Filing is a decision about both what you are asking VA to decide and when you put it in VA's hands. A good filing preserves the earliest available date, uses the correct lane, and gives VA enough information to find the records it is required to consider. Filing first and gathering evidence later can be sensible, but an incomplete filing is not a substitute for evidence.
Choose the claim type first
- Original claim: Use this when you are seeking service connection for a condition VA has not previously decided. The usual compensation application is VA Form 21-526EZ.
- Increased-rating claim: Use the compensation application to say that an already service-connected disability has worsened. The issue is current severity, not proving the original service connection again. See Chapter 24: Increased Ratings.
- Supplemental Claim: If VA previously decided the issue, a Supplemental Claim generally requires new and relevant evidence. It is not simply a second copy of the same application.
- Pre-discharge (BDD) claim: Eligible service members can file a Benefits Delivery at Discharge claim while still on active duty, normally 180 to 90 days before separation. The service member must be available for the required examinations and separation processing; BDD is a timing option, not a promise of a decision before separation.
- Special claims: A secondary condition, presumptive condition, TDIU, SMC, convalescence, or toxic-exposure theory has its own proof rules. Start with Chapter 2: Evidence That Supports Claims and the relevant chapter before choosing what to list.
Protect the date with an Intent to File
An Intent to File (ITF) tells VA that you intend to seek a benefit. You can submit it online, by phone, or on VA Form 21-0966. An ITF generally gives you one year to complete and file the claim. If the completed application is filed within that period and the claim is granted, the ITF may preserve the date VA received the intent, subject to the effective-date rules for that claim. If you do not complete the claim in time, the ITF expires and does not automatically keep a date. Filing an ITF is optional, and it does not establish service connection, severity, or entitlement by itself. The Intent to File tool can help you record the deadline; keep the VA confirmation number as well.
Build the packet and select FDC or standard processing
Gather service treatment and personnel records, current medical records, private-record contact information, and lay statements before submission when practical. A Fully Developed Claim (FDC) is a commitment that you are submitting all the evidence you have and identifying where VA can obtain federal records. VA can still order an examination or obtain federal records, and it can move the claim to standard processing if additional development is needed. Standard processing is appropriate when non-federal records are still being gathered or you cannot yet provide a complete packet. The fact that VA may order a C&P examination does not by itself disqualify an otherwise complete FDC. Do not leave out a known record just to preserve the FDC label. See Chapter 2: Evidence That Supports Claims and the evidence checklist.
Submit and keep proof
The online claim portal is convenient and provides an electronic receipt. Paper applications can be mailed to the address VA provides for the form or delivered to a VA regional office; use the current address on VA's filing page, not an old address copied from a forum. An accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent can help with filing if you appoint that person or organization through VA's accreditation process. Compare the role, fee rules, and scope of representation in Chapter 20: Who Can Help You. Save the submitted form, upload list, confirmation number, and every letter in one folder. You can use C-File ordering later to check what VA actually received.
You may ask VA to expedite a claim for circumstances such as severe financial hardship, homelessness, terminal illness, or other qualifying situations. Priority processing requires supporting documentation and does not guarantee a particular decision, rating, or completion date. Keep pursuing the claim while the request is reviewed. VA's how-to-file guidance explains current submission options and evidence rules.