How to Obtain Military Disability

Military disability is a special type of compensation provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This compensation helps offset reduced wages or lack of gainful employment due to injuries or diseases that occurred during active duty military service in any branch of the U.S. military to include Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and reserve units of each branch. Benefits are tax-free but must be applied for and qualified by medical personnel.

Things You'll Need

• United States Department of Veterans Affairs form 21-526
• Discharge or separation papers form DD214 or equivalent
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
• Medical records in support of claim

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your local branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and request a 21-526 form or download the form from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

• 2

  Complete the Veteran's Information section of the application as it pertains to your specific situation.

• 3

  List all diseases or medical conditions that you are requesting compensation for in the Nature and History of Service-Related Disability(ies) section. Include any additional information that pertains to each disease or condition to include date of injury or onset of medical condition and location(s) where treatment was received. Attach copies of medical chart notes, test results, x-rays or images that support your claim. If treatment was provided by a non-military entity, complete a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs form 21-4142 for each doctor or facility that provided care so that copies of records can be released to the agency. Forms can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or requested from your local branch.

• 4

  Complete the Active Duty Service Information section of the application as it pertains to your specific situation. Attach a copy of your DD214 or equivalent separation papers for all applicable periods of active duty.

• 5

  Complete the Reserve and National Guard Service Information; Military Retired/Severance Pay; Marital and Dependency Information; Non-Service Connected Pension; Income Information; Net Worth; Medical, Legal, or Other Expenses; Direct Deposit; Certification, Authorization, and Signature(s); and Remarks sections of the application as it pertains to your specific situation.

• 6

  Review forms to ensure that form is filled out correctly and that all signatures have been executed. Attach supporting materials. Copy all materials and mail or deliver the original application to the closest branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.