Compensation and Pension Claim Checklist
Name: __________________________
This checklist will take you through five simple steps to filing a claim for benefits with the VA. This
checklist will be most helpful for compensation and pension claims. Claims for education benefits,
insurance products and home loans may not fit this checklist.
Step 1:
What benefit are you trying to receive? If you are unsure of what benefit you need to apply
for see our list of
VA
Benefits.
_______________________
______________________
Step 2:
Find an accredited representative. It is very important to get help from an accredited
representative with your claim for VA benefits. A representative can offer advice on what benefits you
are eligible for, check the status of your claim and can help you file an appeal if you are unhappy with
the results.
Organization: _____________________________
Appointment: _____________________________
Address: _________________________________
Step 3:
Gather your evidence. Page two of this document lists types of evidence you need.
Evidence Gathered
Step 4:
File your claim. Take the evidence that you gathered with you to your appointment. The
more prepared you are you the easier the process will be. If you have all of your evidence you can file
a
Fully Developed
Claim, which is faster than the traditional claims process.
Informal Claim: _______________
Formal Claim: _______________
Step 5:
Follow up. This is very important. Do not wait too long to check the status of your claim.
This doesn’t mean that you call your representative every day, but you should check in every 30 days
or so. Also if you have a premium
eBenefits
account you can check the status on your own.
30 Days: ___________________
60 Days: ___________________
Claim Status: ________________
Claim Status: ________________
90 Days: ___________________
120 Days: ___________________
Claim Status: ________________
Claim Status: ________________