Filing a VA claim for disability benefits can be tedious and frustrating. Even if you complete the online version of the claim, it takes at least 30 minutes to fill in all the necessary information. On top of that, you need to gather the required documents and submit them to the VA; this can lengthen the process even further. 

How To File A VA Claim

To make your life a little easier here is how to file a VA claim to ensure you get everything right the first time. 

Preparing To File A VA Disability Claim

For the fastest way to get a decision from the VA, file a “Fully Developed Claim.” You should submit all supporting documentation with your VA claim for benefits. This documentation includes: 

• Medical evidence such as doctor evaluation, both military and civilian documentation
• Attach any copies of your DD214 or separation documents
• Dependency records such as marriage & children’s birth certificates

If you don’t have any of your records, you can request them from the government. 

Never send the VA original documents. Copies will suffice.

Filing Your VA Claim

You can choose one of four ways of filing:

• Apply online
• Have a VA employee assist you by going to the local, regional VA office.
• Work with a Veteran’s Service Organization (VSO). They will provide free assistance with filing a VA claim. However, not the best quality of service. 
• Work with Veteran Ratings. They offer free consultations and ensure that you get the most out of the benefits you deserve. High quality, best results. 

After You File Your VA Claim

After filing a disability claim, veterans usually sit and wait. The VA can take months to make a decision. However, the VA will send notifications when they:

1. receive your claim,
2. start working on your claim,
3. need more information,
4. have decided on your claim.

If you choose to file online, you can check the VA website for the status of your claim. 

It is important to note that the VA may:

• Contact the DoD for records, or if they need more medical information, they may ask you to provide it.
• Schedule an evaluation to assess the disabilities you claimed. 
• Schedule you for medical appointments.

Besides attending scheduled examinations, you don’t need to do anything else.

Increase Your VA Disability Rating

If you or anyone you know served in the military, you may need help obtaining a fair disability rating and compensation—contact Veteran Ratings. Veteran Ratings has a 95% chance of success in acquiring the rating and benefits you deserve.

Have a question? On the fence? Then contact us for more information. We are here for you — we proudly serve those who served. Veterans are our only priority because they made this the land of the free through their bravery and sacrifice.