Complete VA Form 21-526, and submit it to the VA regional office in your state. Follow this link to find the regional office in your state.
VA will respond with a letter acknowledging receipt of the claim, and advising you of what information or evidence is still needed. The VA has a duty to assist you in obtaining any evidence identified by you.
Once the VA has received all of the information identified, or at the expiration of a certain period of time if the veteran has failed to respond, your claim will be reviewed by a rating specialist. The rating specialist reviews the medical records and any other evidence submitted and decides whether to grant or deny benefits, and at what percentage, or level, of compensation.
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.