How to Apply for VA Disability Pay: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have an eligible injury or illness that qualifies you for VA disability pay, those payments are not automatic. You’ll have to apply to the VA for compensation. It can be a long process, so I wanted to give you a step-by-step guide for the application process to help you understand how to improve your chances of having your disability classification approved.

Step 1 – Submit Your Intent to File

The first step in applying for VA disability pay is submitting an intent to file, which notifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that you believe you qualify for disability payments. An Intent to File is an informal application that starts the process of getting full approval.

You’ll typically need this information to submit the Intent to File:

• Your DD-214 form, or other proof that shows the VA you’re an eligible veteran, and
• Information about the benefits you are claiming, and
• Generally contain a signature when not submitted by phone.

The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows you to apply 90 to 180 days before your separation date. If you’re still on active duty, going through BDD can save time and help you get benefit payments sooner.

Why It’s Important

While it’s technically not required, the Intent to File plays an important role in determining the start date of your benefits. The claims process takes roughly four to five months, with some cases potentially taking longer. The intent to file is the effective date your benefit payments should begin. This means, you can get back pay starting from your Intent to File date after you’re approved.

Example: If you submit your intent to file on August 4th, but the process takes until mid-January to be completed, your disability pay will include payments for each month since your intent to file was submitted.  Depending on your disability rating, that could be worth thousands of dollars.

How to Submit an Intent to File

The form required for an Intent to File is VA Form 21-0966. You can submit it online, by mail, or in person. Once you turn in your Intent to File, you have one year to submit a formal benefits claim.

Tip: Make a copy of VA Form 21-0966 and keep it for your records. If mailing in a hard copy of your form, consider sending it via registered mail. If your form is mishandled or entered incorrectly, a copy helps prove your Intent to File date.

You can submit an Intent to File online here, which is the most convenient submission method for most people. Completing the Intent to File online takes about five minutes.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Claim

Now you’ve notified the VA of your plan to submit a claim and marked the start date for your benefits. Your next step is to prepare a claim. Because not all claims are approved, it’s wise to take the time to gather every detail and prepare a bulletproof application.

Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence can be time-consuming, but the sooner you’ve done so, the sooner you can submit the formal application and receive payments. Focus on these areas when gathering disability documentation, starting with your doctor, military, or VA medical records.

Medical records

The core of the application is detailed medical records showing a medical professional recognized or treated the relevant disability or disabilities. You may need records from many medical appointments, including notes from the visit, test results, medical imaging, and anything else that can demonstrate your condition. If you saw a therapist and discussed the condition, that’s also relevant.

Don’t skimp here. If you’ve seen more than one medical professional, be thorough in bringing in medical records from all providers.

Service treatment records

You’ll also want your service treatment records if you received medical care while on active duty. You can visit a local military hospital or clinic and discuss your situation with staff or administrators if you are unsure where to find these records.

You can also work directly with TRICARE. If you have access to your patient portal, either MHS GENESIS or TRICARE Online (TOL), you may be able to find everything you need there independently.

For a detailed set of records, you can also fill out a Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form 180 or SF 180) and send it to the right place listed on the form. You can also request it in person at the last military hospital or clinic where you were seen.

Nexus letters

A letter from your medical provider is one of the most essential parts of your application. Called a nexus letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO), this letter should explain the severity of your condition and how long it’s expected to last.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a high-quality nexus letter. If you’re working with a doctor who isn’t familiar with VA disability, you may need to guide them to resources regarding what should be included.

Types of information commonly seen on nexus letters or IMO:

• The medical professional’s qualifications and expertise, and 
• A review of the veteran’s medical and military records, and
• A clear medical opinion linking the condition to military service, often using the phrase “at least as likely as not”, and 
• An explanation and rationale for the connection, supported by medical literature or case studies

Here’s an example of a Nexus Letter. (As noted, use this letter as an example, but write your own.)

Types of Claims

Claims fall into three main categories, and you should know where you’re at in the process to get the best result.

Type of Claim	Description
Initial claim	An initial claim is filed for a new injury or illness for which you’ve not received benefits before. Even if it’s not a brand new injury or illness, if it’s the first time you’re filing for VA disability pay, it’s an initial claim.
Increased rating	If the approved disability worsens, you can apply for an increased rating, demonstrating that your disability has become more severe and increases your benefit pay.
Secondary condition	If you’re receiving benefits for a condition that caused or relates to another condition, you can apply to have the additional condition covered with an increased VA benefit payment.

Step 3 – File Your Claim

Now it’s time to submit the formal claim and all the documentation you’ve gathered. Be sure to double-check and triple-check the entire application. If a spouse, partner, parent, or other trusted friend or relative can look it over for a second set of eyes, even better.

There are multiple ways to file a VA disability claim. Veterans can file online with their VA.gov account, mail VA Form 21-526EZ to the VA’s Claims Intake Center, file in person at your regional VA office, or utilize a trained professional, such as an attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative.

What to Include

This is where all that prep work and document gathering comes into play. You’ll need those medial records, whether military or civilian. Next, any medical evidence related to your injury or illness. This would be things like a doctor’s report, x-rays, test results, etc. 

Another thing to include, letters from co-workers, friends, and family who can describe or explain to how the medical issue is affecting your life and theirs. Not necessarily a must, but this information will truly help bolster your claim because it highlights the real-world impact this injury or illness is having on you and your loved ones.  

Finally, your proof of service. This is just your DD-214. You can also include any other forms which apply to military discharge.

Tip: You can find a full list of what’s required and allowed in the PDF version of VA Form 21-526EZ.

Step 4 – VA Claim Review and Decision Process

Now, you can take a deep breath, sit back, and wait. Your application is in, and there’s nothing to do until you hear back from the VA with the results, which can take several months.

Typical VA Disability Claim Timeline

As of March 2025, the average response time for a VA benefits claim is 135 days. The latest average wait time can be found here. One thing that can affect your claim processing is staffing, so if there is fluctuation with the VA’s workforce, your claim timeline may be longer.

While you may hear back much sooner, it’s also possible that you’ll have to wait a year or more. Rest assured that your Intent to File date is used for the initial benefits date, and you should receive back pay up to that date.

What happens during each phase

1. Claim Received: If you file online, you’ll see an on-screen confirmation right after you submit. If you mail it in, the VA will send you a letter about a week after submitting the application (plus mailing time).
2. Initial Review: The VA will check your claim for the basics, like your name and Social Security number. If anything’s missing, they’ll contact you.
3. Evidence Gathering: The VA will gather and review all the evidence needed to decide your claim. This is usually the longest step. They may ask you to submit more information, schedule a claim exam, request records from your private doctor, or gather info from your VA file. Note: If you send in new evidence later, your claim will return to this step for another review.
4. Evidence Review: The VA will review all available evidence. If new information comes in or more is needed, the claim will go back to Step 3 (Evidence Gathering).
5. Rating: The VA will decide your claim and assign your disability rating. If anything changes or new evidence is submitted, the process returns to Step 3.
6. Preparing Decision Letter: The VA will write your decision letter. If approved, the letter will include your disability rating, monthly payment amount, and the date payments begin. New evidence at this point will again send your claim back to Step 3.
7. Final Review: A senior reviewer at the VA will complete a final review of your claim and the decision letter.
8. Claim Decided: You can view and download your decision letter using the claim status tool. The VA will also mail you a copy, which should arrive within 10 business days (though sometimes it may take longer).

Possible outcomes

When you get the result, you’ll generally get one of these responses:

• Approval: Approval means your application was approved in full for the requested disability rating and benefit level.
• Denial: Denial means your application was fully rejected, and you won’t receive any benefits.
• Partial Rating: A partial rating means your application is approved at a lower disability rating and payment level than requested.

What Happens After You Apply?

As we mentioned above, on average, you may have to wait more than roughly four months for a response. Here’s what you can do while waiting.

Review VA Disability Pay Charts and Payment Schedules

You can research VA disability ratings and payment schedules. VA disability pay comes at the beginning of each month, and covers the previous month. Example: You’ll receive your disability payments for March on April 1st (if it’s not on a weekend or federally observed holiday). Disability ratings indicate the severity of your condition and correlate to a specific payment level.

Checking Your Claim Status

You can log in with your online account at VA.gov to check your claim status anytime. Checking too often can waste time and lead to undue stress, so it’s probably not worth checking daily. If it’s been a while or you’re curious about where your claim stands, it’s an easy way to see how your claim is progressing.

If Your Claim is Denied

If your claim is denied or you’re given a lower disability rating than you expected, you can appeal. You’ll typically go through one of these channels if you disagree with the outcome of your initial claim.

• Supplemental Claims: You can file a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence you didn’t submit when the VA first reviewed your case.
• Higher-Level Reviews: Ask for a higher-level reviewer to review your case. The new reviewer will have access to the initial application, but you can’t submit new evidence.
• Board Appeals: You can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and have a Veterans Law Judge review your case. If you choose this option, it may be helpful to have legal representation.

How to Apply for VA Disability Pay: Final Thoughts

Applying for VA disability pay can be complex and intimidating, but following the steps in this guide can help you through the process. If you’re not confident in your ability to apply for VA disability benefits on your own, there’s no shame in asking for help from a VSO agent or a trusted legal professional.

If you follow the application process carefully and have a true disability, you shouldn’t have trouble getting the VA disability payments you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for multiple conditions at once?

You can apply for multiple conditions simultaneously, either in your initial or secondary application. Working with an expert at the VA can help you better understand the pros and cons.

What if I don’t have all my records yet?

If you don’t have all records yet, you can start with an Intent to Claim, which gives you a year to gather all records while locking in a start date for your benefits.

Can I still work while applying?

You can still work while applying if you’re physically able. Keep in mind that your ability to work may influence the disability decision.

How long does a VA disability claim take?

A VA disability claim takes more than four months on average, as of this writing. However, in some cases it can take more than a year.