determining whether a claimant’s entries on VA Form 21-526 constitute a claim for disability compensation, pension, or both, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.B.1.c how to file a claim, see types of claims, see , and IDES claims, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i 2.D. b. Requirements for a Complete Claim Received on or After March 24, 2015 Effective March 24, 2015, VA will only recognize compensation, pension, survivors, and related claims if they are submitted on the required standard forms. The table below provides guidance on the correct VA form to use based on the type of benefit sought by the claimant. If the benefit sought is ... Then the prescribed form is VA Form... service connection (original) 21-526 21-526c for Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) or Start (QS) claims 21-526EZ, or 21-0819 for IDES claims. service connection (new or reopen) 21-526 21-526b, Veterans Supplemental Claim for Compensation 21-526c for BDD or QS claims 21-526EZ, or 21-0819 for IDES claims. increased evaluation or a claim for a permanent and total (P&T) rating 21-526 21-526b 21-526c for BDD or QS claims 21-526EZ, or 21-0819 for IDES claims. temporary total disability rating (paragraph 29 and 30 benefits) 21-526 21-526b, or 21-526EZ. Note: Hospitalization reports from VA or military treatment facilities will be accepted as a prescribed form for paragraph 29 and 30 benefits. disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) 21-8940, Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability. TDIU can also be claimed on any of the following VA Forms 21-526
the benefit sought is SMC A&A. Consider the form an incomplete application if there is not adequate information to identify the benefit sought is SMC. special monthly pension (SMP) for A&A including spousal A&A 21-526 21-527EZ 21-534EZ, or 21-2680. Note: The VA Form 21-2680 can be used as a standalone form as long as the supporting documentation identifies that the benefit sought is SMP A&A. Consider the form an incomplete application if is not adequate information to identify the benefit sought is SMP. spina bifida 21-0304, Application for Benefits for Certain Children with Disabilities Born of Vietnam and Certain Service Veterans. apportionment 21-0788, Information Regarding Apportionment of Beneficiary’s dependents 21-526 21-527 (pension only) 21-527EZ (pension only) 21-686c 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance, (school children over 18 only), or 21P-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent(s), (for dependent parent(s) only). Note: New dependency information submitted by a Veteran on 21-0538 will be accepted as a claim to add the dependent(s) to the Veteran’s award. c. Using a Claimant’s Entries on VA Form 21-526 to Determine Which Benefit He/She is Seeking Use the table below to determine whether a claimant’s entries on VA Form 21-526 constitute a claim for disability compensation, pension, or both.
If the claimant … Then consider the application a claim for … asserts a relationship between his/her service in the armed forces and an illness disease, or injury Example: The claimant provides dates of treatment that fall within his/her period of service. compensation only. claims to be totally disabled without indicating that this is due to service in the forces, and furnishes information about employment, and/or income pension only. asserts a relationship between his/her service in the armed forces and an illness disease, or injury claims to be totally disabled, and furnishes information about employment, and/or income compensation and pension. completes all or a portion of Part II of the application, which deals with service-related disabilities, and Parts VII through X of the application, which deal with income net worth, and deductible expenses compensation and pension. requests dental treatment only dental treatment only. Note: Unless a claimant specifically claims disability compensation for a dental condition, refer the VA Form 21-526, or any other form of communication indicative of a dental claim, to the eligibility clerk of the VA medical center (VAMC) of jurisdiction for a determination of eligibility for dental treatment.
Entitlement to Multiple Survivor Benefits entitlement to each of the benefits named in the title of the application submitted by the claimant. The following table provides examples of which benefits VA must address depending on which forms the claimant submits. When ... Then VA is obligated to address the claimant’s entitlement to ... a surviving parent submits VA Form 21-535 DIC, and accrued benefits. a surviving spouse or child submits VA Form 21-534, or VA Form 21-534EZ DIC Survivors Pension, and accrued benefits. f. Receipt of EZ Form Requesting a Different Benefit Application The VA Form and VA Form 21-527EZ contain instructions for the claimant to request a different benefit application. Use the table to determine what action must be taken upon receipt of such notice. If the VA Form … Then send the claimant a request for application letter and attach … 21-526EZ has “Pension” written at the top of the form, or in the claimed disabilities section VA Form 21-527EZ. 21-527EZ has “Will claim compensation – send VA Form written at the top of the form, or in the claimed disabilities that prevent you from working section VA Form Reference: For more information about requests for applications, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.2, and . 2. Claims Filed at or Prior to Separation From Service Change Date April 7, 2014