Dear [Enter the first and last name]: claimant’s We received your correspondence indicating that you would like to file a claim to add a dependent to your award. VA regulations now require all claims to be submitted on a standardized form. What Should You Do? In order for us to begin processing your claim, you must complete, sign, and return a VA Form 21-686c, You may also submit your claim through Declaration of Status of Dependents. eBenefits. For more information regarding eBenefits, please see below. If you are claiming an unmarried child over the age of 18 but under the age of 23, who is attending school, you must also complete, sign, and return a VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance. We will take no further action until we receive your completed application for benefits. To locate the appropriate form(s), please visit the following website: . What is eBenefits? eBenefits provides electronic resources in a self-service environment to Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. Use of these resources often helps us serve you faster! Through the eBenefits website you can: claims for benefits and/or upload documents directly to the VA ● Submit Request to add or change your dependents ● Update your contact and direct deposit information and view payment history ● Request Veterans Service Officer representation ● Track the status of your claim or appeal ● Obtain verification of military service, civil service preference, or VA benefits ● And much more! ● Enrolling in eBenefits is easy. Just visit for more information. If you submit a claim in the future, consider filing through eBenefits. Filing electronically, especially if you participate in our fully developed claim program, may result in a faster decision than if you submit your claim through the mail. [Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Decision Point] [If the claimant has a VSO or VA-recognized power of attorney (POA), insert the following text.] We sent a copy of this letter to [enter the name of the VSO/POA], who you have appointed as your representative. If you have questions or need assistance, you may also contact your representative. [If the claimant has no VSO or VA-recognized POA, insert the following text.] We have no record of you appointing a service organization or representative to assist you
Dear [Enter the claimant’s first and last name]: We received your correspondence indicating that you would like to file a claim to add a dependent to your award. VA regulations now require all claims to be submitted on a standardized form. What Should You Do? In order for us to begin processing your claim, you must complete, sign, and return a VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents. You may also submit your claim through eBenefits. For more information regarding eBenefits, please see below. If you are claiming an unmarried child over the age of 18 but under the age of 23, who is attending school, you must also complete, sign, and return a VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance. We will take no further action until we receive your completed application for benefits. To locate the appropriate form(s), please visit the following website: . What is eBenefits? eBenefits provides electronic resources in a self-service environment to Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. Use of these resources often helps us serve you faster! Through the eBenefits website you can: ● Submit claims for benefits and/or upload documents directly to the VA ● Request to add or change your dependents ● Update your contact and direct deposit information and view payment history ● Request Veterans Service Officer representation ● Track the status of your claim or appeal ● Obtain verification of military service, civil service preference, or VA benefits ● And much more! Enrolling in eBenefits is easy. Just visit for more information. If you submit a claim in the future, consider filing through eBenefits. Filing electronically, especially if you participate in our fully developed claim program, may result in a faster decision than if you submit your claim through the mail. [Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Decision Point] [If the claimant has a VSO or VA-recognized power of attorney (POA), insert the following text.] We sent a copy of this letter to [enter the name of the VSO/POA], who you have appointed as your representative. If you have questions or need assistance, you may also contact your representative. [If the claimant has no VSO or VA-recognized POA, insert the following text.] We have no record of you appointing a service organization or representative to assist you
3-2-16_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_iii_5_SecA.docx