VA Form 21P-0510
Eligibility Verification Report (EVR) - Cover Sheet
VA mailed you an annual EVR package. The cover sheet is the routing document that accompanies the completed income/dependent verification form.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Keeping Your Award Current
- Estimated time
- 5-10 minutes for the cover sheet alone; the accompanying EVR form takes longer.
- When to file
- By the deadline printed on the form (typically 30-60 days from mailing date).
Official VA form page: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/
Gather before you start
- ▸The EVR package VA mailed to you (this cover sheet will be included)
- ▸Current income and asset documentation
- ▸Any dependent changes since last EVR
Attach with the form
- ▸Completed EVR form (21P-0516-1, 21P-0517-1, 21P-0518-1, or 21P-0519S-1 depending on your situation)
- ▸Income documentation if amounts changed
- ▸Medical expense report if expenses changed (VA Form 21P-8416)
Section I - Claimant Identification (pre-printed)
Blocks 1-4Name, SSN, VA File Number, address (typically pre-printed)PII
These are pre-printed by VA from your file. Verify each field is correct. If any information has changed (especially address or phone), note the correction. An incorrect address means future VA mail goes to the wrong location.
(pre-printed by VA; verify and correct if needed)
Common mistakes
- ×Not correcting a pre-printed error - this is your opportunity; write corrections clearly in the margins.
- ×Missing a deadline because mail went to a wrong address - update your address with VA immediately when you move.
Section II - Changes to Report
Block 5Have there been any changes to report since last EVR?
Check all changes that apply: income changed, new dependent added or removed, marital status changed, moved, medical expenses changed, entered nursing home, health changed significantly. For each change, you will need to provide updated documentation on the accompanying EVR form.
e.g., No changes from prior year. OR: Income increased - new SSA COLA; medical expenses increased - new home aide.
Common mistakes
- ×Saying "no changes" when Social Security gave a COLA increase - even small income increases must be reported.
- ×Not reporting a new dependent (remarriage, additional child) - affects pension computation.
Authority
- 38 CFR 3.500 - When VA reduces or discontinues benefits.
Section III - Signature
Blocks 6-7Claimant signature and datePII
Sign and return with the completed EVR form by the deadline. Missing the deadline triggers pension suspension. If you cannot respond by the deadline due to illness or incapacity, contact VA immediately.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Returning only the cover sheet without the completed EVR income form - both must be returned together.
- ×Missing the deadline - contact VA immediately if you cannot respond in time.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 CFR 3.3 - Eligibility criteria for veterans pension: wartime service, discharge character, income below MAPR, and net worth below threshold.
- 38 CFR 3.500 - When VA reduces or discontinues benefits.
- 38 USC 1521 - Wartime non-service-connected pension for low-income veterans.