How to Apply for Disabilty With Veterans Affairs

If you have become disabled as a result of an injury or disease that your suffered while on active duty in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for Veterans Affairs disability compensation. Veterans Affairs disability compensation is a tax-free benefit with variable rates of payment, depending on the nature of your disability and family situation. As of 2009, monthly payment amounts range from $123 to $3,172 per month. Supplementary payments for disabled veterans with severe disabilities or more than one child are also available in some cases.

Instructions

• 1

  Get an application form. You must fill out VA Form 21-526 "Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension." You can get one of these forms by downloading and printing from the Veterans Affairs website or by contacting Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000. Alternately, you can fill out an on-line application using the VONAPP program on the Veterans Affairs website.

• 2

  Fill out Form 21-526. You must include detailed information regarding your military service and service-related injury or illness, including your unit numbers, duty locations, duty dates, nature of your disability, dates and locations for where you incurred your disability and information on the medical treatment you have received. You must also include detailed personal information, including your net worth, information on your spouse and children and details regarding your recent work experience and income.

• 3

  Gather your required documents. With your application, you must include your DD214 or other discharge papers, copies of your medical records and medical evidence indicating you incurred the disability while in active service. Depending on your family situation, you may have to include additional documents, including copies of your marriage certificates and copies of your children's birth records.

• 4

  Submit your application. Mail or bring your application, along with all of your supporting documentation, to your nearest Veterans Affairs regional office. You can find a Veterans Affairs office locator in Resources.