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Veterans

Adding new spouse to my VA compensation — what's the form?

CAj_ramos1 month ago

Remarried. VA compensation goes up for dependents. Which form?

1 reply

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Marcus Thompson avatarMarcus ThompsonVerified Attorney1 month ago

VA Form 21-686c (Application Request to Add or Remove Dependents). File online via va.gov for fastest processing — paper takes months longer. You need: marriage certificate, your DD-214, and if you're adding stepchildren, their birth certificates. Increase is retroactive to the date of marriage if filed within one year, otherwise retroactive to the filing date. Don't forget to also add via the VA health-care side if your spouse qualifies for CHAMPVA.

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VA Vet Centers

Veterans mental health · Free

Federally funded community-based counseling for veterans, service members, and their families. Free; eligibility is generous and not tied to disability rating.

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DAV · Disabled American Veterans

VSO benefits help · Free

Free representation for veterans filing VA benefits claims and appeals. National network of accredited service officers.

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.