Book - How to Apply for Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits for Veterans and Their Survivors

If you are looking for help applying for a VA Benefit for yourself or a loved one, consider purchasing our new book How to Apply for Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits for Veterans and Their Survivors (published in 2020).

This how to apply book is a welcome and needed resource for veterans and their families. It incorporates the newest claims procedures from the Department of Veterans Affairs along with detailed instructions on how to submit applications for over 25 different types of disability claims including Pension, Death Pension, DIC, Compensation, Burial Benefits, and others. More About the Book...

Various VA Forms and Applications in PDF Format

Below is a list of the most commonly used forms for senior veterans or their survivors seeking to apply for VA Compensation, DIC, Burial, HISA, or VA Pension (Survivor Pension) Benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Order Military Records

SF 180 - Request Pertaining to Military Records (used to obtain DD 214 discharge records)

Intent to File to Establish an Effective Date

VA Form 21-0966 - Intent to File a Claim

Application Forms

VA Pension and Survivor's Pension are sometimes called the Aid and Attendance Benefit. When applying, the claimant should supply VA with a certified copy of the veteran's original military discharge. VA will also want to see a copy of a marriage certificate and/ or death certificate when applicable. If there are ongoing care expenses (e.g. home care or assisted living), VA will require VA Form 21-2680 and proof the claimant is paying for and receiving care. Supply VA with statements of from the care provider and invoices marked paid.

Supporting Forms

VA Form 21-0969 - Income and Assets Statement
VBA Form 21-22a - Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative
VBA Form 21-2680 - Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent need for Regular Aid and Attendance (Completed by Claimant's Physician)
VBA Form 21-4142 - Consent To Release Medical Information to the VA
VBA Form 4138 - Statement In Support Of Claim
VBA Form 21-0845 - Authorization to Disclose Personal Information
Care Provider Report (Completed by Claimant's Care Provider)
VBA Form 21-0779 - Request for Nursing Home Information

Supplemental Information Forms

VA Form 21-526b - Change in Existing Compensation
VA Form 21-8049 - Request for Details of Expenses
VA Form 21p-8416 - Medical Expense Report
VA Form 21-0516 - EVR Veteran with No Children
VA Form 21-0517 - EVR Veteran with Children
VA Form 21-0518 - EVR Surviving Spouse with No Children

Decision Review Forms

VA Form 20-0995 - Supplemental Claim
VA Form 20-0996 - Request for Higher-Level Review
VA Form 10182 - Request for Board Appeal

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VA Forms

This section provides downloadable files of the most commonly used VA Forms for senior veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. View the Forms...

Become a Member of the Senior Veterans Service Alliance

Become a member of the SVSA and help our organization support the needs of senior veterans who served their country in a time of need. Learn more about the benefits of membership.

The Senior Veterans Service Alliance (SVSA) is not a VA service organization and is not affiliated with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Individuals and services listed on this web site are also not affiliated with VA. Only individuals of the SVSA and those listed on this site who are accredited by VA may be involved in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim for veterans benefits.