How to Start My Disability Application
When a veteran gets a disease or is hurt during his time of service and he is discharged honorably, this usually qualifies the veteran for disability benefits. To start a veteran disability claim you must first complete a VA form 21-256.
Items Needed:
- Medical records
- Marriage license
- VA Form 21-256
- Divorce decree/if applicable
- Each of your children’s birth certificates
- Begin your form by filling in the date when you started your military service and the date your service ended. You’ll also need to include all the places you served and the addresses of your units that you served in during Reserve, Active or National Guard Duty.
- Refer to your medical history to fill in your disabilities.
- Include what type of treatment you received for your disabilities while you were serving and where you received your medical care.
- Include what caused your disability, as well as the date you became disabled.
- Fill out any information you can provide about the status of your family. This is a factor in determining how much money you’ll receive for your disability. You’ll need to provide information about your previous marriages, your spouse and your kids. You’ll need to include all of your children’s Social Security numbers, where they were born and the dates they were born on. They’ll also need to know whether or not your spouse has served in the military.
- Write on the form how much money you’re currently making and where you’ve worked within the last year. They’ll also need to know how much money you and all of your dependents are bringing in during a year.
- If you’re residing and receiving care at a nursing home, you’ll need to tell them what type of care is being given to you and when you were admitted to the home.