loss of use of a limb; severe burn injury; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or ankylosis. These must be service-connected disabilities.
• You can get this benefit as a One-time Payment and/or as a Grant.
• Provides funding for vehicle modifications if the veteran has a service-connected disability affecting mobility. Use VA Form 21-4502 for the One-time Payment option. Use VA Form 10-1394 for the Grant option.
• The One-Time Payment can be $26,417 or higher.
• You must already have a VA Disability claim submitted.
• You need to apply for the One-Time Payment option and obtain the Certificate of Eligibility before applying for the Grant.
• You must apply before obtaining the equipment.
• Submission for the One-Time Payment requires the VA Form 21-4502, DD-214 and medical evidence.
• When submitting for the Grant option you must also provide an itemized estimate and final invoice, paid receipts, or bill of sale from a registered provider.
• What Happens after you submit the request:
o If you’re eligible, we’ll complete the authorization section of the form you submitted. This shows our approval of the benefit.
o We’ll send the form back to you.
o You’ll buy the vehicle or adaptive equipment.
o When you go to receive your vehicle from the seller, you’ll bring the original form (not a copy) with you. You’ll need to sign and date the form to acknowledge that you received the vehicle. Then, give the signed form to the seller.
o The seller will send us the form and an itemized invoice.
o We’ll send the payment to the seller.
See an example of an Auto Allowance Claim
Housing Assistance & Special Home Adaptation Claim [VA Form 26-4555]:
• Provides grants for home modifications for veterans with severe-connected disabilities (e.g., wheelchair-bound, blind). You must own the home.
• Requires the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
• The average processing time is 30 days.
• The amount awarded can be above $20,000. Find current rates at the VA website [https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp]
• Along with VA Form 26-4555 submit a DD-214, Medical evidence [and an injury statement (optional)].
See an example of a Housing Assistance Claim
Home Improvements/Structural Alterations (HISA) [VA Form 10-0103]:
• This is given for medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Servicemembers’ primary residence such as entrance/exit ways; lavatory/sanitary facilities; accessibility to kitchen, bathroom sinks or counters; entrance to driveways; plumbing and electrical systems to support medical equipment.
• These items are not covered: walkways to exterior; spa, hot tub or Jacuzzi; exterior decking and new construction.
• The amount awarded is limited to $6,800 for service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities. $2,000 is awarded to address a disability that is not listed above.
• Evidence required includes:
o A prescription
o VA Form 10-0103
o For renters a notarized statement from the landlord authorizing the improvement.
o A written itemized estimate of costs for labor, material, permits, and inspections
o A color photograph of the unimproved area
See an Example of a HISA Claim
Annual Clothing Allowance [VA Form 10-8678]:
• This is for veterans with service-connected disabilities who, due to a prosthetic or orthopedic device, or a prescribed skin medication, experience damage to their clothing.
• The amount awarded is approximately $968.00 per eligible device or medication.
• No need to reapply annually as of December 2022.
See an example of an Annual Clothing Allowance Claim
[See an Example]