Filing For VA Disability Benefits

If you are currently suffering from health conditions that were caused by your service-connected exposure to asbestos, you may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. VA disability benefits are another way to cover medical expenses and relieve the difficulties of living with an asbestos-related illness.

The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on your history of exposure in the military, the severity of your current illness, and your veteran status. If your VA disability benefits application is approved, you are eligible to receive a 100% disability rating. If you are currently receiving compensation from asbestos claims with a law firm, your VA disability benefits will not be affected. Additionally, if you currently are currently receiving partial benefits (less than 100%), you may be eligible for a percentage increase.

What You Need to File for VA Disability Benefits

Before filing an application, it is recommended to gather and provide the VA with supporting documents to make sure that your application is processed quickly for approval. The following documents listed below are most helpful:

Private/VA Medical Records: The records need to be related to your claimed asbestos-related illness and can be medical test results such as X-rays, CT Reports, and/or Pulmonary Function Tests. You can request these documents from the VA or a private doctor that you see.

Military Records: These records should list your assigned job/unit and dates of service. A DD-214 is a convenient document that can be used.

Supporting Statement/Letter: This document should be a letter or report written by a doctor that connects your exposure to asbestos from your military history to your asbestos-related illness.

How to File for VA Disability Benefits

You can to file for VA disability benefits online through the official VA website, by mail or fax, or in person at a VA Office near you. You will have to fill out an application and mail/submit the form along with all necessary supporting paperwork that documents your asbestos-related illness.

Online
To file online, you can visit this link and fill out the following the application: Online VA Disability Claim Application

Mail/Fax
You will need to fill out a VA Form 21-526EZ and make sure to fill out all necessary sections.

Once you have filled out the form you can mail it and all other supporting documents to the following address:

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

You can also fax your application and related paperwork to 844-531-7818.

In person
If you want to file an application in person, you can locate your nearest VA Office and fill out all necessary forms there and provide them with supporting documents.

Need Help?

If you are in need of help with filing your application, you can get in touch with a claims agent, attorney, or Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for assistance. You can use the following page to find one nearest you: VA Application Assistance