Next Steps

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers lots of information, including:

• An overview of the VA Disability Compensation program
• A series of videos about a variety of VA programs
• Compensation 101 videos explaining different aspects of VA benefits and services
  • Compensation 101: What is Disability Compensation?
  • Compensation 101: What is Service Connection?
  • Compensation 101: How did I get this rating?
• An annual benefits booklet
• Overviews of its Pre-Discharge and Fully Developed Claims (FDC) programs
• Details about its Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program

If you have a service-connected condition, are still in military service, and have 180 to 90 days until your separation date, you can apply through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program.

If you have already left military service or have less than 90 days left, you can:

• File online, or
• Download VA Form 21-526EZ, print it out, complete it, and submit it
  • By mail to:
    Department of Veterans Affairs
    Claims Intake Center
    PO Box 4444
    Janesville, WI 53547-4444
  • In person at the VA's Phoenix Regional Office, or
  • By fax to 1-844-531-7818 if you are in the U.S., or 1-248-524-4260 if outside the U.S.

Filing a claim to get VA Disability Compensation and making sure you get the benefits you are entitled to can be complicated. 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.

• Be Connected at 1-866-429-8387 provides support and connection to resources for all Arizona service members, veterans, and their families.
• The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services helps Arizona veterans and their families with information, resources, and support, including its Arizona Veterans Benefits Guide. Call 1-602-255-3373 or find your local ADVS office.
• Get help applying for benefits from a Veterans Benefits Counselor.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has an online database to find an accredited attorney, claims agent, or service officer from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). It’s easier to search by state than by postal code.
• Contact the VA's Phoenix Regional Office.
• The VA's Office of Survivors Assistance at 1-800-827-8000 helps family members and spouses of deceased veterans.
• Find local veterans services of all kinds in the National Resource Directory.

You can use 2-1-1 Arizona to find social services near you, from benefits applications to job counseling.

Find services for vets on 2-1-1 Arizona's Veterans and Military page.

If you're currently on SSI, SSDI, or CDB benefits, and you're looking for a job, you should qualify for free benefits consulting services. Trained Work Incentive Counsultants at Benefits 2 Work Arizona can help you understand Social Security work incentives, disability benefit programs, and how they are impacted by work. Their goal is to help you avoid complications while developing a sustainable financial plan for your future.

You can contact Benefits 2 Work Arizona at 1-866-304-WORK (9675) toll-free to find a Work Incentive Consultant serving your community.