Eligibility Requirements
Compensation benefits require that your disability be service-connected. You must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
For more information about VA Disability Compensation, visit www.va.gov/disability.
Disability Compensation
Your disability must be the result of an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training; or from injury, heart attack, or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Application Process
For assistance with claims, a Travis County Veteran Service Officer can meet with you and assist in filing your claim. You can also apply for disability compensation yourself by obtaining an eBenefits account and applying online.
When applying for compensation benefits, you must have access to the following information:
- Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Medical evidence, both Service treatment records and private records (doctor and hospital reports)
- Dependency records (marriage and children's birth certificates)
- For Mental disability claims, criminal records may be needed.
Alternatively, you can print and mail-in VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to have the form mailed to you. The forms are also available in our office, contact us at (512) 854-9340 and we can mail or email one to you, you can also fill out our contact form to request a form, complete our online contact form.
Service members may be able to receive disability compensation benefits sooner if you apply prior to your discharge from service through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) or Quick Start pre-discharge programs.
Special Monthly Compensation
The VA will automatically award Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), if your disability qualifies. Additional eligibility to apply for SMC is if you are housebound or required the aid and attendance of someone to perform daily living functions. You can complete a VA Form 21-2680 and mail it your regional office, Regional Offices Websites - Veterans Benefits Administration (va.gov).
You can also contact our VSO’s for assistance, complete our online contact form.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouses of a Service member who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training may be eligible for DIC. Children may be eligible for DIC if not included in the surviving spouse's DIC benefit.
For more information, read About VA DIC For Spouses, Dependents, And Parents | Veterans Affairs.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits and mail it to your regional office, Regional Offices Websites - Veterans Benefits Administration (va.gov).
You can also contact our VSO’s for assistance, complete our online contact form.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, your military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office.
Download VA Form 21P-534a (PDF)
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
Download VA Form 21P-534EZ (PDF)
If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).
