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Forms & Benefits Library

VA Disability & Benefits

The core VA claim, appeal, Aid & Attendance, dependent, and survivor forms.

This library is free educational information — not legal advice. Forms link to the official government source. A VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will help you prepare and file most claims at no cost. StewardWise never files a claim for you and never charges a veteran.

Start with your situation

I'm filing an initial VA disability claim

File an Intent to File first to lock your effective date, then submit the main claim with a statement for each condition.

  1. VA 21-0966 (Intent to File) — file FIRST to protect your effective date
  2. VA 21-526EZ (the main disability claim)
  3. VA 21-4138 (Statement in Support) — one per condition
  4. VA 21-4142 (authorization to obtain your medical records)
  5. Gather supporting medical records + lay statements from family/employer
Timeline: 7–30 days to gather evidence, then ~4–6 months for VA to decideCost: Free — a VSO can help at no cost, or an accredited attorney may work on contingency

Have a free accredited VSO review and submit this — do not pay anyone to file an initial claim.

I'm appealing a VA denial or low rating

Choose your review lane (Supplemental, Higher-Level, or Board) on VA 21-0995 and add new evidence where it applies.

  1. VA 21-0995 (Decision Review Request) — pick Supplemental / Higher-Level / Board
  2. VA 21-4138 (new statement in support)
  3. New medical evidence (for a Supplemental Claim)
  4. A brief explaining why VA should reverse
Timeline: Supplemental ~4–6 months · Higher-Level ~125 days · Board 1–2+ yearsCost: $0 to file; an accredited attorney fee is capped and only paid on back-pay won

The one-year appeal deadline is non-negotiable — talk to a VSO or accredited rep well before it.

I need Aid & Attendance (help with daily living / assisted living)

A&A adds to a pension or compensation when you need help with daily activities — the physician section is the heart of the claim.

  1. VA 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Aid & Attendance) — includes the physician statement
  2. A doctor's letter documenting your ADL limitations
  3. A caregiver statement (family member)
  4. Medical records showing the functional impact
Timeline: ~4–6 monthsCost: Free to file. ⚠️ Never pay a "pension advisor" to move assets to qualify — that is the pension-poaching scam.

Use a free accredited VSO. Avoid anyone charging a fee to restructure your assets for A&A.

I'm a surviving spouse or dependent of a veteran

DIC and survivor benefits have their own application; gather the DD-214 and the rating letter.

  1. VA 21P-534EZ (DIC, survivors pension & accrued benefits)
  2. DD-214 + the veteran’s VA rating letter
  3. Marriage/birth certificates as required
Timeline: ~3–6 monthsCost: Free

A VSO handles survivor claims at no cost.

The forms

Forms and processing times per va.gov. File free with an accredited VSO.

VA 21-0966SimpleImmediate
Intent to File

Locks your effective date so back-pay counts from today while you gather evidence.

Official form →
VA 21-526EZModerate~4–6 months
Application for Disability Compensation

The main initial disability claim form.

Official form →
VA 21-4138Simple
Statement in Support of Claim

Your own written statement supporting a condition or fact — one per condition.

Official form →
VA 21-4142Simple
Authorization to Disclose Information

Lets VA request your private medical records.

Official form →
VA 21-0995Moderate~4–6 months
Decision Review Request (Supplemental Claim)

Appeal a decision with new and relevant evidence.

Official form →
VA 21-2680Get help~4–6 months
Exam for Aid & Attendance / Housebound

Physician-completed exam establishing the need for daily aid.

Official form →
VA 21-686cSimple
Add or Remove Dependents

Update dependents on your award (spouse, child).

Official form →
VA 21-0845SimpleSame day
Authorization to Release to a Third Party

Simple administrative release / address matters.

Official form →
VA 21-22Simple
Appoint a VSO as Your Representative

Appoints an accredited Veterans Service Organization to represent you — free.

Official form →
VA 21-22aSimple
Appoint an Attorney or Agent

Appoints an accredited attorney or claims agent.

Official form →
VA 21P-534EZModerate~3–6 months
DIC / Survivors Pension

Survivor application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and pension.

Official form →

A free, VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer can prepare and file most of these for you at no cost.

Find a free VSO →