VA Form 21-4138: Statement in Support of Claim Guide – VA Form 21-4138, officially titled Statement in Support of Claim, is a key document used by veterans and beneficiaries to provide additional information when filing or supporting claims for VA benefits. This form helps strengthen your case by allowing you to share details that may not fit on primary claim forms.
What Is VA Form 21-4138?
VA Form 21-4138 is a standardized statement form from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans, beneficiaries, or their representatives use it to submit supporting remarks or evidence related to a claim for benefits. The current version is dated July 2024 (superseding the June 2021 version).
It includes sections for identification information, detailed remarks, and a declaration of intent. The form emphasizes that statements must be true and correct, with penalties for false information.
When to Use VA Form 21-4138?
Use this form to share more information as instructed by another VA form or process. Common situations include:
- Providing extra details about family situation, finances, or dependencies for pension, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), or accrued benefits claims.
- Reporting reimbursements received after submitting a medical expense report.
- Adding details about claimed disabilities or other issues that don’t fit on the original claim form.
- Supporting updates to dependency status or other claim-related circumstances.
It is particularly useful for disability compensation claims to explain in-service events, symptoms, and their impact on daily life.
Note: For lay or witness statements from others (e.g., buddy statements), consider VA Form 21-10210 instead or in addition.
How to Fill Out VA Form 21-4138 Step by Step?
- Section I: Veteran/Beneficiary’s Identification Information
Provide your full name, Social Security Number, VA file number (if applicable), date of birth, service number (if applicable), telephone number, email, and mailing address. Print neatly if completing by hand. - Section II: Remarks
This is the core of the form. Clearly explain your situation in connection with the specific claim. Be detailed, factual, and organized. Many veterans use separate paragraphs for each disability or issue. - Section III: Declaration of Intent
Sign and date the form. By signing, you certify the information is true to the best of your knowledge.
Tip: You can complete the form online or by hand. The estimated completion time is about 15 minutes.
Tips for Writing a Strong Statement in Support of Claim
- Be Specific: Include dates, locations, unit information, and how events relate to your current condition.
- Describe Impact: Detail frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, plus effects on work, daily activities, and relationships.
- Use Structure: Start with the condition, cover the in-service event/timeframe, then current effects. Use 3-5 paragraphs per condition if needed.
- Attach Evidence: Reference supporting documents like medical records or service records.
- One Form Per Issue: Consider separate statements for multiple conditions for clarity.
- Truthful and Professional: Avoid exaggeration; focus on facts.
A well-written personal statement can significantly strengthen your claim by providing context that medical records alone might miss.
How to Submit VA Form 21-4138?
- Online (Recommended): Use the VA’s online tool for faster processing.
- Mail: Send to Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
- In Person: At a local VA regional office.
You can also submit it as supporting evidence through VA.gov when filing a claim.
Download VA Form 21-4138
Download the latest VA Form 21-4138 PDF here.
Always use the official VA source for the most current version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting vague or incomplete statements.
- Forgetting to sign and date.
- Not referencing the specific claim or disability.
- Using the form when a different one (like 21-10210 for witnesses) is more appropriate.
Additional Resources
- Official VA page: VA Form 21-4138
- Supporting forms for claims overview on VA.gov.
- Contact VA at 800-827-1000 or through Ask VA.
Filing a strong VA claim often requires multiple pieces of evidence. A thoughtful VA Form 21-4138 can make a meaningful difference in getting the benefits you earned. Consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), accredited attorney, or claims agent for personalized guidance. This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Information is based on official VA sources as of 2026.