Common Pitfalls

The longer you wait to apply for VA Disability Compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the more difficult it can be to prove that your disability began during or was made worse by your military service. And the longer you wait, the later your effective date of claim (the date when your claim starts).

However, it's also important to provide accurate details and documentation to support your claim. If you apply through the optional Fully Developed Claims program, it's faster than the standard claims process but you must submit all your evidence when you apply.

If you need more time to gather the information and documents, you can notify the VA of your Intent to File. The date you submit an Intent to File becomes the potential effective date of your claim, and you have up to a year to submit your complete VA Disability Compensation application.

An accredited claims representative can help you decide the best way to apply, including whether to notify the VA of your intent to file.

If you are applying for VA Disability Compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and you have more than one disabling condition connected to your military service, you don’t have to submit all of your claims at the same time. Claim each disabling condition as soon as you can. This helps you get the earliest possible effective date (the date when your claim starts).

You can file your VA Disability Compensation claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on your own, but it's a complicated process. Even if your application is approved, you still need to figure out if you have been given everything you should be getting.

It is best to get help. The VA authorizes three types of accredited representatives to help with the application process:

• Accredited Service Officers (who do not charge for their services) from VA-recognized veterans service organizations
• Accredited Claims Agents (non-attorneys who may charge for some services), and
• Accredited Attorneys (who usually charge fees).

You can search the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website for accredited representatives, claims agents, and attorneys. You can also ask other veterans in your area if they know a good accredited service officer, claims agent, or attorney. (A family member, friend, or other person can help you apply, but anyone who is not accredited as a representative by the VA cannot charge a fee for helping with your claim.)