Fast Track VA Disability With the Fully Developed Claims Program and QuickSubmit

Veterans with a service-connected disability who apply for VA compensation or pension benefits may have their applications granted quickly under the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program. Commonly referred to as the "Fast Track" system, the FDC program was developed to help reduce the VA backlog and expedite processing for the most well-documented disability claims.

Getting the VA to grant you disability quicker using the Fast Track system typically requires you to do a lot more leg work to prepare your disability claim than is required by standard claims processing. For example, while the VA has a duty to assist veterans under the FDC program by getting their medical records from within the VA, unlike the standard claims process, they won't attempt to obtain records from outside the VA system. You'll have to get those yourself.

What Do I Need to Do to Expedite My VA Claim?

The VA will consider your claim "fully developed" and eligible for expedited processing when you've completed all of the following four steps:

• Submit VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.
• Submit all the supporting evidence you have along with your Form 21-526EZ.
• Certify that there's no more evidence the VA might need to decide your claim.
• Go to any medical exams the VA schedules to help make a decision on your claim.

You can use the FDC program not only to qualify for VA benefits for the first time, but also to increase your rating for a worsening condition or claim secondary service-connection for a new condition linked to an established disability. Additionally, you can Fast Track claims for temporary total disability, individual unemployability, section 1151 benefits, and special monthly compensation. For more information about the specific documentation you must provide if you want your claim expedited, see the VA webpage on evidence needed for your disability claim.

Submitting Evidence Using VA QuickSubmit

QuickSubmit, formerly Direct Upload, is the fastest way for veterans to share their documents with the VA Evidence Intake Center. You'll need to register for an account first, but once you're approved, you can submit all your medical evidence electronically and track the progress of your claim.

The VA encourages veterans to submit their evidence electronically to best expedite the FDC process. But if you prefer, you can mail your medical records to the VA at the following address:

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

You can also bring your records and your application to your local VA office and submit them in person or fax them to 844-531-7818 (248-524-4260 if you're outside the U.S.)

How Do I Make Sure My Claim Is Fully Developed?

In order to take advantage of the FDC program, you'll need to provide the VA with all of the medical evidence needed to determine your service-connected disability rating at the time of your application. Form 21-526EZ contains several pages outlining the evidentiary requirements you'll need for the specific type of benefit you're applying for. Read these closely so that you can submit all your records to the VA, ideally through QuickSubmit, along with your application.

Here are some examples of medical records you should have available and ready to provide the VA when you apply:

• military service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
• VA Medical Center (VAMC) records from your local hospital or clinic
• medical records from your private physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist
• National Guard and Reserve personnel or service treatment records, if applicable.

Veterans who are claiming disability based on individual unemployability—meaning you're unable to work due to a service-related injury or illness—will also need to complete Form 21-8940, Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability. And if you're applying due to any mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or military sexual trauma (MST), you should also include Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to an In-Service Traumatic Event(s).

How to Apply for Fast Track Disability Processing

Once you're satisfied that you have all the medical information needed for the VA to decide your claim, it's very easy to opt into the fully developed claims program. Simply check the box marked "FDC Program" in Question 1 of Form 21-526EZ. Continue filling out the application and certify that the information you provided is accurate by signing and dating Section IX. Then, send your completed form to the VA using your preferred application method.

Keep in mind that there aren't any risks involved in selecting the FDC method. If it turns out that the VA needs more information that doesn't include evidence submitted with your application, the VA will simply remove your file from the fast track and process it as a standard claim.

What's the Quickest the VA Has Granted Disability?

According to the VA, veterans who work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can get their FDC approved in 30 days or less. This is much faster than the average of 152 days it takes the VA to process standard claims, as of August 2024.

While you don't need to get help from a VSO to file for disability, there are many benefits to having an accredited veterans' attorney or claims agent on your side. Your representative can help you navigate the maze of VA forms you need to prepare your claim for fast track processing, reach out to your private medical providers to follow up on records requests, and obtain medical opinions that can strengthen your disability claim.