If you believe that you may qualify for VA benefits and you have never filed a claim before, you need to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs as soon as possible. In many cases, the benefits you receive will be paid back to the date that the claim is filed. This means that if you wait to file, you may lose out on some benefits that could be paid if you file sooner, rather than later.
If you are not ready to file your claim, you should file an Intent to File form. This protects the filing date of the claim for an entire year. So if you file the ITF form and then file an application within one year, the VA will treat your application as though it was filed on the date the ITF was submitted. This means that you may be eligible for additional retroactive benefits.
How Do I File for VA Benefits?
If you believe you are entitled to VA Compensation benefits, you can file an application very easily. You can fill out the application on the VA website once you set up your eBenefits account. You can also work with the Veterans Service Office in your county to get the application filed.
There are some additional forms you need to complete if you are filing a claim for TDIU or PTSD.
What Happens if I am Denied?
If you file your claim for VA compensation benefits and the VA denies your claim, you should carefully review the decision to see why your claim was denied. There are multiple options for appeals under the new “AMA” claims processing rules. If you would like for us to review the decision to see if we may be able to help you win your appeal, use our free case evaluation form or call us at 888-966-6566.
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