Fill out VA 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) online
VA Form 21-526EZ is the primary application for veterans to claim disability compensation for service-connected conditions. It is used for new claims, claims for increased disability ratings, and secondary service-connection claims. Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to veterans who are disabled due to injuries or diseases incurred or aggravated during active military service.
How to fill out VA 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
Enter veteran information
Provide your name, Social Security number, VA file number (if known), date of birth, address, phone number, email, and service information (branch, dates of service, discharge status).
List your claimed conditions
For each condition you are claiming, provide the name of the condition, the date it began, and how it is related to your military service (direct service connection, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, or secondary to another service-connected condition).
Provide evidence and treatment history
List any VA and non-VA medical providers who have treated you for the claimed conditions. Include facility names, addresses, and dates of treatment. Authorize the VA to obtain your medical records.
Sign and submit
Review all information for accuracy. Sign and date the form. Submit online at va.gov, by mail, or in person. The VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam if needed.
About VA 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
Who needs this form
Veterans who have a disability resulting from a disease or injury that occurred in or was aggravated by active military service, and who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Also used by veterans seeking an increase in their current disability rating.
Where to submit
Submit online at va.gov (recommended for fastest processing), by mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center, or in person at a VA regional office. Consider filing VA 21-0966 (Intent to File) first to protect your effective date while gathering evidence.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not filing an Intent to File (VA 21-0966) first to protect the effective date
- Not providing sufficient medical evidence linking the condition to military service
- Listing conditions that are not related to or aggravated by military service without explanation
- Not including all conditions (each service-connected condition should be listed separately)
Frequently asked questions
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How long does it take to process a disability compensation claim?
Processing times vary. The VA goal is to complete claims within 125 days, but complex claims or those requiring additional evidence can take longer. Filing online, submitting all evidence upfront (a "fully developed claim"), and having a clear service connection can speed up processing. Consider filing a VA 21-0966 (Intent to File) first to protect your effective date. You can check your claim status at va.gov.
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