What is required to file an application with the VA?

To effectively file an application with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a veteran must submit either a completed application form or an Intent to File. This requirement ensures that the VA has a formal statement of intent from the veteran, which establishes a timeline for the processing of their claim. Additionally, by officially filing the application or Intent to File, veterans can benefit from protecting their eligibility to receive benefits from the earliest date of their claim, which is particularly critical for those seeking compensation or pension benefits.

While a medical record can support the claim, it is not sufficient on its own to initiate the application process. Similarly, a letter explaining the claim may be helpful in providing context but does not substitute for the formal submission of an application. The presence of a witness is not a general requirement for filing an application, making it irrelevant in this context. Thus, the submission of an actual application or Intent to File is the necessary step for moving forward with a claim to the VA.