- 1). Contact the Veterans Administration regional benefits office nearest you and request a "veterans service organization representative." The Department of Veterans Affairs website has a listing of all regional offices under the "Veterans Benefits Administration" tab.
- 2). Request representation to present a hardship claim to the Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Program. This program requires third-party representation. You may also use an attorney if one is available to you.
- 3). Complete the Veterans Application for Compensation or Pension, Form VAF21-526. Complete all income and expense sections as thoroughly as possible to demonstrate your resources and financial burdens.
- 4). File a Statement in Support of Claim, Form VBA21-4138. This is a written statement explaining why you need a hardship exemption. It should clearly state why your circumstances have changed and what you anticipate your near-future financial situation to be like.
- 5). Sign and submit all forms to the ECA office through your representative or attorney. You will waive a right of appeals to expedite things as required by this process.
- 6). Provide all supporting documentation that supports your claim as requested by the ECA representative. This includes medical expenses, college expenses, income loss and anything else demonstrating a significant change in your ability to pay co-payments and medical expenses.
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