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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation program is a tax-free benefit paid to veterans because of injuries or diseases that happen or made worse during active military service. Monthly benefits paid can range from $123 to over $3100; depending on the severity of disability. In addition to the veteran's benefit, there could be added on compensation for dependents and special circumstances.

There is no time limit the veteran has to submit a claim in. If it is done within one year of discharge from active service, the claim will retroactive back to your separation date. If done after one year, it will be based on the date of the application.

The first step in applying for Disability Compensation is getting the 23 page VA Form 21-526, VETERAN'S APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION AND/OR PENSION. While the form at first seems very large and intimidating, it's not that bad. The first seven pages are instructions and checklists that are very helpful in filing your claim. Because you are only filing for disability compensation, you are only required to fill out Sections A through C, a total of 12 pages. The VA estimates it takes an average of one and one-half hours to complete the form.

Before you fill out the application, review it to get a general overview about what information needs to be provided. You will be asked active duty dates, injuries, information on environmental exposures you may have experienced, spouse and dependent information including their date of birth and social security numbers. It is important to get the application filed as soon as possible because the date of application can be used as the date your benefit can begin on. If you have supporting documentation, submit it with the application. If you do not, don't
wait. The VA or other veteran's organization will assist you in requesting these documents if needed.

VA Form 21-526 can also be completed on the Veterans On Line Application (VONAPP) website.
http://vabenefits.vba. va.gov/vonapp/main.asp .
To be able to complete the application over the Internet; you will need to sign-up on VONAPP. Once this is completed, you login and fill out the document just as you would a hard copy application. It's easy and fast for individuals who have access to the internet and comfortable doing it this way.

If you need help with filling out the form or getting supporting documents, you can visit your VA Regional Office or contact one of many National Veterans Service Organizations; such as The American Legion or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They have representatives who know the forms, what needs to be included and are more than happy to assist you in completing it. In fact, the DAV prides itself in accepting no federal funding; therefore you know they are on your side. Having someone there, who is a subject matter expert, knowing key words and having seen hundreds of applications before, can lead to less errors and aggravation on your behalf.

Once your claim is filed, it can be completed relatively quickly or it can be a long, aggravating process. The first step, if you believe you qualify for disability compensation, is to file. By following the steps above, this should take you one step closer.

Learn more about this author, Greg Dunn.
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