In most cases, your advocate should notify the VA of the benefits you want as early as possible. It is not necessary to wait until you have the proper application form. A dated, handwritten note is enough to start your claim and to preserve the earliest possible effective date (the date from which the VA pays benefits) for your claim. Every day delayed can mean another day of benefits lost forever. If you were discharged less than one year ago, it is vital to apply before that first year is up—special rules apply to you.

Do not delay your application until you and your advocate have gathered every possible bit of evidence needed to win your claim. You will have time after you file your claim to collect and submit relevant evidence. If you are worried that the VA may decide your claim before you get all of your evidence in, your advocate can write to the RO to say that you wish to submit evidence before they decide your claim.