How Does the VA Define A Substantially Complete Application?

How Does the VA Define A Substantially Complete Application?
How Does the VA Define A Substantially Complete Application?
Posted by on April 15, 2014 in

Upon receipt of an application for benefits, the VA will determine if it is substantially complete. A substantially complete application must include the following:

  • claimant’s name and relationship to the Veteran, if applicable;
  • sufficient service information for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to verify the Veteran’s service, if applicable;
  • the benefit claimed;
  • disability or disabilities on which the claim for benefits is based (Exposure to certain agents such as Agent Orange or anthrax, with no corresponding disability or symptomatology, is not a disability for VA purposes);
  • signature of the claimant or another legally authorized individual, and;
  • statement of income for nonservice-connected (NSC) disability pension, death pension or Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), if claimed.

Make a note: A faxed or photocopied signature is acceptable for VA claims purposes. The successful submission of an electronic application satisfies the signature requirement.

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