VA Claims Information

STEP 1: CLAIM FORM and MILITARY RECORDS

Claim Form:

Call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000.
Request the Claim Form and information about how to file.
Request a pamphlet known as the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (P94663). This pamphlet can also be found at the VA's website for easy download. (Note: This booklet will not be used in the claim, but if you don't request it, it won't automatically be sent to you.)

Military Records:

Military records can be difficult to get if you write your branch of service direct. You also might not get everything available in your file.

Unless you already have military papers you can submit with your claim, I would suggest that you file your claim without getting these records.

Here's the reason:

The VA, after receiving your claim, will assign a claim number. They can then request the necessary military information from the correct sources, which could be very varied. Because it is the VA, they have a better chance of getting faster service and more complete records.
After your claim is filed and you know the VA has received your military papers, you can then request under the Freedom of Information Act, copies of those papers for your own records.

A NOTE TO VETERANS WHO FILED WHILE STILL ACTIVE IN THE SERVICE--

If you filed a claim while still in the service, the service will send that application and the service medical records to the VA. However, no action can be taken by the VA to process or provide copies until a service discharge has occurred.

Step 2 >>


VA Claims Information
Home Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Steps Claim Form & Military Records Gather Records Investigate "Title 38" Organizing Your Records Once you Organize Online Research Creating Your Claim Filing an Appeal Submit Your Claim After Claim Submission Links	STEP 1: CLAIM FORM and MILITARY RECORDS Claim Form: Call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000. Request the Claim Form and information about how to file. Request a pamphlet known as the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (P94663). This pamphlet can also be found at the VA's website for easy download. (Note: This booklet will not be used in the claim, but if you don't request it, it won't automatically be sent to you.) Military Records: Military records can be difficult to get if you write your branch of service direct. You also might not get everything available in your file. Unless you already have military papers you can submit with your claim, I would suggest that you file your claim without getting these records. Here's the reason: The VA, after receiving your claim, will assign a claim number. They can then request the necessary military information from the correct sources, which could be very varied. Because it is the VA, they have a better chance of getting faster service and more complete records. After your claim is filed and you know the VA has received your military papers, you can then request under the Freedom of Information Act, copies of those papers for your own records. A NOTE TO VETERANS WHO FILED WHILE STILL ACTIVE IN THE SERVICE-- If you filed a claim while still in the service, the service will send that application and the service medical records to the VA. However, no action can be taken by the VA to process or provide copies until a service discharge has occurred. Step 2 >>