The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on July 16th, 2008 that online applications are now being accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application. 

Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through its online application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature.  The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits.  Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications. 

VONAPP (http://www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm) is a Web-based system that benefits both internal and external users.  Veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery. 

For more information about VA benefits, go to VA's website at http://www.va.gov or call their toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000