Filing A Claim

STEP 1:
To file your VA disability claim, provide the following documents:
  –INJURY STATEMENT
  –NEXUS STATEMENT
  –BUDDY LETTER
  –DD-214
  –MEDICAL RECORDS
  –DBQ is optional
Note: A claim file containing all of the above documents (except for DBQ) is considered to be a “FULLY DEVELOPED CLAIM“.

STEP 2:
Use one of these methods to file your claim.  The online option is best:

ONLINE:
You can file online. You can download the FORMS and prepare your documents and upload them online. This provides a digital record of your submission which the VA cannot deny.
SUBMIT ONLINE

BY MAIL:
You can submit your claim via the mail. However, you run the risk of it not being processed in a timely manner and documents coming up missing which could stretch out the timeline to get a decision.

Submit by mail to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

IN PERSON:
You can also submit your claim in person by taking your documents to a VA office near you.
FIND VA FACILITIES NEAR YOU

BY FAX:
You can also submit your claim by FAX. This option does not offer the same level of efficiency and protection that the online option does. You can fax your claim to these numbers:
If you’re in the U.S.: 844-531-7818
If you’re outside the U.S.: 248-524-4260

RULES
When filing a disability claim consider these three rules:

INTENT TO FILE:  Do an intent to file right now while you put together your case.  You will have one year from that date to file your actual case.

PYRAMIDING: Avoid Pyramiding.  Pyramiding for VA disability compensation purposes means receiving separate ratings for the same disability or the same manifestation.  A single symptom cannot be rated more than once, even if the cause comes from two different disabilities. When a veteran has two different conditions that cause the same symptom, the highest-rated condition will only be considered. This prevents a veteran from being overcompensated by the VA.

FILING ALL AT ONCE:  If you have multiple claims you should file them at the same time or as soon as possible.  This would allow you to start collecting benefits as soon as one gets approved.  Don’t wait, do it now.