What form is commonly used to submit a claim for VA benefits?

The commonly used form to submit a claim for VA benefits is VA Form 21-526EZ. This form is specifically designed for veterans who are seeking to apply for disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It streamlines the application process by allowing veterans to provide necessary information about their service, disability, and other circumstances in a single, comprehensive format.

Utilizing VA Form 21-526EZ ensures that all required information is presented efficiently, allowing the VA to process claims more quickly. The form also includes specific instructions on how to complete it, reducing the chances of errors or omissions that could delay the processing of the claim.

In contrast, other forms like VA Form 21-4142 are used for authorization to release medical information, while VA Form 21-0958 is a notice of disagreement for appeals, and VA Form 21-22 designates a representative. None of these forms are directly utilized to file initial claims for benefits, which emphasizes the unique role of VA Form 21-526EZ in the claims process.