What is VA Form 21-0845 and Why Do You Need It?
If you are a veteran or a claimant who receives benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may want to share your personal information with a third party, such as a family member, a friend, a lawyer, or an organization. For example, you may want your spouse to check on your claim status, your attorney to represent you in an appeal, or your caregiver to access your medical records. However, VA cannot disclose your personal information without your written permission, unless it is required or allowed by law. That's why you need to use VA Form 21-0845, which is an Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party.
VA Form 21-0845 Explained
What is VA Form 21-0845?
VA Form 21-0845 is a document that allows you to authorize VA to share your personal information with a non-VA individual or organization. By filling out and submitting this form, you give VA permission to disclose specific information about your benefits or claims to the person or entity you designate. This form can be used for various purposes, such as:
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Applying for benefits or services from other agencies or organizations
Getting assistance or representation from a third party
Allowing a third party to access your records or communicate with VA on your behalf
Participating in research or surveys conducted by a third party
What is the Purpose of VA Form 21-0845?
The purpose of VA Form 21-0845 is to protect your privacy and ensure that your personal information is only disclosed with your consent. VA respects your right to control who can access your information and for what reason. By using this form, you can specify what information you want to share, with whom, and for how long. You can also revoke or change your authorization at any time, unless VA has already acted based on your permission.
Who Can Use VA Form 21-0845?
VA Form 21-0845 can be used by any veteran or claimant who receives benefits from VA, such as:
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Compensation and pension benefits
Education and training benefits
Vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits
Health care benefits
Life insurance benefits
Housing assistance benefits
Burial and memorial benefits
You can also use this form if you are a beneficiary or dependent of a veteran or claimant who receives benefits from VA.
How to Fill Out and Submit VA Form 21-0845
How to Fill Out VA Form 21-0845
To fill out VA Form 21-0845 you need to follow these steps:
Download VA Form 21-0845 from the VA website or get a copy from your nearest VA regional office.
Print the form and fill it out with a pen or use a PDF editor to type in your information.
Provide your personal information and the information of the third party you want to authorize in sections 1 to 10.
Select the type and duration of your authorization in section 13. You can choose to authorize VA to disclose all or some of your information, and for a specific period or indefinitely.
Choose a security question and answer in section 14. This will help VA verify the identity of your authorized third party when they contact VA.
Sign and date the form in section 15. If you are a beneficiary or dependent of a veteran or claimant, you also need to sign and date the form in section 16.
How to Submit VA Form 21-0845
To submit VA Form 21-0845, you have several options:
You can mail the completed form and any supporting documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
You can fax the completed form and any supporting documents to 844-531-7818 (toll-free) or 248-524-4260 (local).
You can submit the completed form online through the VA website at [www.va.gov](^3^) or through AccessVA at [www.ebenefits.va.gov].
You should make a copy of your signed authorization for your records before sending it to VA. You can only have one VA Form 21-0845 on file with VA at a time.
How to Revoke or Change VA Form 21-0845
If you change your mind and do not want VA to disclose your personal information to a third party anymore, you can revoke or change your authorization at any time, unless VA has already acted based on your permission. To revoke or change your authorization, you can:
Notify VA in writing by sending a letter to the same address or fax number where you submitted your form. You should include your name, social security number, VA file number, date of birth, and the name of the third party you want to revoke or change.
Notify VA by telephone by calling 1-800-827-1000. You should have your name, social security number, VA file number, date of birth, and the name of the third party ready when you call.
Notify VA online through Ask VA at [ You should provide your name, social security number, VA file number, date of birth, and the name of the third party in your message.
You should also notify the third party that you have revoked or changed your authorization so that they do not contact VA on your behalf anymore. Benefits of Using VA Form 21-0845
Benefits for Veterans and Claimants
Using VA Form 21-0845 can help you get the most out of your benefits and services from VA and other agencies or organizations. By authorizing a third party to access your personal information, you can:
Save time and hassle by avoiding repeated requests for the same information
Get faster and easier access to benefits or services that require your information
Receive support and guidance from a trusted person or entity
Protect your privacy and security by controlling who can see your information and for what purpose
Benefits for Third Parties
If you are a third party who is authorized by a veteran or claimant to receive their personal information from VA, you can benefit from using VA Form 21-0845 in several ways. For example, you can:
Provide better assistance or representation to the veteran or claimant
Obtain accurate and up-to-date information from VA
Avoid delays or errors in processing applications or requests
Build trust and confidence with the veteran or claimant
Benefits for VA
VA also benefits from using VA Form 21-0845 as a way to disclose personal information to third parties. By using this form, VA can:
Comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 and other laws and regulations that protect the privacy of veterans and claimants
Improve customer service and satisfaction by facilitating communication and coordination with third parties
Enhance efficiency and effectiveness by reducing duplication and confusion in information sharing
Promote transparency and accountability by documenting the authorization and disclosure of personal information
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 21-0845
Where Can I Download VA Form 21-0845?
You can download VA Form 21-0845 from the VA website at [ You can also get a copy of the form from your nearest VA regional office or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
How Long Does VA Form 21-0845 Last?
The duration of your authorization depends on what you choose in section 13 of the form. You can authorize VA to disclose your personal information for a specific period (up to 10 years) or indefinitely. You can also revoke or change your authorization at any time, unless VA has already acted based on your permission.
What Information Can I Authorize to Be Disclosed with VA Form 21-0845?
You can authorize VA to disclose any information that is relevant to your benefits or claims, such as:
Your name, address, phone number, email address, social security number, VA file number, date of birth, military service history, etc.
Your benefit status, payment amount, eligibility, rating decision, appeal status, etc.
Your medical records, treatment history, diagnosis, prognosis, medications, etc.
Your education records, training history, enrollment status, grades, transcripts, etc.
Your employment records, vocational assessment, job placement, earnings, etc.
Your insurance records, policy number, coverage amount, beneficiary information, etc.
Your housing records, loan number, property address, appraisal value, etc.
Your burial records, cemetery location, grave marker information, etc.
You can authorize VA to disclose all or some of your information by checking the appropriate boxes in section 13 of the form. You can also specify any additional information you want to share in section 12 of the form.
What If I Have More Than One Third Party to Authorize?
If you have more than one third party to authorize, you need to fill out a separate VA Form 21-0845 for each one. You cannot list multiple third parties on the same form. You should also indicate the relationship and purpose of each third party in section 10 of the form.
How Can I Check the Status of My Authorization?
You can check the status of your authorization by contacting the VA office that handles your benefits or claims. You can also check online through [www.va.gov] or [www.ebenefits.va.gov] if you have an account. You should have your name, social security number, VA file number, date of birth, and the name of the third party ready when you check.
Conclusion
VA Form 21-0845 is a useful tool for veterans and claimants who want to share their personal information with a third party. By using this form, you can authorize VA to disclose specific information about your benefits or claims to the person or entity you designate. You can also revoke or change your authorization at any time, unless VA has already acted based on your permission. Using this form can help you get the most out of your benefits and services from VA and other agencies or organizations, as well as protect your privacy and security. If you have any questions or concerns about VA Form 21-0845, you can contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit [www.va.gov].
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