To add a parent as a dependent, you must fill out VA Form 21-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent(s). To add a spouse from a common-law marriage as a dependent, you must fill out VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents.
The VA estimates that it takes them 94 days to review a VA disability application. However, many cases take much longer than that. Here are some factors that can shorten or extend the time it takes to reach a decision: Type of claim filed.
At least one of these must be true: You're under 18, or. You're between 18 and 23 and in a VA-approved school program, or. You're permanently unable to support yourself due to a disability that happened before age 18 (we use the term “helpless child”)