How Do I Obtain VA Disability Benefits?

The US Department of Veterans Affairs will compensate veterans on a monthly basis for any disability that was sustained during military service. To apply for benefits, you must complete VA Form 21-526, and submit it to the regional office in their state.

In order for service connection (the VA calls disabilities that were caused by military service “service connected” disabilities) to be granted, the veteran must show the following:

an injury in service
a current disability
and a link between the current disability and military service.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some conditions are presumed service connected without additional evidence of a link between them. Veterans who served in-country in Vietnam and have certain diseases such as diabetes are granted service connection on a presumptive basis.

Mental health claims, such as those for post traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) require even more evidence to support them. To prove a claim for PTSD you must have, in addition to the above three elements, prove that you were exposed to a stressful event (the VA calls this a “stressor”). See the PTSD section under specific disabilities/special issues tab for more information.

This article is authored through the collaborative efforts of Shana Dunn and other legal professionals at West & Dunn, a law firm dedicated to providing high quality legal services to individuals and businesses, with a particular focus on assisting veterans of the United States Armed Forces. If you have questions or would like assistance with your VA claim, the attorneys at West & Dunn can be reached at 608-490-9449