Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (benefits.va.gov), checked Sep 3, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- Disability CompensationVeterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)A surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who died on duty or survivors of Veterans who died from service-connected disabilities.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents; for Veterans with special circumstances like aid and attendance needs or specific disabilities.
- Automobile AllowanceDisabled Veterans who may be eligible for a grant to purchase or adapt an automobile.
- Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)Servicemembers on full-time active duty, including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.
- Fully Developed ClaimsVeterans, Servicemembers and survivors who provide all required evidence when they submit a claim.
Eligibility
Compensation benefits require that your disability be service-connected. You must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions. 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. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Surviving spouses of a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training may be eligible for DIC.
How to apply
Summarized from the program's official site (benefits.va.gov), checked Sep 3, 2026. Always confirm details with the program.
- Get an eBenefits account and apply online for disability compensation.
- Have your discharge or separation papers, medical evidence, and dependency records available when you apply.
- Alternatively, print and mail in VA Form 21-526EZ, or call VA to have the form mailed to you.
- For a Fully Developed Claim, submit all required evidence with your claim and certify that you have no more evidence.
- If filing a Fully Developed Claim online, log on to eBenefits, identify federal records, gather records as applicable, and upload the documents.
- If you are a Servicemember, use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge or Quick Start pre-discharge programs to apply before discharge.
What to bring
- Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports)
- Dependency records (marriage and children's birth certificates)
- DD-214
- Service medical records
- Private medical records
- Buddy statements
- VA Form 21-526EZ
What to expect
The program's site states VA can issue a decision faster on a Fully Developed Claim when you provide all required evidence at the same time you submit the claim and certify that you have no more evidence. It also states Servicemembers may receive disability compensation benefits sooner if they apply before discharge through BDD or Quick Start.
Contact
- Serves all of Maryland
Next step
See every Maryland program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
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Source: VA.gov, the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
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