Covid-19 VA Disability Claims: What You Should Know
The Department of Veterans Affairs presumes service connection for some long Covid and post-Covid conditions. Here's who is eligible for VA disability benefits for Covid-19 and how to apply.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that Covid-19 can cause long-term physical and mental health issues that may qualify as service-connected disabilities, particularly for veterans who became ill while on active duty. To address this, the VA established presumptive eligibility for those who developed Covid-19 symptoms during or within 14 days of qualifying service between March 1, 2020, and January 5, 2024. Even veterans outside this window may still be eligible based on individual circumstances. Under the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, affected veterans may be entitled to compensation and care.
This article explains who qualifies for Covid-related VA disability benefits, what symptoms the VA recognizes, how to file a claim, and what documentation can help support your case.
COVID-19 Eligibility for VA Disability
The VA presumes your chronic Covid-19 condition is connected to your military service if:
- You developed Covid-19 symptoms while on active duty for at least 48 hours between March 1, 2020, and Jan. 5, 2024.
- You developed Covid-19 symptoms up to 14 days after at least 48 hours of active-duty service between March 1, 2020, and Jan. 5, 2024.
- You developed Covid-19 symptoms on (or up to 14 days after) active duty for training (ADT), Title 10 or full-time National Guard orders between March 13, 2020, and Jan. 5, 2024.
If any of the above cases apply to your situation, you don’t need to provide the VA with any additional documentation to prove service connection. If you meet these criteria and are still experiencing long-term symptoms, you may be eligible to file a VA disability claim.
Even if you don’t fall into one of those categories, you might still qualify for VA benefits, the spokeswoman said. “The VA would review the veteran’s specific facts on a case-by-case basis to determine whether eligibility (for) service-connected compensation is met.”
What Do Post Covid-19 Conditions Look Like?
According to the CDC, common post-Covid or long Covid symptoms include fatigue, fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and worsened symptoms after physical or mental exertion. Digestive issues like diarrhea and stomach pain are also reported, along with menstrual changes in women.
Cardiovascular symptoms may persist, including chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Neurological effects such as brain fog, altered taste or smell, dizziness, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and pins-and-needles sensations are also common.
The CDC notes Covid-19 can worsen pre-existing conditions. A VA spokeswoman said the long-term effects are still being studied and vary by case. “There is a wide range of new, returning or ongoing health problems that may be experienced four weeks or more after first being infected,” she said.
Covid-19 VA Disability Benefit Claims
If you contracted Covid-19 on active-duty orders and continue to experience the virus’s effects, you can apply for VA disability benefits.
In an email, a spokeswoman for the VA claims department said the VA will consider disability claims from military members and veterans who:
Have chronic conditions resulting from a service-connected Covid-19 diagnosis.
Had Covid-19 and it worsened or exacerbated a pre-existing service-connected injury or illness.
Additionally, the spokeswoman wrote, veterans who did not contract the virus can file a VA disability claim for residual service-connected conditions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after “treating Covid-19 patients or watching them suffer and die.”
How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits for Covid-19
If you want to file a VA disability claim for Covid-19 or a related condition, reach out to a Veteran Service Organization or Officer (VSO). VSOs understand the VA claim system and can work with the VA on your behalf.
Once you’re ready to file for disability compensation, here’s what you need to do:
- First, submit an intent to file. If you want to apply for VA disability for a post-Covid condition by mail or in person, you need to notify the VA of your intent to file. Visit a VA regional office near you to do it in person or call them at 800-827-1000. You can also complete VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension or Survivors Pension and/or DIC and mail it to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- Gather supporting documents. Gather any medical documentation about your condition from military or civilian doctors, including your Covid-19 diagnosis. Attach your DD-214, along with your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and birth certificates for any minor children you still financially support. Some VA benefit amounts – including disability compensation – are linked to your family status. You can give the VA permission to gather this evidence for you. However, you retain much more control over the process if you do it yourself.
- File your claim. Complete all sections of your VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Submit this form online, in-person or by mail at the above address. Be sure to retain copies of everything you submit.
The VA spokeswoman said applicants must identify all chronic conditions related to their Covid-19 diagnosis (or related in-service event) when filing their claim.
“Claimants may list chronic respiratory issues due to Covid-19 or permanent loss of taste due to Covid-19 on their claim form.” However, “an allegation of exposure without association to a condition is not a disability,” she said.
Final Points
Covid-19-related disabilities may qualify veterans for VA benefits if the condition impacts daily life or worsens an existing service-connected issue. Veterans who served on qualifying active duty between March 1, 2020, and January 5, 2024, and developed Covid-19 symptoms within 14 days may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Claims can be based on chronic post-Covid conditions, worsened pre-existing conditions, or related issues like PTSD (during pandemic-related service). To apply, submit an intent to file, gather medical records, and complete the VA Form linked above. Be specific about symptoms, general exposure without a diagnosed condition won’t qualify.
