How to start VA disability claim while active duty?

You must submit your claim 180 to 90 days prior to your release from active duty. This is necessary to complete the exams and rate your claim before discharge. File your claim as close to the 180-day mark as possible to ensure VA can make a decision the day after your discharge.

Can you file a VA claim while in the reserves?

Yes, Reservists and National Guard Members can and do receive VA Disability Compensation with no regard to the percentage of their disability rating. For the 63 days, you can only collect compensation from one source, either the Department of Defense or the Veterans Administration.

How long after military service can you claim disability?

180 to 90 days
A joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) program gives service members the opportunity to file VA disability claims from 180 to 90 days prior to their separation or retirement from active duty.

How do you prove Back pain is service connected?

Documentation of an explosion, exposure to enemy fire, or even the date when you first complained of the pain to a medic or doctor can establish an event in service which may lead to qualifying for entitlement to service connection. Follow-up care in the VA after discharge can also help prove this connection.

Is there a time limit to claim VA disability?

You can file a claim up to 180 days before leaving the service: If you have 180-90 days left on active duty, you may be able to file a pre-discharge claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner.

When to file a new VA disability claim?

You can file a claim for increased disability compensation if you have a rated service-connected disability that’s gotten worse. You’ll need to submit up-to-date medical evidence that shows your disability has gotten worse. New claim—file a claim for added benefits or other benefit requests related to an existing service-connected disability.

When to file a supplemental claim for VA?

For example, you might file a Supplemental Claim if you were treated for pain in your elbow while on active duty, but you were denied disability benefits because your VA health exam didn’t find a problem.

Where can I get help filing a VA claim?

If you need help filing a claim or appeal, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). We trust these professionals because they’re trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA-related needs.

What happens in Step 5 of the VA claim process?

Preparation for Decision. In Step 5 of the VA claim process, your entire VA disability claim file gets sent to the RVSR. The RVSR will review your entire claim application, medical records, supporting documents, personal statements, buddy letters, any other supporting information, and C&P exam results to make a decision on your VA disability claim.

When to file a claim for Veterans Compensation?

Claims regarding compensation are not always based on an in-service event. In other words, after a disability has been determined to be service connected, there may be other types of claims a Veteran or surviving spouse may wish to file.

When to file a disability claim on active duty?

If you have 180-90 days left on active duty, you may be able to file a pre-discharge claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. If you have less than 90 days left on active duty, you can’t file your claim through the BDD program.

Where can I file a claim for VA benefits?

You can file a claim online, by mail, or in person. You can start your claim at a BDD office. Need help applying? If you’re on a military base or other installation, contact your local Transition Assistance Office or ACAP Center (Army only) to make an appointment to attend a VA benefits briefing.