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hi everyone in this video we're going to be discussing va's form 21-526 EZ the form veterans
will use to file a claim this form is called the application for disability compensation
related compensation benefits and it's a formal application for VA benefits veterans are required
to submit this form to start the VA claims process for service connected compensation prior
to filing this claim on this form veterans should ensure that they are eligible for VA disability
compensation only veterans who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions so for
example an honorable discharge are eligible to receive VA disability compensation veterans must
also have a current diagnosis and a disabling medical condition due to their time and service
the VA form 21-526ez has 11 sections in total here are the most important ones section one which asks
for identification and claim information in this section veterans provide the full name
social security number VA file number date of birth current
mailing address and other identifying information
section 4 is also very important this is claim information section 4 is the most in-depth portion
of your VA claim here you must list the current disabilities for which you are applying to receive
disability compensation and each in addition to each current disability listed you were
also required to specify the following whether the disability is due to an in-service exposure
event or injury how the disability relates to your in-service exposure event or injury the
approximate date the disability began or worsened if you are unable to record all the information
above in the space provided on the form you can include an addendum and an addendum is just an
extra sheet of paper you must indicate though on the VA 21526 Easy that there is additional
information attached on the application Section 5 of the VA form 21-526 EZ is also very important
this is your service information this is where you provide information regarding your time and
service including your branch of service and your enlistment or discharge date and discharge date
section 7 is another important section this is your direct deposit information it's very
important to fill out because it allows VA to transfer your monthly compensation directly
into your bank account if you are granted service connected disability benefits this means VA will
already have your payment information on file if you are granted and then finally section 9 is very
important this is the power of attorney signature if you have legal representation insisting you
with your VA claim that part needs to be signed by your representative your representative can
be your veteran service officer or you're a VA accredited agent or a VA accredited attorney
once you're done completing your VA form 21526ez
um while there are multiple ways you could complete that first online using
va's eBenefits platform you can also complete a paper form and mail it to the Department of
Veterans Affairs evidence intake Center P.O box 444 in Janesville Wisconsin
535-47-4444 you can also submit your application in person just bring it to your nearest VA
Regional Office and you can also rely on your legal representative to complete and file the
form and that is also with a veteran service organization or a VA accredited agent or attorney
generally filing a VA claim online is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for disability
benefits so what's the difference between a VA form 21526 easy and a VA form 210966 is a question
that we often get the VA form 21-0966 is the intent to file form that veterans can use if they
are planning to file a claim using a 21-526ez the form that we've been talking about this whole time
um but if the veteran needs more time to gather evidence they can file this intent to file claim
um to serve as a placeholder for the claims essentially notifies VA of your intention to file
a claim and after you submit your intent to file form you have one year to complete the VA form
21526 easy it's very important to remember that the date that VA received your intent to file form
will be the effective date for your claim if you file the VA claim forms of 21-526ez within a year
so I hope that this explains the VA form 21526 easy if you want to know more information about
the VA claims process be sure to check out and subscribe to our Channel and like this video
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