How to File for VA Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs was established to provide support for soldiers who were disabled during battle. Benefits date to 1636, when pilgrims passed laws stating that Plymouth colony members would support soldiers disabled by war with the Pequot Indians, according to va.gov. Today that support has grown to include education and training, disability, vocational rehabilitation and employment, burial, medical treatment, life insurance, home loan guaranties and dependent and survivor benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Military separation or discharge papers
• Dependent records such as birth certificates and marriage certificates
• Medical evidence such as hospital, doctors' or specialists' reports
• Originals or copies of your service treatment records

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Active duty, retirees, and family members are eligible to apply for benefits

  Determine your benefits eligibility before you apply. You must be a veteran or veteran's dependent, such as a spouse or a child, or the surviving spouse, parent or child of a deceased veteran. Uniformed service members or current or former National Guard members and reservists also may qualify. You may apply for benefits if you meet any of these criteria.

• 2

  Keep miltary documents in a binder to prevent loss

  Gather important documents. There are three ways to apply for VA benefits. If you are an active duty service member, you may apply 180 days in advance of retirement or separation by using the pre-discharge program. You will need your service treatment records. Call 1-800-827-1000 to speak with someone who can help you locate your records and have them sent to you. To begin the application online, visit www.vba.va.gov/predischarge/index.htm. You also may choose to bring these documents to the VA office closest to you. By starting the process early you may be eligible to receive your benefits close to your discharge date.

• 3

  Use your computer to file claims

  Navigate to https://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/about_vonapp.asp to fill out your application online. There are several forms that you can fill out depending on the type of benefits for which you are applying. By applying online, your application will be sent directly to the VA office with jurisdiction over your claim, according to vabenefits.vba.gov. You will receive an email confirming the department received your claim.

• 4

  Work with personnel to complete forms

  Go to your regional VA office. This allows you access to people who can help you with forms and paperwork and answer any questions you may have. Bring your military documents with you so that they can be filed with forms.