What this means
m21-1:II.iii.4.A explains the veterans online application (vonapp) direct connect (vdc) program and department of veterans affairs (va) claims submission service websites. In plain terms, the official guidance says veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) allows claimants to file disability compensation and dependency applications via VA claims submission service websites. It also addresses currently, VDC contains an interview process for the forms listed below.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-1:II.iii.4.A when organizing evidence or checking VA's handling of the veterans online application (vonapp) direct connect (vdc) program and department of veterans affairs (va) claims submission service websites. Compare your application, supporting records, and notice with this source-specific point: Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) allows claimants to file disability compensation and dependency applications via VA claims submission service websites. Currently, VDC contains an interview process for the forms listed below. Save proof of submission and identify the exact condition, exception, or missing development step before requesting correction or choosing a review option.
What to review in your file
- Check the file against this official condition: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests may be contained within materials submitted by the veteran or claimant via VDC.
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) allows claimants to file disability compensation and dependency applications via VA claims submission service websites.
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: Currently, VDC contains an interview process for the forms listed below.
Important limits
m21-1:II.iii.4.A explains VA guidance for the veterans online application (vonapp) direct connect (vdc) program and department of veterans affairs (va) claims submission service websites; it does not guarantee an award or replace the statutes, regulations, binding decisions, and review instructions that control an individual claim. Conditions and exceptions still matter, including this source point: Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) allows claimants to file disability compensation and dependency applications via VA claims submission service websites. VDC claims are identifiable through a special issue flash and claim labels. Upon establishment of a claim, the VDC process affixes the special issue flash VONAPP Direct Connect under the first listed contention.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- The Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) Program and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Claims Sub
- m21-1:II.iii.4.A
- Online Application VONAPP
- Direct Connect VDC
- Introduction Program
- description Program
- interview process
- identifying claims
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
Overview
In This Section
This section contains the following topics:
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Topic | Topic Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the VDC Program |
| 2 | VDC Rating Claims Intake |
| 3 | Determining the Date of Claim (DOC) and Effective Date for VDC Claims |
| 4 | Applications from VA Claims Submission Service Websites |
1. Introduction to the VDC Program
Introduction
This topic contains information about VDC claims, including
- general description of the VDC Program
- VDC interview process
- identifying VDC claims, and
- assignment of jurisdiction for claims.
Change Date
January 20, 2022
II.iii.4.A.1.a. General Description of the VDC Program
Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) allows claimants to file disability compensation and dependency applications via Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims submission service websites. In addition to an application for benefits, VDC allows claimants to upload supporting documents, eliminating mail and scanning procedures, to form a timelier end-to-end electronic claims process.
II.iii.4.A.1.b. VDC Interview Process
VDC utilizes a question-and-answer interview-style interface to guide the claimant in completing forms approved by VA. The interview process limits omissions and misinterpretations of information requested from the Veteran for adjudicating a claim.
Currently, VDC contains an interview process for the forms listed below.
- VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, and supporting forms
- VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- VA Form 21-0781a, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault
- VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability, and
- VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment
- VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance
- VA Form 21-686c, Application Request To Add And/Or Remove Dependents, and
- VA Form 21-22, Appointment Of Veterans Service Organization As Claimant's Representative.
In addition to these forms, claimants may upload five supporting documents.
Notes:
- Pension and survivors’ claim forms are unavailable through VDC.
- VDC accepts pre-discharge claims (excluding Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) claims).
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests may be contained within materials submitted by the claimant via VDC.
References: For more information on
- initial actions on receipt of an electronic pre-discharge claim, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 6.B.3.l, and
- processing FOIA requests, see
- M27-1, Part I, 7, and
- M21-1, Part II, Subpart i, 2.D.
II.iii.4.A.1.c. Identifying VDC Claims
VDC claims are identifiable through a special issue flash and claim labels. Upon establishment of a claim, the VDC process affixes the special issue flash VONAPP Direct Connect under the first listed contention. Additionally, VDC uses claim labels beginning with the term eBenefits.
The table below lists the VDC claim labels with corresponding end product (EP) series.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Claim Labels | EP Series |
|---|---|
| eBenefits 526EZ Initial Live Comp <8 Issues | 110 |