VA Form 21P-1775: Statement of Disappearance Guide

VA Form 21P-1775: Statement of Disappearance Guide – VA Form 21P-1775, officially titled Statement of Disappearance, is a critical document used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help families of missing veterans pursue benefits. This form gathers detailed information to support a presumption of death determination under 38 U.S.C. 108, enabling eligible survivors to access pension, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and other survivor benefits.

What Is VA Form 21P-1775?

VA Form 21P-1775 is the Statement of Disappearance. The current version (revised December 2025) supersedes earlier editions and carries OMB Control No. 2900-0036 (expiration 12/31/2028). It is primarily for survivors or claimants seeking VA benefits when a veteran has been missing for an extended period.

The form requests comprehensive details about the missing veteran, circumstances of disappearance, efforts to locate them, and supporting witness information. VA uses this to evaluate whether the veteran can be presumed deceased for benefits purposes.

Who Should File VA Form 21P-1775?

This form is typically filed by:

  • Surviving spouses
  • Dependent children
  • Other eligible family members or representatives

It applies when a veteran has disappeared and is believed to be deceased, but no death certificate is available. Families often use it alongside applications for survivor benefits like VA pension or DIC.

VA Presumption of Death for Missing Veterans

Under VA rules, a veteran who has been continuously and unexplainedly absent for seven years or more may be presumed dead for benefits purposes. VA Form 21P-1775 provides the evidentiary foundation for this presumption.

The status (e.g., disability rating, income) at the time of disappearance is generally presumed to continue. This can support ongoing or new survivor benefit claims.

Key Information Required on the Form

The 6-page form asks for detailed responses. Answer all questions as completely as possible; use “unknown” if information is unavailable. Attach additional sheets (e.g., VA Form 21-4138) if needed.

Common sections include:

  • Claimant and veteran personal information
  • Length of time the person has been known missing
  • Circumstances and date of disappearance
  • Last known location, contacts, and activities
  • Efforts made to locate the veteran (police reports, searches, etc.)
  • Information on relatives, friends, or correspondents
  • Any known financial or benefit details

Tip: Gather police reports, news articles, witness statements, and other documentation before completing the form.

How to Complete and Submit VA Form 21P-1775?

  1. Download the form — Get the latest version directly from the official VA source.
  2. Fill it out — Print clearly or type. Provide as much detail as possible.
  3. Gather supporting evidence — Include any relevant documents.
  4. Mail the completed form to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Pension Intake Center, P.O. Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365.

For help, call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711) or use AskVA at https://ask.va.gov/.

Download VA Form 21P-1775 (PDF): Download Here

Filing VA Form 21P-1775 often accompanies claims for:

  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  • Survivors Pension
  • Accrued Benefits

Use VA Form 21P-534 series for these applications. Consult a VA-accredited representative, Veterans Service Organization (e.g., DAV, VFW), or attorney for assistance.

Tips for a Successful Claim

  • Be thorough and consistent in your statements.
  • Provide evidence of diligent search efforts.
  • Keep copies of everything submitted.
  • Consider working with an accredited claims agent or attorney for complex cases.
  • Monitor your claim status via VA.gov or by calling VA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to process?
Processing times vary; VA aims for timely decisions on presumption of death cases, but provide complete information to avoid delays.

Can I file online?
The form is primarily paper-based and mailed, though related claims may have online components.

What if the veteran reappears?
Benefits may need adjustment or repayment if the presumption changes.

Where can I get free help?
Contact VA at 1-800-827-1000, a local VA regional office, or accredited representatives through VA.gov.

For the most current information, always refer to official VA resources. This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.

Last updated based on official VA sources as of 2026.

Official Resources: