Fully Developed Claims

What Is a Fully Developed Claim?

The Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program is an optional new initiative that offers Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors faster decisions from VA on compensation, pension, and survivor benefit claims.

Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors simply submit all required records and documentation at the time they make their claim and certify that they have no further evidence. VA can then review and process the claim more quickly.

Many Types of Claims

There are many types of claims for disability compensation. For example, if you’re filing a VA claim for the very first time, you have an original claim. A reopened claim means you have new and material evidence and you want VA to reconsider a claim it once denied. There are also new claims, secondary claims, and special claims.

To learn more about which type of claim you may have and the evidence and forms you need with your submission, view the Claims and Evidence page. Your claim must meet all the applicable requirements listed to be considered for the FDC program.

Who Can File an FDC?

Veterans may file an FDC for disability compensation for the following reasons:

• An injury, disability, or condition believed to have occurred or been aggravated by military service.
• A condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-related condition.

Servicemembers may use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program at eBenefits.va.gov to submit a Fully Developed Claim before discharge.

• The BDD program is available nationwide to all Servicemembers on full-time active duty, including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.
• Servicemembers who do not meet the BDD criteria or have 1-59 days remaining in service should submit a Quick Start claim on eBenefits.va.gov.

Veterans and their families and survivors may also file pension or dependency and indemnity compensation (survivor) claims at these pages:

• File an FDC: survivor benefits
• File an FDC: pension

Why Use the FDC Process?

FDC puts you in control, and it’s faster and risk-free.

By filing an FDC, Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors take charge of their claim by providing all the evidence at once. By then certifying that there is no more evidence, VA can issue a decision faster.

File an FDC without risk. Participation will not affect the attention your claim receives from qualified VA rating staff or the benefits to which you’re entitled. If VA determines other records exist and are required to decide a claim, VA will simply remove the claim from the FDC program and process it through the traditional claims process. Once you initiate your FDC, you’ll have up to one year to complete it. Should VA approve your claim, you’ll be paid back to the day you initiated your claim.

View a step-by-step process of completing a Fully Developed Claim online.

What’s the Best Way to File an FDC?

• The best way to file an FDC is electronically at eBenefits.va.gov. Once you log on to your account, VA recommends you appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you initiate your claim, gather the required medical records and evidence, and submit your claim. If you don’t yet have an eBenefits.va.gov account, register today.
• If you prefer to file your FDC by paper, complete VA Form 21-526EZ and visit your local regional office. While there, you can appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you prepare and submit your claim. You can also appoint your accredited Veterans Service Officer online at eBenefits.va.gov.

How Should I Prepare My FDC?

• Register for an eBenefits.va.gov account.
• Next, appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer who can provide free, expert assistance.
• Gather supporting documents as applicable, such as your DD-214, service and private medical records, and letters from friends or those you served with that attest to the substance of your claim ("buddy statements").
• Initiate your claim at eBenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.

Here's a detailed, easy-to-follow, checklist on how to prepare your FDC.