VA Evidence Intake Center: Complete Guide to Submitting Claims Evidence
The VA Evidence Intake Center (EIC) is the centralized mail processing facility for VA disability compensation claims, located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Mail evidence to: Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Fax to 844-531-7818. Upload online through VA.gov or QuickSubmit.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Centralized processing of disability compensation claim evidence |
| Location | Janesville, Wisconsin |
| Mailing Address | Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444 |
| Fax Number | 844-531-7818 (U.S.); 248-524-4260 (overseas) |
| Phone | 800-827-1000 (VA benefits hotline) |
| Online Submission | VA.gov claim status tool or QuickSubmit |
| Processing Time | 1-7 days for mail receipt; claims average 76 days |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
What Is the VA Evidence Intake Center?
The VA Evidence Intake Center (EIC) is the Veterans Benefits Administration’s centralized mail processing facility for inbound disability compensation claim documents. When you mail or fax evidence for a VA disability claim, it goes to the EIC in Janesville, Wisconsin. Employees there scan and upload your documents into the electronic Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), where they become part of your official claims file.
The EIC was established in 2014 as part of VA’s centralized mail processing initiative to reduce paper handling and shipping requirements. Originally, VA operated two EICs—one in Janesville, Wisconsin, and one in Newnan, Georgia. The Newnan facility has since closed, and all disability compensation correspondence should now go to Janesville.
Why the EIC Matters
Every piece of evidence you submit for a disability claim must be properly routed, scanned, and associated with your claim file. If you send documents to the wrong address, they may be delayed or lost. The EIC ensures your evidence reaches the correct claims processor in a timely manner. In a way, the EIC represents the first step in the VA claims process after you file your claim.
What the EIC Handles
The EIC exclusively handles disability compensation claims. Documents you can submit include:
Medical evidence (doctor’s reports, test results, hospital records)
VA forms related to claims or appeals
Service records
Lay statements and buddy statements
Statements in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138)
What the EIC Does Not Handle
The EIC does not process other types of VA claims. For these, use the appropriate address:
| Claim Type | Where to Send |
|---|---|
| Disability Compensation | EIC, Janesville, WI |
| Pension & Survivors Benefits | Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547 |
| Education Claims (GI Bill) | Regional Processing Office |
| Home Loan Matters | Regional Loan Center |
| Veteran Readiness & Employment | Local Regional Office |
VA Evidence Intake Center Address
The official mailing address for the VA Evidence Intake Center is: Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityUse this address for all disability compensation claim correspondence, including:
Initial claims (VA Form 21-526EZ)
Supplemental claims (VA Form 20-0995)
Additional evidence for pending claims
Lay statements and buddy statements
Medical records from private providers
Mailing Tips
Include your VA file number on every page of every document you submit.
Use certified mail for important documents so you have proof of delivery.
Keep copies of everything you send.
Do not send original documents unless specifically requested. Send copies.
Allow mailing time plus one week for VA to process and record receipt of your claim.
VA Evidence Intake Center Fax Number
The toll-free fax number for the VA Evidence Intake Center is 844-531-7818 for veterans in the United States. Veterans located overseas should use 248-524-4260.
Fax is a faster option than mail but not as fast as online submission. When faxing, include a cover sheet with your name, VA file number, and a brief description of the documents you are sending. Keep the fax confirmation page as proof of submission.
Fax Tips
Use the correct fax number for your location.
Include a cover sheet with your identifying information.
Keep the fax transmission confirmation.
Fax only documents relevant to your claim.
How to Submit Evidence to the EIC
You can submit evidence to the VA Evidence Intake Center in five ways: online, by mail, by fax, in person, or through an accredited representative. Online submission is the fastest method.
Method 1: Online Through VA.gov (Recommended)
Upload evidence directly through VA’s claim status tool. This is the fastest and most secure method. Log in to VA.gov, navigate to your claim, and use the “Files” tab to upload documents.
Steps:
Sign in to VA.gov with your verified account.
Go to your claim status.
Select the claim you’re supporting.
Click “Add Files” under “Additional evidence.”
Upload your documents.
Submit.
Method 2: QuickSubmit
QuickSubmit is VA’s online tool for submitting documents that are not associated with a specific pending claim. It replaced the Direct Upload tool in 2022. QuickSubmit allows you to upload larger files (up to 200 MB per file) and more documents (up to 30 per submission).
Steps:
Go to AccessVA QuickSubmit.
Sign in with your VA credentials or create an account.
Select the type of document you’re submitting.
Upload your files.
Submit.
Method 3: By Mail
Mail evidence to: Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
Allow mailing time plus one week for VA to process and record receipt.
Method 4: By Fax
Fax evidence to 844-531-7818 (U.S.) or 248-524-4260 (overseas).
Method 5: In Person
You can submit documents in person at a VA regional office. Find the nearest regional office at VA.gov.
What Documents Should You Submit to the EIC?
You should submit any evidence that supports your disability claim. VA reviews all available evidence to determine eligibility. Required documents include your DD-214 or separation documents, service treatment records, and medical evidence related to your condition.
Required Documents for All Claims
DD-214 or other separation documents
Service treatment records
Medical evidence (doctor’s reports, X-rays, medical test results)
Additional Evidence You Can Submit
Federal and state records:
Military medical records
Social Security Administration records
National Guard or Reserve treatment records
Private medical treatment records:
Doctor’s reports
X-rays
Medical lab or test results
Hospital records
Lay evidence (buddy statements):
Statements from service members who served with you
Statements from family and friends
Statements from clergy or law enforcement
VA Form 21-10210 (Lay or Witness Statement)
VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim)
Evidence for Specific Claim Types
| Claim Type | Evidence Needed |
|---|---|
| Original claim | Current diagnosis, in-service event, nexus |
| Increased rating | Medical evidence showing worsened condition |
| Secondary condition | Medical opinion linking secondary to primary |
| TDIU | Evidence of unemployability due to service-connected conditions |
| PACT Act presumptive | Service records showing qualifying exposure |
VA Evidence Intake Center Processing Times
VA processes mail receipt within approximately one week. If you applied online, you should see a record of receipt in your list of open claims within one hour. If you applied by mail, allow mailing time plus one week for VA to process and record receipt.
How Long Does It Take?
| Submission Method | Receipt Time |
|---|---|
| Online (VA.gov) | Within 1 hour |
| QuickSubmit | Within 1-2 business days |
| Fax | 1-3 business days |
| Mailing time + 1 week |
Overall Claim Processing Time
The EIC’s processing time is separate from the overall claim decision timeline. VA’s average time to complete a disability claim decision was 75.6 days in September 2026. This includes all phases: evidence gathering, review, and decision.
What Happens After the EIC Receives Your Documents?
Scanning: Documents are scanned and uploaded to VBMS.
Association: Documents are associated with your claim file.
Review: Your claims processor reviews the evidence.
Decision: VA makes a decision based on all evidence.
Common Mistakes When Submitting to the EIC
The most common mistake is sending documents to the wrong address. Since the Newnan, Georgia EIC closed, all disability compensation mail must go to Janesville, Wisconsin.
Top Mistakes
Sending to Newnan, GA. The Newnan EIC is closed. Mail sent there will be forwarded, causing delays.
Forgetting your VA file number. Every page should include your VA file number.
Sending originals instead of copies. Send copies, not originals.
Not keeping proof of submission. Keep fax confirmations and certified mail receipts.
Sending documents for the wrong claim type. The EIC only handles disability compensation.
Missing the 1-year deadline. You have up to 1 year from filing to submit evidence for a standard claim.
Not using online submission. Online is the fastest and most reliable method.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Use the correct Janesville address.
Include your VA file number on everything.
Submit online whenever possible.
Keep copies and proof of submission.
Confirm which intake center handles your claim type.
Appeals Process and the EIC
If VA denies your claim or assigns a rating you believe is too low, you can appeal. The EIC plays a role in appeals when you submit new evidence.
Supplemental Claim
File VA Form 20-0995 to add new and relevant evidence. Submit your new evidence to the EIC using the same address or online tools.
Higher-Level Review
File VA Form 20-0996 for a senior reviewer to examine your case. No new evidence is allowed with this option.
Board Appeal
File VA Form 10182 to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can submit evidence directly to the Board when it has jurisdiction.
Appeals Deadlines
You generally have one year from the date of your VA decision letter to file an appeal.
State Differences and the EIC
The EIC is a centralized federal facility, so the address and fax number are the same regardless of where you live. However, some state veterans service offices may have their own submission processes.
What Varies by State
State veterans service offices: Some states have offices that can submit claims on your behalf.
Local VSO chapters: Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV have local chapters that can help.
State-specific benefits: Some states offer additional benefits not managed by VA.
How to Find Your State Resources
Visit your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website or contact a local VSO.
Latest Changes Affecting the EIC
The most significant recent change is the closure of the Newnan, Georgia EIC, making Janesville the sole intake center for disability compensation claims. VA has also expanded online submission tools.
QuickSubmit
QuickSubmit replaced Direct Upload in July 2022. It allows larger file sizes (200 MB per file) and more documents per submission (30 documents).
Online Claim Status Tool
VA’s claim status tool now allows you to upload evidence directly to your claim file. This is the fastest method.
PACT Act Claims
The PACT Act has increased the volume of claims submitted to the EIC. Veterans filing PACT Act claims should follow the same submission procedures.
Common Questions
1. What is the VA Evidence Intake Center address?
The address is: Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Use this address for all disability compensation claim correspondence. Do not send documents to the Newnan, Georgia location—it is closed.
2. What is the fax number for the VA Evidence Intake Center?
The toll-free fax number is 844-531-7818 for veterans in the United States. Veterans located overseas should use 248-524-4260. Include a cover sheet with your name and VA file number.
3. How long does it take for the EIC to process my documents?
If you submit online, you should see a record of receipt within one hour. By mail, allow mailing time plus one week. By fax, allow 1-3 business days. The EIC scans and uploads documents into VBMS.
4. Can I email documents to the VA Evidence Intake Center?
No. VA does not accept email submissions for claims evidence. Use online submission through VA.gov or QuickSubmit, mail, or fax. The EIC does not have a public email address for evidence submission.
5. What documents should I send to the EIC?
Send all evidence supporting your disability claim: medical records, doctor’s reports, test results, service treatment records, lay statements (buddy statements), and any VA forms related to your claim. Include your VA file number on every page.
6. Does the EIC handle pension claims?
No. The EIC only handles disability compensation claims. Pension and survivors benefits go to the Pension Intake Center at PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547. Education claims go to the appropriate Regional Processing Office.
7. What happens if I send documents to the wrong address?
If you send disability compensation documents to the Newnan, Georgia address, they will be forwarded to Janesville. This will delay processing. Always use the correct Janesville address.
8. Can I submit evidence in person at the EIC?
No. The EIC is a mail processing facility and does not have a public walk-in location. You can submit documents in person at a VA regional office instead. Find the nearest regional office at VA.gov.
9. How do I know if the EIC received my documents?
If you submitted online, check your claim status on VA.gov. If you submitted by mail, use certified mail with return receipt. If you submitted by fax, keep the transmission confirmation. You can also call VA at 800-827-1000.
10. What is QuickSubmit?
QuickSubmit is VA’s online tool for submitting documents to the Evidence Intake Center. It replaced Direct Upload in 2022. QuickSubmit allows files up to 200 MB each and up to 30 documents per submission. Access it through AccessVA.
11. Can I submit evidence after my claim is decided?
Yes, if you file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence. Submit the evidence to the EIC using the same address or online tools. You have one year from the decision date to appeal.
12. What if my military records were destroyed in the NPRC fire?
If your records were destroyed in the 1973 NPRC fire, you can get help reconstructing them. VA will work with you to gather alternative evidence. Submit what you have to the EIC.
Key Takeaways
The VA Evidence Intake Center (EIC) is located in Janesville, Wisconsin, and is the centralized mail processing facility for disability compensation claims.
Mailing address: Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
Fax number: 844-531-7818 (U.S.) or 248-524-4260 (overseas).
Online submission through VA.gov or QuickSubmit is the fastest method.
The Newnan, Georgia EIC is closed—do not send documents there.
The EIC only handles disability compensation claims, not pension, education, or home loan claims.
Include your VA file number on every page of every document you submit.
Online submissions are recorded within 1 hour; mail takes mailing time plus 1 week.
You can submit evidence for up to 1 year from the date VA receives your claim.
Keep copies of everything you send and proof of submission.
Official Resources
VA Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/
Upload Evidence to Support Your Claim: https://www.va.gov/disability/upload-supporting-evidence/
Evidence Needed for Your Disability Claim: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/
QuickSubmit (AccessVA): https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspselectfor=quicksubmit
VA Forms: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/
Pension Management Centers: https://www.va.gov/pension/pension-management-centers/
Find a VA Regional Office: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
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