The processing of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims can be a long and arduous course from initial submission of the application to the first payment of your VA benefit. In some instances we’ve dealt with, the process has taken a year or longer. If the claimant is incompetent, additional months of delay can be expected. We have even experienced situations where our clients pass on before they see an award and without any hope of payment to their families. Because of this, we have asked for years for a way to speed up the claims process.
Finally, a better way has arrived—at least for most cases. The VA has created a special procedure for what it calls “Fully Developed Claims (FDC).” This has resulted in some claims being approved in less than two months, rather than 12 or more. Some attorneys I know have told me of award letters being granted in just ten days.
The VA has created special forms to be used in this new procedure. They are:
- Form 21-526EZ for veterans disability compensation
- Form 21-527EZ for veterans pension
- Form 21-534EZ for surviving spouses and children; and
- Form 21-534EZ for accrued benefits for surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of service connected veterans
To qualify for this new procedure, when you submit a claim, you must include all required forms and supporting information, including financial, medical, military, marital and so forth. We have a list of what is required and can assist you in making sure you have everything you need to proceed.
This is critical. If you fail to provide any of the required documentation, your claim will be relegated to regular processing and get swallowed up by the VA bureaucracy.
If you are interested in filing for non-service connected VA benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, please contact us so we can assist you with the Fully Developed Claim process.
Jerry Shiles
Author, Attorney
Parman & Easterday
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