Our veterans fought for us in critical wars that shaped our world as we know it today. However, it doesn’t come without a cost.
As a disabled veteran, you can receive various VA disability benefits and other related compensation benefits for your service. To claim your benefit and compensation, you need to accomplish numerous forms to receive monthly compensation.
The VA Form 21-526EZ is one of the many forms you must complete and submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to claim your VA disability benefits from your service-connected disability.
In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about VA Form 21-526EZ and the PACT Act to fully comprehend your benefits from your time in active duty.
What Is VA Form 21-526EZ and How Does It Work?
The VA Form 21-526EZ is used when requesting VA disability compensation and other social security benefits related to the injuries you suffered during your active service years. The VA Form 21-526EZ also applies to the following conditions:
- You have a pre-existing medical condition that was aggravated during active military service.
- You’re currently suffering from a medical condition you believe was caused or related to your active military service. (Tinnitus and PTSD are common ones.)
Whichever of the three mentioned conditions is true, you must provide medical documentation as evidence for the VA to review. If the VA approves your request, they can grant you disability payments and related benefits, which cover medical costs, disability compensation, and more.
Who Is Eligible To Apply for VA Form 21-526EZ?
Any veteran or service member who sustained or developed an illness or injury during active duty can apply for VA Form 21-526EZ. In addition, veterans and service members exposed to toxic substances can also submit a compensation request per the PACT Act.
The PACT Act is a legal movement that provides added protections for service members and veterans who show signs of illnesses or injuries caused by their exposure to toxic substances during the Gulf War, post-9/11, and Vietnam War.
How To Fill Out VA Form 21-526EZ for Disability Compensation?
Filing a VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation is relatively straightforward. The form is divided into sections, which are:
- Section I: This section verifies your military and personal identification and requires information such as your social security number and VA file number.
- Section II: This section verifies if you have temporarily or permanently changed residence.
- Section III: This section is only necessary if you’re homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.
- Section IV: This section is where you outline the details of your disability.
- Section V: This section details your military service information, such as your branch and service number.
- Section VI: If you currently receive veterans service pay or other benefits, complete this section.
- Section VII: This is where you provide your bank information to receive your benefits through bank deposits.
- Section VIII: This is where you sign and verify that all information and evidence you provide are valid.
- Section IX: If you can’t sign but mark Section VIII with an “X,” you need two qualified witnesses to sign this section.
- Section X: If you can’t physically sign the form yourself, you need a court-appointed or legally authorized representative to sign this section.
- Section XI: This section is reserved if a legal representative files the form. Only Veterans Service Officers and VA-authorized attorneys can sign this section.
What Supporting Documents Are Needed for VA Form 21-526EZ?
As part of the standard claim process, you must provide feasible and verified evidence to support your requests. Some documents you can submit are medical records, military records, evidence of compensation, and service-related disability awards.
Can You File VA Form 21-526EZ Online?
Yes. You can conveniently apply for VA disability compensation and other related compensation benefits at www.va.gov. All you need to do is create an account, and the VA Form 21-526EZ will be pre-filled with your given information.
What Are the Common Errors To Avoid When Filling Out VA Form 21-526EZ?
Clerical errors are the most common mistakes when filing VA forms. To avoid making these errors, double-check all information you provide and make sure you’ve filled out all required sections correctly. You can ask someone you fully trust to double-check all the information you’ve written in the form.
How Long Does It Take To Process VA Form 21-526EZ?
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the entire decision process could take around 118 days, which is roughly equivalent to three to four months.
How To Check the Status of Your VA Form 21-526EZ?
You can quickly check the status of your VA disability claim using the VA’s official website. If you already have a registered account on their website, click the “My VA” button, which will take you to the dashboard. From there, click “Track Claims,” find Form 21-526EZ, and click “View Status.”
How To Appeal a Denied VA Form 21-526EZ Claim?
There are several forms you can submit to appeal the VA’s decision:
- VA Form 20-0996: Use this form to request a higher-level review of the denial you received based on your submitted evidence.
- VA Form 20-995: Use this form if you disagree with the denial and have new evidence to support your claim.
- VA Form 21-0958: This form will notify the VA that you disagree with their decision and want to initiate another review.
Sometimes, the denial might be related to an incorrectly filed form. For example, if you want to claim compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, VA Form 21-0781 is a much better option to fill out instead of VA Form 21-526EZ.
What Are the Best Practices for Filing VA Form 21-526EZ?
First, ensure that the VA Form 21-526EZ is appropriate for the benefits you want to claim and that all information you provide is accurate. Second, always double-check all the information you provide, so you won’t get denied for clerical errors. Lastly, ensure you have the right evidence to support your claim.
How To Prepare for a VA Form 21-526EZ Claim Interview?
The VA might require you to answer additional questions during the claim submission process. Make sure that you have a copy of all the documents needed for the interview, such as medical and military records.
Also, it would help if you practiced answering their questions beforehand to be more confident during the interview. It’s also great to read up on the VA disability five-year rule as part of your preparation.
What Are the Common Questions Asked in a VA Form 21-526EZ Interview?
The VA claim exam, or the interview portion, verifies your medical conditions, service history, and other related matters. Some of the questions they may ask include:
- What kind of injuries or illnesses did you suffer while in service?
- When did you start experiencing symptoms?
- How long have you been receiving treatment for these conditions?
- Have you received any prior service-related disability awards?
Veterans play an integral role in maintaining our peace and freedom. Disabled veterans with disabilities or conditions affecting their quality of life after service can receive monthly compensation from the country. Any questions about the VA Form 21-526EZ, such as how to file it and improve your chances of approval, can also be found starting with Trajector Medical. By filling out a survey, you can receive a free evaluation and a call back from us at 844-412-0882 (18444120882) We will get in touch with you with experienced assistants to help you provide the best medical evidence to get the most from your benefits.
