Add dependents as soon as possible — you only get back-pay to the date VA receives the form

You MUST report dependency changes (divorce, child turning 18, marriage) or risk overpayment

Veterans rated 30%+ receive additional monthly compensation for each dependent

Veterans Affairsmoderate

Add / Remove Dependents

VA 21-686c · VA

Application to add or remove dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) to a VA compensation award.

Form Details

Total fields: 40
Auto-fillable: 28 (70%)
Time without BeneFill: 30 minutes
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Time saved: 22 minutes
Filled by: patient
Frequency: as needed

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Where to Submit This Form

🌐

VA.gov (recommended)

https://www.va.gov/view-change-dependents/add-remove-form-21-686c/

Add or remove dependents online.

📬

Mail to VA Evidence Intake Center

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

📠

Fax to VA

Fax: 844-531-7818

Required Attachments

📎 Marriage certificate (for adding spouse)
📎 Birth certificate (for adding child)
📎 Divorce decree (for removing former spouse)
📎 SSN and date of birth for each dependent

Processing Time

2-4 weeks for dependent additions. Retroactive pay may take an additional 1-2 months.

What Happens Next

VA will adjust your monthly compensation to include dependent allowances. The increase applies to veterans rated 30% or higher.

Tips for This Form

✓ Add dependents as soon as possible — you only get back-pay to the date VA receives the form
✓ You MUST report dependency changes (divorce, child turning 18, marriage) or risk overpayment
✓ Veterans rated 30%+ receive additional monthly compensation for each dependent

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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.