1. 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.

2. 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 EZ to include Fully Developed Claim Certification
VA forms available at or on Vetra/Spec
You must submit all relevant private medical records for the disabilities you are claiming.

3. 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
** Dates of treatment must be included

4. 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.

5. 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 ; 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”.

6. NSC PENSION Criteria: NSC Pension Claims
VA Form EZ 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

7. 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 If Claiming Aid and Attendance ; VA Form If in a Nursing Home
Guard and Reserve records
Dependents VA Form c
What the evidence must show:
90 Days service; one of Wartime
24 Month Active Duty Requirement Enlisted / Officers

8. 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: B (2)
Your Net Worth and Income must be within limits.