An Initial Claim is the first formal request a veteran files with the VA to receive disability compensation, pension, or other VA benefits. This claim begins the process of determining whether a veteran’s condition is connected to their military service and what level of compensation they are entitled to receive.

Initial claims can be filed for:

• Service-connected disabilities (physical or mental)

• Non-service-connected pensions (for low-income wartime veterans)

• VA healthcare enrollment

• Special monthly compensation, housing grants, or other benefits

You can support your VA disability claim by providing these documents:

• VA medical records and hospital records

  • These could relate to your claimed illness or injuries or they could show that your rated disability has gotten worse

• Private medical records and hospital reports

  • These could relate to your claimed illness or injuries or they could show that your rated disability has gotten worse

• Supporting statements

  • These could be from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or people you served with. These statements could tell the VA more about your claimed condition, how and when it happened, or how it got worse.

Note: You are not required to submit evidence, but it is highly recommended. The VA may still need to schedule a Compensation & Pension exam to learn more about your condition.

• If filed within 1 year of separation from service, the effective date may be backdated to the day after discharge.

• If you submit an Intent to File, you must file the full claim within 1 year to preserve that earlier effective date.

Submit Online:

• Click to file for disability compensation online

By Mail or In Person:

• Fill out VA Form 21-526EZ and mail it to the VA intake center or bring it to a VA regional office near you

Filing your Initial Claim correctly is critical. Errors, missing evidence, or incomplete forms can lead to delays or denials. A strong first submission sets the foundation for future decisions and potential appeals. That’s why working with a VA-accredited representative can make a major difference—they help ensure your claim is complete, well-supported, and filed on time.

We have attorney’s and representatives here at Greene & Marusak that can help you out with this.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737