FULLY DEVELOPED CLAIMS (Ready To Rate/RTR) The Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program is the fastest way of getting your compensation or pension claim processed. Participation in the FDC Program allows for faster claims processing while preserving great quality of service and your right to appeal a decision.

VA forms available at www.va.gov/vaforms or on Vetra/Spec Disability Comp: Claim must be a rating related claim for live compensation Original Secondary Increased service connected claims Application form 21-526 EZ to include Fully Developed Claim Certification VA forms available at www.va.gov/vaforms or on Vetra/Spec You must submit all relevant private medical records for the disabilities you are claiming.

You must identify any treatment records from a Federal Facility such as VA Medical Center, Outpatient Clinic, or Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) ** For Guard and Reserve members you must submit any and all Service Treatment, and Personnel Records in the custody of your Unit(s) that pertain to your claim. Medical can be in the form of letters from Physicians, Hospital records, or Disability Benefit Questionnaires. (DBQ’S) Located in VetraSpec or VA site:*DBQ’s are the preferred method http://benefits.va.gov/TRANSFORMATION/disabilityexams/ ** Dates of treatment must be included

If claiming dependents, must complete VA form 21-686c The evidence must show injury in service, or a disease that began in service or was aggravated by service. You must be diagnosed with a current physical or mental disability related to service. A relationship or NEXUS must be established between claimed disabilities and an injury, disease, symptoms, or event in military service.

PRESUMPTIVES 3.309: Example Agent orange, POW, and Radiation. What if you don’t have all the evidence? File an informal Claim Letter or a VA Form 21-4138; must clearly identify the disability being claimed: “I intend to apply for compensation benefits for the following disabilities: __________________________________ under the FDC Program. This statement is to preserve my effective date for entitlement to benefits. I am in the process of assembling my claim package for submission”.

NSC PENSION Criteria: NSC Pension Claims VA Form 21-527EZ Original Claims Fully Developed Claim Certification Form must be completed. All necessary income and net worth information must be submitted All private medical must be submitted. DBQ (Disability Benefit Questionnaire) Located in VetraSpec or VA site:*DBQ’s are the preferred method

Guard and Reserve records Dependents VA Form 21-686c Names and addresses of Federal facilities where you receive treatment to include dates of treatment (I.e. VAMC) VA Form 21 2680 If Claiming Aid and Attendance ; VA Form 21 0779 If in a Nursing Home Guard and Reserve records Dependents VA Form 21-686c What the evidence must show: 90 Days service; one of Wartime 24 Month Active Duty Requirement 9-8-80 Enlisted /10-16-81 Officers

Permanent and Total Disability Single 60% or Combined 70% one disability being 40% or more. Over 65 Patient in a Nursing Home for long term care Receiving Disability SS or SSI Exceptional Cases: 3.321 B (2) Your Net Worth and Income must be within limits.