Claims Process & Forms

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.

## 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.

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.

Builds a personal preparation plan for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam based on your condition and what you know going in. Use it before the exam so you walk in organized, not caught off guard.

## Context
You are helping [YOUR NAME], a veteran, prepare for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for [CONDITION OR CONDITIONS]. The exam is scheduled for approximately [EXAM DATE OR TIMEFRAME]. The veteran's brief description of the condition and how it currently affects them: [CONDITION DESCRIPTION, describe in your own words what the condition is, when it started, and how it affects daily life and work right now]. Documents the veteran has already gathered: [DOCUMENTS ON HAND, list any service records, private medical records, nexus letters, or personal statements already collected, or write none]. Accredited VSO or representative involved: [VSO STATUS, name your VSO or write not yet assigned].

## Task
Build a C&P exam readiness plan with four sections:
1. What to bring: a specific list of documents to have ready on exam day and where each one comes from.
2. How to describe your condition: a structured reminder to describe your symptoms at their typical level, not only on a good day and not exaggerated. Include a plain prompt for describing functional impact in concrete terms.
3. Questions to ask the examiner: two to four factual questions the veteran can ask at the exam (for example, how to get a copy of the exam report).
4. After-exam steps: what to do in the days following the exam, including how to request a copy of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and who to contact if there are concerns.

## Standards
- Do not predict a rating, percentage, or likelihood of approval. This prompt does not produce a medical or legal opinion.
- Do not coach the veteran to exaggerate symptoms or severity. The goal is accurate, consistent description of the real condition.
- Do not invent symptoms, medical facts, dates, or documents the veteran did not provide.
- Do not state specific rating criteria or guarantee how the exam result will be used. Direct the veteran to verify rating schedule details on VA.gov or with their accredited VSO.
- Remind the veteran that their accredited VSO can advise on exam preparation at no cost. Representation and claim assistance are regulated under 38 CFR.
- Warn the veteran not to pay unaccredited 'claim sharks' for C&P exam coaching. Initial claim help is free through accredited VSOs.
- If [CONDITION DESCRIPTION] is missing or too vague to build a meaningful plan, ask for more detail before drafting.

Sample output. Generated by AI from sample inputs:

Marcus Hale. Condition: tinnitus (ringing in ears) and right knee pain. Exam scheduled in approximately three weeks. Description provided: I have had constant ringing in both ears since working in a motor pool for six years without adequate hearing protection. My right knee has hurt since I twisted it during a forced road march in 2018. The ringing never stops and makes it hard to sleep and concentrate at work. My knee swells after standing more than 45 minutes and I limp by the end of a shift. Documents on hand: service treatment records from 2018 knee visit, personal statement drafted. VSO: not yet assigned.

What to bring on exam day:
- Service treatment records showing the 2018 knee visit (bring printed copies; do not assume the examiner has them)
- Any private doctor or clinic records related to the knee or hearing since separation
- Your personal statement describing each condition
- A written note listing current medications for either condition
- A photo ID
- Contact information for your accredited VSO if you have one assigned

Note: The VA should have records in your file, but bringing copies protects you if something is missing.

How to describe your condition accurately:
Describe your condition as it typically is, not only on your best day and not worse than reality. For each condition, be ready to answer:
- How often does this symptom occur?
- What makes it better or worse?
- How does it affect your ability to work, sleep, exercise, or do daily tasks?

For Marcus specifically:
- Tinnitus: the ringing is constant, not occasional. Describe that. Note that it interrupts sleep and concentration at work.
- Knee: note the 45-minute standing threshold before swelling starts, and that you limp by the end of a shift. These are concrete, functional details.

Do not minimize your symptoms on a good day and do not describe a worst-case scenario that is not typical. Accuracy matters.

Questions you can ask the examiner:
1. How do I request a copy of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that results from this exam?
2. What is the typical timeline for the exam report to be sent to the VA rating authority?
3. If I believe any part of the exam report is inaccurate, who do I contact?

After-exam steps:
- Request a copy of your DBQ as soon as it is available. You have the right to request it through the VA records process.
- Contact your accredited VSO within a few days of the exam and describe how it went. They can advise on next steps.
- Note the date and examiner name in your records for your own file.
- If you do not have a VSO assigned yet, locate a free accredited VSO near you at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation or through veterans service organizations such as DAV, VFW, or American Legion.
- Do not pay anyone for help with your exam results or next steps. Accredited representation is free for initial claims.

Note: Rating percentages and how exam findings affect your rating are determined by the VA rating authority, not by the examiner or this plan. Verify rating schedule specifics at va.gov or with your VSO.