VA Form 21-0845 Printable: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Using the Form

Navigating the complexities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding and completing forms. One crucial document that veterans and their dependents may encounter is VA Form 21-0845, also known as the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. This comprehensive guide will delve into the purpose, usage, and intricacies of VA Form 21-0845, providing clear instructions and practical insights to help you successfully navigate the process.

VA Form 21-0845 is an essential tool for veterans and their families to access disability compensation and other related benefits. It allows individuals to apply for various benefits, including compensation for service-connected disabilities, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses, and burial benefits. Understanding the form’s sections, content, and submission process is crucial for ensuring a successful application.

VA Form 21-0845 Printable Overview

The VA Form 21-0845, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is a document used by veterans, service members, and their dependents to apply for disability compensation and related benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The form consists of several sections, including personal information, military service history, current employment and income, medical history, and financial information. Applicants must provide detailed information in each section to support their claim for benefits.

Form Sections and Content

The VA Form 21-0845 includes the following sections:

• Personal Information: This section collects basic personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Military Service History: This section includes information about the applicant’s military service, including branch of service, dates of service, and duty stations.
• Current Employment and Income: This section collects information about the applicant’s current employment and income, including type of employment, employer, and income amount.
• Medical History: This section includes information about the applicant’s medical history, including current and past diagnoses, treatments, and medications.
• Financial Information: This section collects information about the applicant’s financial situation, including assets, debts, and expenses.

Obtaining and Filling Out VA Form 21-0845

VA Form 21-0845 is the official form used to apply for VA benefits. It can be obtained in a number of ways, including:

• Online: The form can be downloaded from the VA website at https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/21_845.pdf
• By mail: The form can be requested by mail by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
• In person: The form can be picked up in person at any VA regional office.

Once you have obtained the form, it is important to fill it out accurately and completely. The form is divided into several sections, each of which requires specific information. The following are some tips for completing each section:

Personal Information

• Provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Indicate your gender and marital status.
• Provide your current address and phone number.

Military Service Information

• Provide your branch of service, service dates, and discharge status.
• List any combat zones in which you served.
• Indicate whether you were exposed to Agent Orange or other hazardous materials.

Disability Information

• Describe your current disabilities and how they affect your daily life.
• Provide medical evidence to support your claim.
• Indicate whether you have ever received VA benefits for your disabilities.

Work History

• List your current and previous employment history.
• Indicate whether you are currently working or unemployed.
• Provide information about your income and expenses.

Financial Information

• Provide information about your assets and debts.
• Indicate whether you are receiving any other government benefits.
• Provide information about your dependents.

Signature

• Sign and date the form.
• Have your signature notarized.

Once you have completed the form, mail it to the VA regional office that serves your area. The VA will review your application and make a decision on your claim.

Submitting VA Form 21-0845

Submitting VA Form 21-0845 is an important step in the process of applying for VA benefits. There are three main methods for submitting the form:

By Mail

To submit the form by mail, you can either use the pre-addressed envelope that came with the form or mail it to the following address:

VA Form 21-0845
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

In Person

You can also submit the form in person at any VA regional office or VA medical center.

Online

The VA Form 21-0845 can be submitted online through the VA website. To do this, you will need to create an account on the VA website. Once you have created an account, you can log in and click on the “Apply for Benefits” tab. From there, you will be able to select the VA Form 21-0845 and fill it out online.

Tracking the Status of a Submitted VA Form 21-0845

After submitting VA Form 21-0845, you can track its status using various methods.

VA Website

• Visit the VA website and create an account if you don’t already have one.
• Log in to your account and click on “Benefits”.
• Under “My Claims”, select “View My Claims”.
• Locate your claim and click on “View Status”.

EBenefits

• Visit the eBenefits website and create an account if you don’t already have one.
• Log in to your account and click on “VA Forms”.
• Under “Submitted Forms”, select “View Submitted Forms”.
• Locate your claim and click on “View Status”.

Phone

• Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
• Provide your Social Security number and the date you submitted your claim.
• A VA representative will provide you with the status of your claim.

Mail

• Write a letter to the VA regional office where you submitted your claim.
• Include your Social Security number and the date you submitted your claim.
• Request the status of your claim.

When you access the tracking information, you will see the following status updates:

• Received: The VA has received your claim.
• In Process: The VA is reviewing your claim.
• Decision Pending: The VA is making a decision on your claim.
• Decision Made: The VA has made a decision on your claim.
• Closed: The VA has closed your claim.

You can also track the status of your claim through the VA mobile app.

Examples and Case Studies

VA Form 21-0845 is widely used in practice to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining various benefits and services from the VA.

The following are some real-world examples and case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the form:

VA Form 21-0845 for Disability Benefits

A veteran who sustained injuries during military service used VA Form 21-0845 to apply for disability benefits. The veteran provided detailed information about their injuries, medical history, and current symptoms. The VA used this information to evaluate the veteran’s eligibility for benefits and determine the appropriate level of compensation.

VA Form 21-0845 for Education Benefits

A dependent of a veteran used VA Form 21-0845 to apply for education benefits. The dependent provided information about their educational goals, financial situation, and relationship to the veteran. The VA used this information to determine the dependent’s eligibility for benefits and provide financial assistance for their education.

VA Form 21-0845 for Healthcare Benefits

A veteran who was experiencing health problems used VA Form 21-0845 to apply for healthcare benefits. The veteran provided information about their medical history, current symptoms, and financial situation. The VA used this information to determine the veteran’s eligibility for benefits and provide access to healthcare services.

Additional Resources and Support

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of resources and support services to help individuals using VA Form 21-0845. These resources include:

VA regional offices: Individuals can visit their local VA regional office for assistance with completing and submitting VA Form 21-0845. VA regional offices can also provide information on other VA benefits and services.

Contact Information

• VA Regional Offices: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/regional_offices.asp
• VA Benefits and Services: https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/benefits.pdf
• VA Form 21-0845 Helpline: 1-800-827-1000

FAQ Section

What is the purpose of VA Form 21-0845?

VA Form 21-0845 is used to apply for disability compensation and related benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Where can I obtain a VA Form 21-0845?

You can obtain a VA Form 21-0845 from the VA website, VA regional offices, or by contacting the VA directly.

How do I complete VA Form 21-0845?

Follow the instructions provided in this guide or seek assistance from VA-accredited representatives or organizations.

How do I submit VA Form 21-0845?

You can submit VA Form 21-0845 by mail, fax, or online through the VA website.

How can I track the status of my submitted VA Form 21-0845?

You can track the status of your submitted VA Form 21-0845 online through the VA website or by contacting the VA directly.