VA Form 21-526EZ (PDF) Download: What You Need to Know
How to Download VA Form 21-526EZ (PDF)
If you are a veteran with a disability that is related to your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation and related benefits. To apply for these benefits, you need to fill out and submit VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. This form is also used to request an increase in your disability rating or to reopen a previously denied claim.
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In this article, we will explain what VA Form 21-526EZ is, how to fill it out, how to submit it, how to track the status of your claim, and what common mistakes to avoid when filing this form. We will also provide you with a link to download the PDF version of the form and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is VA Form 21-526EZ?
VA Form 21-526EZ is a form that veterans use to apply for disability compensation and related benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Disability compensation is a monthly payment that veterans receive for disabilities that are caused or aggravated by their military service. Related benefits may include housing allowance, health care, vocational rehabilitation, education, and compensation for dependents.
Purpose and benefits of VA Form 21-526EZ
The purpose of VA Form 21-526EZ is to provide the VA with the information and evidence they need to process your claim for disability compensation and related benefits. By filling out this form, you can:
Formally request disability compensation and related benefits from the VA
Provide evidence of your service-connected disabilities and how they affect your daily life
Indicate whether you want to participate in the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program or the Standard Claim Process
Authorize the VA to obtain your medical records from other sources
Designate a representative or an organization to assist you with your claim
The benefits of using VA Form 21-526EZ are:
You can apply for multiple disabilities on one form
You can choose the fastest way to get your claim processed by opting for the FDC Program
You can ensure that your claim is complete and accurate by following the instructions on the form
You can avoid delays and denials by providing all the required information and evidence
Eligibility and requirements for VA Form 21-526EZ
To be eligible for disability compensation and related benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have served in the active military, naval, or air service
You must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
You must have a current disability that is at least 10% disabling
You must have a link between your disability and your military service
To file a claim using VA Form 21-526EZ, you must also meet one of the following conditions:
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You have never filed a claim for disability compensation before
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You have an existing disability rating but you want to request an increase or add new disabilities
</ul How to fill out VA Form 21-526EZ
VA Form 21-526EZ is a 12-page form that consists of six sections. You can download the PDF version of the form from the VA website or use the online tool to apply electronically. Here are the steps to fill out the form:
Step 1: Choose a claims process
On page 1 of the form, you need to choose whether you want to participate in the FDC Program (Optional Expedited Process) or the Standard Claim Process. The FDC Program is the fastest way to get your claim processed, but it requires you to submit all the relevant evidence and information with your claim. The Standard Claim Process allows you to submit additional evidence after you file your claim, but it may take longer to process. Check the box that corresponds to your preference.
Step 2: Enter your personal and contact information
On page 2 of the form, you need to enter your personal and contact information in Section I (Identification Information). This includes your name, Social Security Number, VA file number, date of birth, service number, gender, address, phone number, email address, and preferred method of contact. You also need to indicate if you have a change of address pending or if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Step 3: Provide details about your service and disability
On pages 3 to 6 of the form, you need to provide details about your military service and your disability in Section II (Service Information) and Section III (Disability Information). This includes:
The dates and branches of your service
The type and character of your discharge
The names and locations of your units
The dates and places of any combat or hazardous duty
The names and addresses of any federal or state agencies that have your service records
The disabilities for which you are claiming compensation
The date of onset and diagnosis of each disability
The symptoms and severity of each disability
The names and addresses of any doctors or facilities that have treated you for each disability
The names and addresses of any sources that have your medical records for each disability
Whether you have filed a claim for Social Security disability benefits or workers' compensation benefits for any disability
Whether you have been incarcerated for any disability
Whether you have a spouse, children, or parents who depend on you for financial support
Whether you want to apply for special monthly compensation or automobile allowance for any disability
Step 4: Sign and date the form
On page 7 of the form, you need to sign and date the form in Section IV (Signature). By signing the form, you are certifying that the information you provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. You are also authorizing the VA to obtain your records from other sources and to release your information to third parties as needed. You are also indicating whether you want to designate a representative or an organization to assist you with your claim.
Step 5: Attach any supporting documents
On page 8 of the form, you need to attach any supporting documents that are relevant to your claim in Section V (Evidence). This may include:
Your DD Form 214 or other proof of service
Your medical records or treatment reports for each disability
Your VA Form 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs, for each source that has your medical records
Your VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability, if you are claiming that you are unable to work due to your disability
Your VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, if you have dependents who rely on you for financial support
Your VA Form 21-0781 or 21-0781a, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), if you are claiming PTSD due to a traumatic event in service
Your VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 39, if you are applying for automobile allowance due to loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet
Your VA Form 10-8678, Application for Annual Clothing Allowance, if you are applying for clothing allowance due to a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that wears out or tears clothing
Any other evidence that supports your claim, such as buddy statements, service medals, or awards
Make sure to label each document with your name and VA file number and to arrange them in the same order as the disabilities listed on the form. You can use the table below to keep track of the documents you need to attach:
Disability
Document
Example: Hearing loss