What form must a claimant complete to successfully reopen a previously denied VA claim?

To successfully reopen a previously denied VA claim, a claimant must complete VA Form 21-526EZ. This form, titled "Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits," is specifically designed for veterans who seek to establish or reopen a claim for benefits.

Filing this form allows applicants to provide updated information about their conditions and any new evidence that supports their claim. The VA recognizes that new and material evidence can change the outcome of a previously denied claim, and the 21-526EZ form is the primary tool for submitting this updated information.

Other forms listed serve different purposes; for instance, VA Form 21-4154 is used for reporting pay for hospital treatment, VA Form 21-4142 is for authorizing the release of medical information, and VA Form 21-5555 is not used for claims but relates to providing information about periods of service in terms of active duty. Therefore, the specificity and purpose of the VA Form 21-526EZ is what makes it the correct choice for reopening a previously denied claim.