How to File VA Form 21-526EZ in Washington DC

VA Form 21-526EZ: Step-by-Step Filing Guide for Veterans in Washington, D.C.

VA Form 21-526EZ is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Veterans in Washington, D.C. use it to file for service-connected disability compensation, increased ratings, and secondary conditions. You can file online at VA.gov, by mail to the Janesville Evidence Intake Center, in person at the National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office at 1722 I St NW, or with free help from a D.C. accredited VSO. Processing currently averages 75.6 days.

What Is VA Form 21-526EZ?

VA Form 21-526EZ is the official application for VA disability compensation and related benefits. The VA revised the form in January 2026. Use it when you want to apply for disability compensation for a new condition, a secondary condition connected to an already service-connected disability, or an increased rating for a condition that has worsened.

The form is 11 sections long and collects your personal information, military service history, dependent information, the conditions you are claiming, and the evidence you are submitting. It also includes a section for direct deposit enrollment. The form serves as both your application and your certification that the information is accurate.

Why this matters: Filing VA Form 21-526EZ is the first formal step in receiving VA disability compensation. Without this form—or its online equivalent—the VA cannot begin evaluating your claim. The form captures the details the VA needs to determine service connection, severity, and your effective date for back pay.

What veterans should do next: If you have not yet filed an intent to file, do that first. An intent to file sets your effective date and preserves up to one year of potential back pay. Then gather your evidence and file VA Form 21-526EZ.

Who Qualifies to File VA Form 21-526EZ in Washington, D.C.?

You qualify to file VA Form 21-526EZ if you are a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard member, or reservist with a condition connected to your military service. Surviving spouses and dependents file different forms for DIC and survivor benefits.

Who Should Use Form 21-526EZ

• Veterans with a new service-connected condition — a condition that first appeared during or was aggravated by military service

• Veterans filing for an increased rating — a condition that has worsened since your last VA rating decision

• Veterans filing for a secondary condition — a new condition caused or worsened by an already service-connected disability

• Veterans filing under the PACT Act — for presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure, burn pits, Agent Orange, and other environmental hazards

• Active-duty service members — for conditions diagnosed during service (may file through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program)

• National Guard and Reserve members — for conditions connected to active-duty or Title 32 service

Who Should Not Use Form 21-526EZ

• Surviving spouses filing for DIC — use VA Form 21-534EZ

• Veterans filing for VA pension only — use VA Form 21-527EZ

• Veterans filing a supplemental claim after a denial — use VA Form 20-0995

• Veterans filing a higher-level review — use VA Form 20-0996

• Veterans filing a Board appeal — use VA Form 10182

D.C.-Specific Eligibility Note

Washington, D.C. has approximately 30,000 veterans. The National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office at 1722 I St NW serves D.C., Maryland, and Virginia veterans. You do not need to be a D.C. resident to file at this office, but D.C. residents receive priority for in-person appointments. Veterans in the D.C. metro area have access to the largest concentration of VA-accredited representatives in the country—420 total, including 91 VSO representatives, 327 attorneys, and 2 claims agents.

VA Form 21-526EZ Sections Explained

VA Form 21-526EZ contains 11 sections. Understanding each section helps you complete the form accurately and avoid delays.

Section 1: Veteran Information

Your full legal name, Social Security number, VA file number (if you have one), date of birth, and contact information. Use the name that appears on your DD-214.

Section 2: Military Service Information

Your branch of service, dates of service, and character of discharge. The VA uses this to verify your eligibility and service history.

Section 3: Claim Information

Check the box for the type of claim you are filing. Options include:

• Original claim — first-time filing for a condition

• Increased claim — requesting a higher rating for a service-connected condition

• Secondary claim — claiming a new condition caused by a service-connected disability

• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — for veterans who need aid and attendance or have specific severe disabilities

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — not for veterans; for surviving spouses

• Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) — for service members within 180 days of separation

Section 4: Conditions You Are Claiming

List each condition on a separate line. Include the approximate date the condition began and a brief description of how it connects to your service. If you are claiming multiple conditions, list them all. The VA rates each condition separately.

Section 5: Evidence You Are Submitting

List the documents you are attaching to your claim. This includes private medical records, buddy statements, VA medical records, and any other evidence.

Section 6: Direct Deposit

Provide your bank routing number and account number. If you do not provide direct deposit, the VA will mail a paper check.

Section 7: Dependent Information

List your spouse, children, and dependent parents. If your disability rating is 30% or higher, you may qualify for additional compensation for dependents.

Section 8: Certification and Signature

Sign and date the form. An unsigned form will be returned. If a power of attorney is signing on your behalf, attach VA Form 21-22.

Sections 9–11: Additional Information

These sections cover specific conditions including PTSD, military sexual trauma, and other special circumstances. Complete them if they apply to your claim.

Required Documents for VA Form 21-526EZ

You do not have to submit all evidence with your claim, but doing so speeds processing. The VA encourages fully developed claims—submitting all relevant evidence at the same time you file.

Core Documents

1. VA Form 21-526EZ — completed and signed

2. DD-214 — discharge papers showing character of service

3. VA Form 21-0966 — intent to file (if submitting separately)

4. Direct deposit information — routing and account numbers

5. Dependent documents — marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption papers (if claiming dependents)

Medical Evidence

• VA medical records and hospital reports — related to your claimed conditions

• Private medical records — treatment notes, test results, imaging reports from non-VA providers

• Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) — completed by your treating provider

• Buddy statements (lay evidence) — written statements from family, friends, or fellow service members describing your condition and its impact

• Personal statement — your own account of how the condition began, how it affects daily life, and how it connects to service

Evidence You Do Not Need to Submit

The VA will obtain your military service treatment records and personnel records directly. You do not need to request these yourself unless they are unavailable through normal channels.

How to File VA Form 21-526EZ in Washington, D.C.: Step-by-Step

There are five ways to file VA Form 21-526EZ. The fastest is online through VA.gov. Veterans in D.C. have additional in-person options through the National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office and the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs.

Step 1: Submit an Intent to File

If you have not already filed an intent to file, do so now. An intent to file (VA Form 21-0966) sets your effective date. You then have one year to complete and submit VA Form 21-526EZ. Filing an intent to file ensures you receive back pay to the date of the intent, not the date you submit the full claim.

How to file an intent to file:

• Online at VA.gov — start a disability compensation claim and save the application

• By mail — submit VA Form 21-0966

• By phone — call 1-800-827-1000

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Collect all relevant medical records, buddy statements, and supporting documents. The more evidence you submit with your claim, the faster the VA can process it. If you need help gathering records, contact an accredited VSO or the D.C. Office of Veterans Affairs.

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Method

Option A: Online at VA.gov

This is the fastest and most efficient method. Create or sign in to your VA.gov account and complete the disability compensation application. Upload your evidence electronically. You will receive a confirmation number and can track your claim status online.

Option B: By Mail

Download VA Form 21-526EZ from VA.gov. Print, complete, and sign the form. Mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Option C: In Person

Bring your completed VA Form 21-526EZ and all evidence to:

National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office
1722 I St NW
Washington, DC 20006

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The nearest Metro station is Farragut West (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). Walk-in appointments are available, but scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) is encouraged.

Option D: By Fax

If you are in the U.S., fax your application to the number listed on the form instructions. If you are outside the U.S., use the international fax number.

Option E: With a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

A VA-accredited VSO representative can help you complete and submit your claim at no charge. In Washington, D.C., there are 91 VSO representatives, 327 accredited attorneys, and 2 claims agents. Never pay to file an initial claim. Fees are only permitted for appeals after an initial decision.

D.C. resources for free claims help:

• Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) — District Veterans Service Officer Robert Pearson, 202-724-7116

• The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program — free legal advice clinics at the D.C. VA Medical Center

• National Veterans Legal Services Program — 1600 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 265-8305

What Happens After You File?

After you submit VA Form 21-526EZ, the VA reviews your claim, gathers evidence, and may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. You will receive a decision letter by mail.

The Claims Process Timeline

Current processing time: The VA’s average time to complete a disability claim decision was 75.6 days as of September 2026, down from 141.5 days in January 2025. Accuracy is currently 94%.

The C&P Exam

The VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension exam to get more information about your condition. Not everyone needs a C&P exam—if your medical evidence is sufficient, the VA may use the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process and review your records without an exam.

What to expect at a C&P exam:

• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early

• The examiner will ask questions about your condition and how it affects daily life

• For physical conditions, the examiner may perform a limited physical exam

• For mental health conditions, the exam typically lasts 2–4 hours

• Bring identification, symptom notes, treatment records, and any supportive devices

What to bring:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Your appointment letter

• Symptom notes describing how your condition affects you daily

• Treatment records and test results

• Any prescribed assistive devices (braces, canes, hearing aids)

Effective Dates and Back Pay in Washington, D.C.

Your effective date determines when your VA disability compensation begins. The VA pays back pay from your effective date to the date of your decision.

How Effective Dates Are Determined

• Original claim filed within 1 year of discharge: Effective date is the day following discharge

• Original claim filed after 1 year of discharge: Effective date is the date the VA received your claim

• Increased claim filed within 1 year of evidence showing worsening: Effective date may be up to 1 year before the claim date

• Intent to file submitted: Effective date is the date of the intent to file, provided the full claim is submitted within 1 year

Back Pay

Back pay is the difference between your effective date and your decision date. If your claim is approved, the VA deposits back pay in a lump sum. Back pay is tax-free.

Example: You file an intent to file on January 15, 2026. You submit VA Form 21-526EZ on June 1, 2026. The VA approves your claim on September 1, 2026. Your effective date is January 15, 2026. You receive back pay for January 15 through September 1, 2026—approximately 7.5 months of compensation.

Common Mistakes D.C. Veterans Make with VA Form 21-526EZ

1. Filing without an intent to file. An intent to file preserves your effective date. Without it, you lose potential back pay from the date you first decided to file.

2. Listing conditions on one line. Each condition must be listed on a separate line. Combining conditions can cause one to be overlooked.

3. Not signing the form. An unsigned VA Form 21-526EZ will be returned. Check the signature section before submitting.

4. Forgetting to include direct deposit information. Without it, the VA mails a paper check, which takes longer.

5. Submitting incomplete dependent information. If your rating is 30% or higher, you may qualify for additional compensation for dependents. Include marriage certificates and birth certificates.

6. Ignoring the C&P exam letter. If you miss your C&P exam without rescheduling, the VA may decide your claim based on the evidence it already has—which may result in a denial or lower rating.

7. Paying for claim help. Filing an initial VA claim is always free. No accredited representative may charge you to prepare an initial claim.

8. Not using D.C.’s free resources. The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, The Veterans Consortium, and the National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office all provide free claims assistance.

Common Questions

What is VA Form 21-526EZ used for?

VA Form 21-526EZ is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Use it to file for VA disability compensation for a new service-connected condition, an increased rating for an existing condition, or a secondary condition caused by a service-connected disability.

Where can I get VA Form 21-526EZ in Washington, D.C.?

Download it from VA.gov/forms/21-526ez. You can also pick up a paper copy at the National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office at 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Can I file VA Form 21-526EZ online?

Yes. Filing online at VA.gov is the fastest method. Create a verified account, complete the disability compensation application, and upload your evidence electronically. You can track your claim status online through the same portal.

Do I need to submit an intent to file before VA Form 21-526EZ?

You should. An intent to file (VA Form 21-0966) sets your effective date. It gives you one year to gather evidence and submit VA Form 21-526EZ. If you submit the full claim within that year, your effective date is the date of the intent to file.

Where do I mail VA Form 21-526EZ?

Mail your completed form to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.

How long does VA Form 21-526EZ take to process?

The VA’s average processing time was 75.6 days as of September 2026. Some claims are decided faster; complex claims with multiple conditions or incomplete evidence take longer. Filing a fully developed claim with all evidence can speed processing.

Can I get free help filing VA Form 21-526EZ in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs provides free claims assistance through District Veterans Service Officers. Contact Robert Pearson at 202-724-7116. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program holds free legal advice clinics at the D.C. VA Medical Center. VSO representatives from DAV, VFW, and the American Legion also provide free help.

What is a fully developed claim?

A fully developed claim is a claim where you submit all relevant evidence at the same time you file VA Form 21-526EZ. You certify that you have no more evidence to submit. The VA can process fully developed claims faster because it does not have to gather records on your behalf.

What happens if I miss my C&P exam?

If you miss your C&P exam without rescheduling at least 48 hours in advance, the VA may decide your claim based on the evidence already in your file. This could result in a denial or a lower rating than you might otherwise receive. Contact the exam scheduler immediately if you cannot attend.

Can I file VA Form 21-526EZ for PTSD?

Yes. VA Form 21-526EZ includes sections for PTSD and military sexual trauma (MST). You will need a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service stressor, and a nexus connecting the two. If you do not have a diagnosis, the VA may schedule a mental health C&P exam.

What is the PACT Act, and does it affect VA Form 21-526EZ?

The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. If you are filing a claim under the PACT Act, use VA Form 21-526EZ and list the presumptive condition. Note the qualifying exposure (such as burn pit exposure) where the form allows.

How do I check the status of my VA Form 21-526EZ claim?

Check your claim status online at VA.gov or through the VA mobile app. You can also call 1-800-827-1000. If you filed with a VSO, your representative can check the status for you.

Key Takeaways

• VA Form 21-526EZ is the application for VA disability compensation for new conditions, increased ratings, and secondary conditions. The form was revised in January 2026.

• Veterans in D.C. can file online at VA.gov, by mail, in person at 1722 I St NW, by fax, or with a free VSO representative.

• Submit an intent to file first to preserve your effective date. You then have one year to file VA Form 21-526EZ.

• Current average processing time is 75.6 days, down from 141.5 days in January 2025.

• Required documents include VA Form 21-526EZ, DD-214, medical evidence, buddy statements, and dependent documents.

• A C&P exam may be scheduled if the VA needs more information. Not everyone needs an exam.

• Effective dates determine back pay. Original claims filed within one year of discharge are effective the day after discharge.

• D.C. has 420 VA-accredited representatives, including 91 VSO representatives who help file claims for free.

• Never pay to file an initial claim. Fees are only permitted for appeals after a decision.

• The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, The Veterans Consortium, and the National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office all provide free claims assistance.

Official Resources

• VA Form 21-526EZ: va.gov/forms/21-526ez

• How to File a VA Disability Claim: va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim

• Intent to File: va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim

• Fully Developed Claims: va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims

• VA Claim Exam (C&P Exam): va.gov/resources/va-claim-exam

• National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office: va.gov/national-capital-region-va-regional-benefit-office

• Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs: communityaffairs.dc.gov/page/veteran-claims-assistance

• VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File): va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-0966

• VA Accreditation Search: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation

• VA Disability Compensation Rates 2026: va.gov/disability/compensation-rates

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