Correct Form To File A Claim On

[Fat]

Trying to help a fellow veteran get the correct information.

He wants to file for elbow issues (Tommy John surgery).

What is the correct form used to file a claim for compensation?

21-526 or 21-526EZ?

Also if you are service connected (direct deposit), do you have to put banking information on the form.

All replies are appreciated.

Edited May 13, 2015 by Fat

[Andyman73]

If you are already service connected and getting a direct deposit, you should not have to keep putting in for the DD.

[Gastone]

If all his medical records are available for scanning, I'd go with a FDC claim. As long as it stays FDC and doesn't need any further evidence development, he could pick up the VA FDC Retro Bonus of additional 12 months of retro.

He does have all his SMR's already, right? If the claim isn't Locked & Cocked evidence wise, he's looking at it becoming a Regular Axx Claim, long train ride.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[brokensoldier244th]

KIM it does depend a little on what RO he uses, too. The Ne RO is pretty on the ball, being smaller, for example, and usually gets claims done in under 6 months unless they are truly heinous while other ROs that are larger take longer. Appeals take longer , though, so SMR's (hand carry them if you can get them whle out processing) will save you a lot of time later- you'll see what your SMRs say and you can form evidence to support your claim around that to supplement what is there.

[Buck52]

I believe its 21 -526 (b) & attach medical reports.

jmo

...............Buck

[Fat]

Its the 21-526.

21-526 (b) is for secondary issues.

21-526 EZ is fast track claims.

Thanks for the replies............................

"NEVER GIVE UP"

[Buck52]

Well Dr Bash mention that the form 21-526(b) covers a lot it covers New Claims or Reopen claims , claims for increase, claims for secondary....which is what I had assumed it was for.

Oh well learn something new everyday.

Buck