VA Form 21-686c (Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents) updates the dependents on your VA compensation award. If you're rated 30% or higher, eligible dependents increase your monthly payment — so keeping this current matters.
When to use it
- •Add a spouse after marriage.
- •Add a child after a birth or adoption.
- •Remove a dependent after a divorce, a death, or a child aging out.
Why it affects your money
At 30% and above, the VA adds compensation for a spouse and dependent children. Add an eligible dependent and your monthly amount goes up; failing to remove one you're no longer entitled to can create an overpayment you'll have to repay.
School-age children
For a child 18 to 23 in an approved school, you also file VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance) to keep them counted as a dependent.
Dependent parents are different
Adding a dependent parent uses a separate, income-based form (VA Form 21P-509), not 21-686c.
Tip
Update dependents promptly when life changes. The effective date for added benefits often ties to when the event happened or when you file — so don't sit on it.
VA forms mentioned in this guide
Put this to work
See how dependents change your monthly VA compensation at your rating level.
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This guide is educational information about the VA claims system — it is not legal or medical advice, and it does not predict or promise any claim outcome. Regulations and procedures change; always verify current requirements at VA.gov. VA Claim Commander is a self-service documentation tool, not a VSO, law firm, or VA-accredited representative.