Filing a VA Disability Claim

Disability compensation claims are commonly filed on VA Form 21-526EZ, online, by mail or with help from a veterans service officer. If you need more time to gather evidence, you can first submit an intent to file, which can help protect the date benefits may start from. The claim should explain that you have mesothelioma and that you believe it resulted from asbestos exposure during service. Include your service details and any records you already have. You can add more evidence later, but starting early can matter for back pay.

The medical side usually includes the pathology report and treatment records confirming the diagnosis. The service side includes your personnel file, job specialty, ship or unit assignments and any records showing where you worked. Written statements from you and from people who served with you can describe your duties and conditions. A nexus opinion from a qualified physician that connects your mesothelioma to in-service exposure is often an important part of the file. The VA may also schedule an examination, and attending it is important to keep the claim moving.

Because mesothelioma is so serious, many veterans qualify for priority processing. The VA offers expedited handling in certain situations, including terminal illness, serious financial hardship and very advanced age. Make sure the claim clearly states the diagnosis and, where appropriate, requests priority handling with supporting medical evidence from the treating doctor. A veterans service officer can help flag the claim correctly and follow up if it seems stalled. Keep copies of everything you submit, along with confirmation of when the VA received it, since those dates can matter later if questions arise about back pay.

1. 1

   Submit an intent to file right away if you need more time to gather records.

2. 2

   Gather your pathology report, treatment records and complete service personnel file.

3. 3

   Ask a qualified physician for a written opinion connecting your mesothelioma to service exposure.

4. 4

   Request priority processing and keep proof of every document the VA receives.