Substitution allows you to continue a deceased veteran's pending claim to completion

You must file within 1 year of the veteran's death to substitute in a pending claim

Accrued benefits (benefits owed at time of death) may be payable to survivors

Veterans Affairseasy

Alternate Signer Certification

VA 21-0972 · VA

Allows a spouse, child, or other person to legally sign VA forms on behalf of an incapacitated veteran.

Form Details

Total fields: 16
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Where to Submit This Form

📬

Mail to VA

Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center PO Box 4444 Janesville, WI 53547-4444

📠

Fax to VA

Fax: 844-531-7818

🏢

In person at a VA Regional Office

https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits

Required Attachments

📎 Proof of relationship to the veteran (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
📎 Veteran's death certificate (if veteran is deceased)
📎 Any documentation supporting the claimed benefits or request

Processing Time

2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the request.

What Happens Next

VA will review your request to substitute or act on behalf of the veteran in a pending claim. If approved, you will step into the veteran's position in the claims process.

Tips for This Form

✓ Substitution allows you to continue a deceased veteran's pending claim to completion
✓ You must file within 1 year of the veteran's death to substitute in a pending claim
✓ Accrued benefits (benefits owed at time of death) may be payable to survivors

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Health Benefits Update Form for veterans already enrolled in VA health care who need to update personal, insurance, financial, or military service information.

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Application for disability compensation and related benefits for service-connected conditions. Requires linking conditions to military service.

Intent to File a Claim

VA 21-0966 · VA

Preserves the effective date for a VA benefits claim while gathering evidence. Provides 1 year to submit the formal claim.

Authorization to Release Information to VA

VA 21-4142 · VA

Authorization and consent allowing VA to obtain private medical records from non-VA providers for disability claim adjudication.

General Release for Medical Provider Information

VA 21-4142a · VA

Companion form to 21-4142 allowing specific medical professionals to release records to VA for claim processing.

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Disclaimer: BeneFill™ provides form-filling assistance and informational guidance only. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the VA or any government agency. The information provided is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Always verify form requirements and submission details directly with the issuing agency.