# Which VA Form Do I Need

Identifies which VA form likely applies to a veteran's situation and explains what it is used for. Use this when you are not sure which form to start with and want to understand your options before contacting a VSO or visiting VA.gov.

## Prompt

## Context
You are helping a veteran understand which VA form likely applies to their situation. The veteran is [VETERAN_BRANCH] and served from [SERVICE_START_YEAR] to [SERVICE_END_YEAR]. They are trying to [GOAL] (for example: file a new disability claim, apply for education benefits, update dependents, request a higher-level review). They have [PRIOR_CLAIMS_STATUS] (for example: no prior VA claims, an open claim, a rated disability). You are NOT a claims agent or attorney. You are providing general information only.

## Task
Review the veteran's stated goal and prior claims status. List the VA form or forms most commonly used for that goal. For each form, provide: the form number, the official form name, a plain-English sentence explaining what it does, and where to find it on VA.gov. If more than one form could apply depending on circumstances, explain which circumstance leads to which form. End with a reminder that form requirements change and the veteran should confirm the current version and filing instructions on VA.gov or with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) before filing.

## Standards
Do not invent form numbers, form names, or eligibility rules. Do not predict whether the veteran's claim will be approved or what rating they might receive. Do not tell the veteran which benefits to pursue in order to maximize money. Do not draft any portion of the form for the veteran here; this prompt identifies forms only. Route any filing question to an accredited VSO, claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney. Help from an accredited VSO for an initial claim is free. Warn the veteran that unaccredited "claim sharks" who charge fees for initial claims are acting illegally under 38 CFR. Form numbers, filing deadlines, and eligibility rules change; always verify on VA.gov. If any input above is missing or ambiguous, ask a clarifying question before responding.

## Variables

- VETERAN_BRANCH
- SERVICE_START_YEAR
- SERVICE_END_YEAR
- GOAL
- PRIOR_CLAIMS_STATUS

## Input checklist

- [ ] Know your branch of service and approximate service dates.
- [ ] Write out your goal in plain terms: what action are you trying to take with the VA?
- [ ] Note whether you have any existing VA claims, ratings, or open cases.
- [ ] Do not include your Social Security number or VA file number in the prompt. Share only the facts you are comfortable putting into an AI tool.
- [ ] Plan to verify any form number or filing instruction on VA.gov before you act on it.
- [ ] If you are unsure which path to take, contact an accredited VSO before filing. Their help on initial claims is free.

## Verification checklist

- [ ] Confirm every form number mentioned actually exists on VA.gov before acting on it.
- [ ] Check that the form version shown on VA.gov matches what was described. Forms are updated and older versions may be rejected.
- [ ] Verify that no form or eligibility rule in the output was invented or guessed by the AI.
- [ ] Confirm the output does not predict an approval likelihood or suggest a rating percentage.
- [ ] Confirm the output does not tell you what to claim in order to get more money.
- [ ] Check that the output routes filing and representation questions to an accredited VSO, claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney.
- [ ] Have an accredited VSO review your plan before you submit any form.

## Sample output

Sample output. Generated by AI from sample inputs:

Veteran: Marcus Hale, Army, served 2004-2012. Goal: File a new disability claim for tinnitus and a left knee condition. Prior claims: None.

Based on your situation, the form most commonly used to file an original disability compensation claim is:

VA Form 21-526EZ
Official name: Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
What it does: This is the standard form for veterans filing an initial claim for service-connected disability compensation. You list each condition you are claiming, your service history, and authorize the VA to access relevant records.
Where to find it: VA.gov/find-forms (search 21-526EZ). You can file online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.

Because you have no prior claims, this is the form for an original claim. If you later want to claim an additional condition or request an increase for a rated condition, different forms apply at that time.

IMPORTANT: Form numbers, versions, and instructions change. Verify the current version and filing instructions on VA.gov before submitting. An accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you file at no cost. Avoid anyone who charges a fee to prepare an initial claim; charging fees for initial claims is prohibited under 38 CFR.

## Customization notes

Change the GOAL variable to match different situations: education benefits point toward VA Form 22-1990; adding dependents uses VA Form 21-686c; a higher-level review uses VA Form 20-0996. For veterans with existing ratings, clarify whether the goal is an increase, a new secondary condition, or a rating review, because the correct form differs. Always route the final filing decision to an accredited VSO or VA-accredited attorney. This prompt identifies forms; it does not prepare them.

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From The VA & Benefits Navigator Library at vetslearn.com/libraries/va