Get Your DD214 for
VA Benefits. Fast. Required. Guaranteed.
Your DD Form 214 is the required document to file Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims paying $1,500-$3,800/month and enroll in VA healthcare worth $2,000-$5,000/year.
Every day you wait costs $60-$125 in lost disability benefits. We’ve helped 50,000+ veterans access benefits faster with 3-5 day Express delivery.
“I needed my DD214 to file for VA disability. The government said 10-12 weeks. DD214Fast got it in 4 days. Filed my claim that week and now receiving $2,800/month. This service paid for itself 19 times over in the first month alone.”
Get Your DD214 for VA Benefits in Days
Streamlined process so you can file your VA disability claim or enroll in healthcare within days
Submit Service Info
Quick 3-minute online form with basic service details: name, SSN, branch, service dates. We handle all complex paperwork and NPRC routing.
Expert Processing
Our specialists route your request to correct records center with daily tracking and follow-up until received.
Receive DD214
Digital copy emailed in 3-5 days (Express) or 7-10 days (Standard). Certified hard copy mailed. Both accepted by VA.
File Your Claim
Submit VA Form 21-526EZ for disability online at VA.gov or enroll in healthcare with VA Form 10-10EZ immediately.
DD214Fast vs Government Processing
See why thousands of veterans choose DD214Fast Express Service to file their VA disability claims months faster
| Feature | DD214Fast Express | DD214Fast Standard | Government (eVetRecs/SF-180) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing Speed | 3-5 business days | 7-10 business days | 8-12 weeks (60-90 days) |
| Real-Time Tracking | ✓ Daily updates | ✓ Daily updates | ✗ No tracking |
| Expert Support | ✓ 24/7 assistance | ✓ Business hours | ✗ No support |
| Digital Copy | ✓ Email delivery | ✓ Email delivery | ✗ Mail only |
| Cost of Delay (70% VA rating) | $440 total (7 days) | $880 total (14 days) | $4,400-$6,600 (70-105 days) |
| Investment | $149 | $109 | $0 (but lose $4,400-$6,600) |
| Net Benefit vs Government | Save $4,251 | Save $3,411 | Lose $4,400-$6,600 |
Why Your DD214 Is Absolutely Required for VA Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs requires your DD Form 214 as proof of military service before processing any disability claim or healthcare enrollment.
VA Disability Compensation
Veterans Affairs disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments for service-connected disabilities. The 2025 payment rates range from $171/month for 10% disability to $3,837/month for 100% disability rating.
Average 70% disability rating pays $1,907.32/month ($22,888/year). Veterans with dependents receive $2,200-$2,600/month. Common service-connected conditions include musculoskeletal injuries, hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury.
Your DD214 Is Mandatory For:
- Initial disability claim filing – VA Form 21-526EZ requires DD214 submission
- Establishing service connection – Proving condition occurred during military service
- Appeals and rating increases – Required for supplemental claims
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) – Additional $4,000+/month for severe disabilities
- TDIU benefits – Total Disability Individual Unemployability
VA Healthcare Enrollment
VA healthcare provides comprehensive medical services at 1,255+ VA Medical Centers nationwide. Services include primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, emergency care, prescriptions, and surgery.
Priority Group assignment determines eligibility and copays. Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disabilities (Priority Group 1) receive free healthcare for all conditions. Mental health services alone—including PTSD counseling—can cost $3,000-$10,000/year in civilian sector.
Your DD214 Is Mandatory For:
- Healthcare enrollment – VA Form 10-10EZ cannot process without DD214
- Priority Group determination – Service dates affect placement (Groups 1-8)
- Service-connected care – Free treatment for service-related disabilities
- Mental health access – PTSD treatment, counseling, crisis intervention
- Combat Veteran eligibility – 5 years free care for combat zone service
Real Veterans, Real VA Benefits
See how DD214Fast helped veterans access VA disability and healthcare benefits months faster
“Needed my DD214 for VA disability. Got it in 4 days with DD214Fast. Filed VA Form 21-526EZ that week, now receiving $2,800/month disability compensation. Service paid for itself 19 times over.”
“My records were in the 1973 NPRC fire. DD214Fast reconstructed everything in 8 days. Now enrolled in VA healthcare Priority Group 1 getting free treatment for service-connected back injury and PTSD.”
“Lost DD214 during PCS move. Needed it for disability appeal – deadline 2 weeks away. DD214Fast Express got it in 3 days. Appeal successful, VA rating increased 50% to 70%. Extra $831/month = $9,972/year.”
“PTSD was getting worse. Couldn’t wait 3 months for government DD214. Got it in 4 days, enrolled in VA healthcare, started PTSD therapy immediately. Now rated 70% for PTSD getting $1,907/month.”
“Agent Orange presumptive claim for diabetes. VA needed DD214 to verify Vietnam service dates. DD214Fast delivered in 3 days. Claim approved at 40% = $755/month plus free diabetes medication worth $400/month.”
“Burn pit exposure claim from Iraq. DD214Fast got discharge papers in 4 days showing Camp Victory service. VA approved presumptive asthma claim at 60% = $1,361/month + free respiratory care.”
“Needed my DD214 for VA disability. Got it in 4 days with DD214Fast. Filed VA Form 21-526EZ that week, now receiving $2,800/month disability compensation. Service paid for itself 19 times over.”
“My records were in the 1973 NPRC fire. DD214Fast reconstructed everything in 8 days. Now enrolled in VA healthcare Priority Group 1 getting free treatment for service-connected back injury and PTSD.”
“Lost DD214 during PCS move. Needed it for disability appeal – deadline 2 weeks away. DD214Fast Express got it in 3 days. Appeal successful, VA rating increased 50% to 70%. Extra $831/month = $9,972/year.”
“PTSD was getting worse. Couldn’t wait 3 months for government DD214. Got it in 4 days, enrolled in VA healthcare, started PTSD therapy immediately. Now rated 70% for PTSD getting $1,907/month.”
“Agent Orange presumptive claim for diabetes. VA needed DD214 to verify Vietnam service dates. DD214Fast delivered in 3 days. Claim approved at 40% = $755/month plus free diabetes medication worth $400/month.”
“Burn pit exposure claim from Iraq. DD214Fast got discharge papers in 4 days showing Camp Victory service. VA approved presumptive asthma claim at 60% = $1,361/month + free respiratory care.”
How Much Are You Losing While Waiting?
Calculate lost VA disability benefits while waiting for government DD214 processing
Key Takeaways: DD214 for VA Benefits
Essential information about using your DD214 to access VA disability and healthcare
💰 2025 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 10% = $171/mo, 30% = $524/mo, 50% = $1,076/mo, 70% = $1,907/mo, 100% = $3,837/mo (all tax-free)
- 70% with dependents: $2,200-$2,600/month depending on spouse and children
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Additional $4,000-$9,000/month for severe disabilities
- Daily loss at 70%: $63/day in disability benefits while waiting for DD214
- Back pay: Retroactive to claim filing date – file early to maximize
🏥 VA Healthcare & Processing Timeline
- Priority Group 1: 50%+ service-connected = $0 copays for ALL care
- Mental health value: PTSD therapy worth $3,000-$10,000/year civilian, free for service-connected
- DD214 retrieval: 3-5 days (DD214Fast Express) vs 8-12 weeks (government)
- VA processing average: 152 days (5 months) from submission to decision
- Total time without DD214: 8-12 weeks lost BEFORE you can file claim
📊 Most Common Service-Connected Disabilities
- Tinnitus: 2.7M veterans, typically 10% = $171/month
- Hearing loss: 1.6M veterans, rated 0-100% based on decibel loss
- PTSD: 1.2M veterans, typically 50-70% = $1,076-$1,907/month
- Lumbar/back strain: 900K+ veterans, common 10-40% ratings
- Sleep apnea: 650K+ veterans, often 50% = $1,076/month
- Presumptive conditions: Agent Orange, burn pits – DD214 proves deployment
VA Disability & Healthcare: Your Questions Answered
Comprehensive answers about using your DD214 for VA benefits
How do I file a VA disability claim with my DD214?
File online at VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ. Upload your DD214, submit medical evidence linking disability to service, and include doctor nexus letters. Processing averages 152 days from submission to decision.
File at VA.gov with VA Form 21-526EZ – upload DD214 PDF and medical evidence (30-45 minutes). Or get free help from Veterans Service Officers at VFW, American Legion, or DAV. Submit military medical records, civilian doctor nexus letters, treatment records, and buddy letters for stronger claim.
What VA disability rating percentages pay the most in 2025?
2025 rates: 10%=$171/mo, 30%=$524/mo, 50%=$1,076/mo, 70%=$1,907/mo, 100%=$3,837/mo. Veterans with dependents receive additional compensation. Special Monthly Compensation can add $4,000+/month.
2025 VA disability compensation rates: 10% = $171/month, 30% = $524/month, 50% = $1,076/month, 70% = $1,907/month (most common), 100% = $3,837/month. All tax-free. With spouse + 2 children at 70% = $2,256/month. Special Monthly Compensation for severe disabilities adds $4,000-$9,000/month.
How much is a PTSD disability rating worth from the VA?
PTSD is rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% based on severity. 70% PTSD pays $1,907/month ($22,888/year), while 100% PTSD pays $3,837/month ($46,046/year). With dependents, 70% pays $2,200-$2,600/month.
50% PTSD = $1,076/month for occupational impairment. 70% PTSD (most common) = $1,907/month for deficiencies in most areas including work, family, mood. 100% PTSD = $3,837/month for total occupational impairment. Veterans often qualify for TDIU with PTSD, receiving 100% rate even if rated below 100%.
Can I enroll in VA healthcare while my disability claim is pending?
Yes. Enroll immediately after receiving your DD214 using VA Form 10-10EZ, even while disability claim is processing. You’ll be assigned a Priority Group based on service history. Once rating is approved, your Priority Group may improve.
Absolutely yes. Enroll immediately with VA Form 10-10EZ after receiving DD214. You’ll be assigned Priority Group 1-8 based on income and service. Once disability claim approves with 50%+ rating, you move to Priority Group 1 with $0 copays for ALL healthcare. Don’t wait – enroll while claim processes.
What medical evidence do I need besides my DD214?
Submit: (1) Military medical records showing in-service treatment, (2) Civilian doctor nexus letters linking condition to service, (3) C&P exam results, (4) Treatment records, (5) Buddy letters, (6) Personal statement. More evidence = stronger claim.
Critical documents: (1) Military medical records showing in-service injury, (2) Nexus letters from doctors stating condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by service, (3) C&P exam results from VA, (4) Current treatment records, (5) Buddy letters from fellow service members, (6) Personal statement describing how injury occurred. Submit Fully Developed Claim with all evidence for faster processing.
Can I receive both VA disability and Social Security Disability?
Yes. You can receive both simultaneously – they don’t reduce each other. VA disability is for service-connected conditions (avg $1,500-$3,000/mo). SSDI is for inability to work (avg $1,500-$2,000/mo). Submit DD214 to both agencies separately.
Yes, completely separate programs. VA disability = tax-free compensation for service-connected conditions, can work unlimited. SSDI = Social Security benefit for inability to work, income limits apply. Many veterans receive both: VA disability $1,907/mo + SSDI $1,800/mo = $3,707/mo total income. Submit DD214 to both VA and Social Security separately.
What is TDIU and how much does it pay?
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays 100% rate ($3,837/month) even if combined rating is less than 100%, when service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment. Requirements: one condition 60%+ OR multiple with one 40%+ and combined 70%+.
TDIU pays $3,837/month (100% rate) even when rated below 100%. Requirements: One disability 60%+ OR multiple disabilities with one 40%+ and combined 70%+, AND cannot maintain employment due to service disabilities. Example: 70% PTSD ($1,907/mo) but symptoms prevent any work. File for TDIU, get approved, now receive $3,837/mo = $1,930/mo increase.
How long until I receive my first VA disability payment?
Timeline: (1) DD214 retrieval 3-5 days Express, (2) File claim same day, (3) VA processing average 152 days, (4) First payment 15 days after approval via direct deposit with retroactive back pay to claim filing date. Total: ~6 months from getting DD214 to first payment.
Complete timeline: DD214 retrieval 3-5 days (Express), file claim same day, VA processing 152 days average, first payment 15 days after approval with back pay. Total: ~6 months from getting DD214 to first payment. Example: File January 1, approved July 1 at 70% = $11,442 back pay for 6 months + ongoing $1,907/month.
What are VA presumptive conditions?
Presumptive conditions are automatically assumed service-connected if you meet criteria. Major categories: (1) Agent Orange (Vietnam) – diabetes, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, (2) Burn pits (Iraq/Afghanistan) – asthma, rhinitis, (3) Gulf War illness. DD214 proves deployment location.
Presumptive conditions are automatically service-connected with proof of service location. Agent Orange (Vietnam, Thailand, Korea DMZ): diabetes, prostate cancer, Parkinson’s. Burn pits (Iraq, Afghanistan post-9/11): asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis. Gulf War illness: chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia. Your DD214 showing deployment dates instantly establishes service connection – no nexus letter needed.
Can I work while receiving VA disability compensation?
Yes. VA disability is tax-free compensation for service-connected conditions, not based on inability to work. You can earn unlimited income. Exception: TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) requires you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment.
Yes, VA disability has no income limits. You can work full-time earning any amount while receiving disability payments. Exception: TDIU recipients cannot earn above poverty threshold ($15,060 in 2025). Regular VA disability compensates for service-connected medical conditions regardless of employment status.
How fast can I get my DD214 for VA benefits?
DD214Fast Express delivers in 3-5 business days with digital copy emailed and certified hard copy mailed. Standard takes 7-10 days. Government eVetRecs takes 8-12 weeks. Every week delay costs $440-$880 in lost VA disability benefits at 70% rating.
DD214Fast Express: 3-5 days. Digital PDF emailed, certified hard copy mailed. Real-time tracking, expert support. Standard: 7-10 days. Government eVetRecs: 8-12 weeks with zero tracking. At 70% VA rating, waiting 10 weeks for government costs $4,410 in delayed benefits. DD214Fast Express ($149) saves $4,261 = 28x ROI.
My records were in the 1973 NPRC fire. Can you still get my DD214?
Yes. The 1973 fire destroyed 18 million Army/Air Force records, but your DD214 can be reconstructed using alternate sources. DD214Fast has specialized expertise in fire-affected records. Express Service typically delivers reconstructed DD214s in 7-10 days versus 12-16+ weeks through government.
Yes, we specialize in this. The 1973 fire destroyed 18 million records (Army 1912-1960, Air Force 1947-1964). We reconstruct using state Adjutant General records, National Archives unit records, final pay vouchers, medical records. Express Service: 7-10 days for reconstruction vs 12-16+ weeks government. 95% success rate. For VA benefits, this expertise is critical – we ensure reconstructed DD214 includes all information VA needs.
People Also Ask About DD214 & VA Benefits
Fast answers to common questions veterans search for about DD214 and VA disability
How much does VA pay for 100% disability in 2025?
$3,837.21 per month ($46,046/year) for single veteran. With spouse + 2 children = $4,248/month. All tax-free. Your DD214 is required to file for 100% rating.
What is the VA 5-year rule for disability?
If rated at specific percentage for 5+ consecutive years, VA cannot reduce your rating unless fraud proven. After 10 years = “presumed permanent.” After 20 years = virtually impossible to reduce.
Can I get VA disability for anxiety and depression?
Yes. Anxiety/depression rated under General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. Typical ratings 30-70% if service-connected. DD214 required to file claim.
What are the easiest VA disabilities to claim?
Easiest to prove: Tinnitus from noise exposure, hearing loss with audiogram, scars with photos, knee/back injuries with military medical records, sleep apnea with CPAP. Presumptive conditions (Agent Orange, burn pits) just need DD214 deployment proof.
Can I file for VA disability years after discharge?
Yes, no time limit to file VA disability claims. Veterans file decades after service. However, effective date (when benefits start) is claim filing date, so earlier filing = more back pay. DD214 required regardless of when you served.
What percentage of VA disability claims are approved?
Overall approval rate: 60-70% for initial claims. With Veterans Service Officer help: 75-85% approval. Denials usually due to lack of medical nexus or insufficient evidence, not ineligibility.
How much is VA disability for back pain?
Back pain rated based on range of motion and incapacitating episodes. 10% = $171/mo, 20% = $338/mo, 40% = $755/mo, 60% = $1,361/mo, 100% = $3,837/mo. Requires DD214 + medical evidence.
Can you work with 100% VA disability?
Yes, if schedular 100% (combined rating = 100%), you can work unlimited. No, if TDIU (Individual Unemployability), you cannot work above poverty threshold. Regular 100% has no work restrictions.
How long does a VA disability claim take in 2025?
Average: 152 days (5 months) from filing to decision. Fully Developed Claims average 100 days. Simple claims: 60-90 days. Add 3-5 days (DD214Fast Express) or 8-12 weeks (government) to get DD214 before filing.
Does VA disability count as income for taxes?
No. VA disability is 100% tax-free. Not reported on tax returns, doesn’t count as taxable income. This applies to all disability payments including regular compensation, TDIU, SMC, and back pay.
What is the difference between VA disability and VA pension?
VA Disability: Tax-free compensation for service-connected conditions. Any age. Can work unlimited. Avg $1,500-$3,000/mo. VA Pension: Income-based for wartime veterans 65+ or disabled with limited income. Lower payments ~$1,200-$2,000/mo.
How much does VA pay for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea typically rated 50% = $1,076/month if using CPAP machine. 30% = $524/mo without CPAP. 100% = $3,837/mo for chronic respiratory failure. Must prove service connection. DD214 + sleep study + CPAP records required.
Can I get VA disability for hearing loss and tinnitus?
Yes. Tinnitus rated 10% = $171/mo (2.7M veterans). Hearing loss rated 0-100% based on audiogram. You can receive ratings for BOTH – separate conditions. DD214 proves noise exposure. Combat arms, aviation, artillery almost always qualify.
What is a VA C&P exam and what should I expect?
Compensation & Pension exam evaluates disability severity for VA rating. Lasts 15-60 minutes. Examiner writes Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Tips: Describe worst days, bring medication lists, explain functional impact, don’t minimize symptoms.
How can I get my DD214 online for VA benefits?
DD214Fast.com offers 3-5 day Express delivery with online ordering, digital PDF emailed, certified hard copy mailed. Government eVetRecs takes 8-12 weeks. For VA disability where every day costs $60-$125, Express Service pays for itself 28x over.
Where do I submit my DD214 for VA disability claims?
Submit at VA.gov with VA Form 21-526EZ (upload DD214 PDF in documents section), mail to regional VA office, or bring to local VAMC. Veterans Service Officers at VFW, American Legion, DAV will submit your DD214 and complete application for free.
Can I use a copy of my DD214 for VA benefits?
Yes. VA accepts certified copies (Service 2 Copy or Service 4 Copy). You do NOT need original Member 4 Copy. Replacement DD214 from NPRC is Service 2 Copy stamped “certified true copy” – fully accepted by VA.
What should I do immediately after receiving my DD214?
(1) Make 5-10 copies, store in fireproof safe. (2) File VA disability at VA.gov with VA Form 21-526EZ. (3) Enroll in VA healthcare with VA Form 10-10EZ. (4) Gather evidence – medical records, nexus letters, buddy statements. (5) Get free VSO help.
Can I file VA disability before receiving my DD214?
No. DD214 is mandatory before VA can process claims. However, prepare while waiting: gather military medical records, get civilian doctor nexus letters, complete VA Form 21-526EZ, write personal statement. Submit immediately once DD214 arrives.
How much does DD214Fast cost vs government processing?
DD214Fast Express: $149 (3-5 days). Standard: $109 (7-10 days). Government: $0 (8-12 weeks). But at 70% VA rating, waiting 10 weeks costs $4,410 in delayed benefits. Express saves $4,261 net = 28x ROI.
Get Your DD214 for VA Benefits Today
Don’t lose another day of VA disability benefits. Express Service delivers in 3-5 days so you can file your claim this week.
50,000+ veterans trust DD214Fast. Since 1992, we’ve helped veterans access their VA disability compensation and healthcare benefits faster. Every day you wait costs $60-$125 in lost benefits at 70% rating. Our Express Service pays for itself 28x over in the first month alone.