Are you a veteran ready to apply for disability benefits? Often, one of the first and most important steps is to fill out VA Form 21-526EZ, the primary form veterans use to apply for VA disability compensation.
In this article, we walk you through what VA Form 21-526EZ is used for, how to complete and submit it, and the related forms you may need throughout your application process.
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In this article about what VA form 21-526EZ is used for:
What VA form 21-526EZ is used for
VA form 21-526EZ is also known as an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Filling out this form is one of the very first steps toward receiving the VA disability benefits you deserve. It may very well be your first line of contact with the VA, unless you have already submitted an intent to file or are receiving another benefit from the department, like health care or a pension.
If you just beginning to explore VA disability benefits, we have several resources to help you learn more about the process and prepare:
- An introduction to VA disability ratings
- Tips for your VA disability application
- Gathering evidence for a VA disability application
- Who does the VA consider a qualifying veteran for benefits?
If you are ready to apply and just need a little extra help understanding when and how to use the form, we break everything down step-by-step below.
When to use VA form 21-526EZ
Form 21-526EZ can be used by those still in the military, those recently discharged, and veterans requesting an increase for an existing service-connected condition.
You are still enlisted or commissioned in the military:
Active-duty service members nearing their separation date can use this form to apply through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. You must have between 180 and 90 days left before discharge to qualify.
You are no longer serving and filing a new claim:
The most common use of VA Form 21-526EZ is for veterans submitting their first disability claim after leaving service. This could be the day after your discharge or forty years later.
You are filing a claim for increased disability for an evaluation more than one-year-old:
If your service-connected condition has worsened and your last evaluation and rating decision was over a year ago, you can use this form to request a higher disability rating. If you received a denial and missed your deadline to appeal, you’ll often need to start over with this form.
How to fill out VA form 21-526EZ
VA Form 21-526EZ is fifteen pages long, but don’t let that number scare you. Eight of those pages are instructions meant to cover the wide range of unique situations veterans may face and explanations of how the VA determines ratings and effective dates.
The form itself is relatively straightforward, but it should be filled out accurately and backed up with the right evidence to be as effective as possible. This section will guide you through where to find the form, how to complete it, and how to submit it.
Where to fill out VA form 21-526EZ
You can fill out the form a couple different ways:
- Online through the VA’s website
- Print the PDF and complete it by hand
You may also be able to get a print copy of the form at your local VA regional office.
Current average wait time for VA claims:
Completing VA form 21-526EZ
At the very beginning of the fillable form, you’ll be asked to check which type of claim applies to you: IDES, FDC, BDD, or standard. If you’re not currently serving in the military, you will want to select either FDC or standard claim process. You can learn more about the FDC program here.
From there, the form is organized into thirteen sections. Most of them are fairly straightforward and self-explanatory:
- Section I: Identification and contact information includes basic info like your name, Social Security number, and how to contact you, as well as your date of discharge from the military.
- Section II: Change of address details only applies If you are temporarily or permanently changing your address. Many veterans will not need to fill out this section and can skip ahead.
- Section III: Homeless information is for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You should only add this info if you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. Otherwise, mark “no” and move to section IV.
- Section IV: Exposure information is designed for veterans who are filing a claim related to a toxic exposure like Agent Orange or burn pits. You will need to select “no” if your claim is not related to toxic exposure before moving on to section V. If you answer “yes,” you’ll need to mark which toxic exposure you had and when.
- Section V: Claim information is where you will list any conditions you are applying for disability or seeking an increased rating for. You’ll need to briefly note how it is service connected and when this inciting incident in service happened as well as share information about where and when you’ve been treated for the condition. You can include up to disabilities. The VA lists a few examples as follows:
- Section VI: Service information is used to share info about your military service including your branch, service dates, and other info that can be found on a DD214 if you cannot remember exact details.
- Section VII: Service pay asks questions about military retired pay, separation pay, or severance. If you have not received these payments, you can select no to those questions and move on. If you have, you’ll need to include some additional information about when you received payments and for how much.
- Section VIII: Direct deposit information is for any individual who isn’t signed up for VA disability direct deposits yet.
- Sections IX-XII: Signatures and witness information are to certify and sign off on their application. Most veterans should be able to use only section IX to sign and date. If you cannot sign for yourself, you may need an alternate signer or a power of attorney to complete the appropriate section.
- Section XIII: Claim information (addendum) is for those veterans who need additional space for the information in section V. There is room for as many as 20 additional disabilities. Many veterans will not need this use this page.
Sending in your application
If you completed the application process electronically, you will click to complete and submit form 21-526EZ digitally online once the application is completed.
If you want to mail in a printed application, you can address it to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
What if my VA disability application is denied?
When you file a disability benefits claim, it will typically take a few months before you receive a VA rating decision. The average wait time is currently 68.4 days. You can track your claim status online.
If you disagree with your rating decision or are denied outright, you have three options to appeal your claim and request the VA to review it further: a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or BVA appeal.
If you decide to appeal, you may want to consider getting legal help. The appeals process can be confusing. A VA-accredited disability lawyer can help you choose the process most likely to result in success and the largest benefit.
Forms to appeal
- VA Form 20-0996 is used to request a higher-level review, where a senior VA reviewer re-examines existing evidence.
- VA Form 20-0995 is used to make a supplemental claim if you have new and relevant evidence to support your case.
- VA Form 10182 is used to request a Board appeal, which allows a Veterans Law Judge to review your case. An appeal to the Board may be a direct review of existing evidence, a review of new evidence, or a hearing.
Woods & Woods are a great firm. My process was a long one but they were professional every step of the way. I would recommend any veteran, who is looking for help in receiving benefits, call them asap. You will not be disappointed.
J.S. a Navy veteran from North Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
How Woods & Woods can help
At Woods & Woods, we primarily focus on helping non-working veterans with service-connected conditions get individual unemployability benefits and, in some cases, increased ratings. We also help survivors of veterans receive their DIC benefits. If you think we can help you with your claim, call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we take and win your case.
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Frequently asked questions
VA form 21-526EZ is used to apply for VA disability compensation. It is used for veterans and active duty service members filing new claims, requesting an increased rating for an existing service-connected condition, or applying before discharge.
If you’re within 180 to 90 days of separating from service, you may be eligible to apply for VA disability early through the VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. This process includes filling out VA form 21-526EZ.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
