VA Forms Quick Reference
Every form you need — from first claim to final appeal. Click any form to go directly to the official VA page. Always use the official VA.gov links to ensure you have the most current version.
Filing a Disability Claim
Forms needed to start or reopen a VA disability claim
Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
The main form to file a new VA disability claim or reopen a previously denied claim. This is the starting point for every disability claim.
Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for PTSD
Documents the in-service stressor event(s) that caused your PTSD. Required for PTSD claims when the stressor is not related to combat.
Statement in Support of Claim for PTSD Secondary to Personal Assault
Specifically for PTSD claims related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) or other personal assault during service. Provides confidential documentation.
Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (TDIU)
Applies for Total Disability Individual Unemployability — 100% compensation if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Declaration of Status of Dependents
Adds dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) to your VA compensation. Adding dependents increases your monthly payment at ratings of 30% and above.
Evidence & Records
Forms to gather and submit supporting evidence for your claim
Lay Witness Statement (Buddy Statement)
Written statement from someone who has firsthand knowledge of your condition — spouse, family, friend, or fellow veteran. One of the most powerful evidence pieces you can submit.
Authorization to Disclose Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authorizes the VA to request your private medical records directly from your healthcare providers. Saves you from having to gather records yourself.
General Release for Medical Provider Information
Companion form to 21-4142. Used when authorizing release of records from multiple providers or for general medical information release.
Request Pertaining to Military Records
The standard form to request your military service records, DD-214, and service treatment records from the National Personnel Records Center.
Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension
Locks in today's date as your potential effective date before you're ready to submit a full claim. Can be worth thousands in back pay. Takes 5 minutes.
Appeals & Decision Reviews
Forms to challenge a denial or low rating — file within 1 year of your decision
Decision Review Request — Supplemental Claim
File when you have new and relevant evidence that wasn't in your original claim. The most common appeal path. Does not risk your existing rating. Submit with your new evidence attached.
Decision Review Request — Higher-Level Review
Requests a senior VA reviewer re-examine your claim without new evidence. Use when you believe the VA made a factual or legal error in its decision. Cannot submit new evidence with this form.
Decision Review Request — Board of Veterans' Appeals
Appeals your case to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Three lanes: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or Hearing Request. Longest timeline (1–3 years) but most thorough review.
VA Healthcare Enrollment
Forms to enroll in VA healthcare and access medical benefits
Application for Health Benefits
The form to enroll in VA healthcare. This is separate from your disability claim — you must apply for healthcare independently. Required before you can access any VA medical services.
Application for CHAMPVA Benefits
Enrolls eligible dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans in CHAMPVA — comprehensive health insurance at little to no cost for qualifying family members.
Education & Vocational Rehabilitation
Forms for GI Bill, VR&E, and education benefits
Application for VA Education Benefits (GI Bill)
Applies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), or other education benefit programs. Submit this before enrolling in school to receive your Certificate of Eligibility.
Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E)
Applies for the VR&E program (Chapter 31). Can pay for full college tuition with no cap, books, supplies, and a monthly housing stipend. Often pays more than the GI Bill for 4-year degrees.
Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits
Used by dependents (spouse or children) to apply for transferred GI Bill benefits. The veteran must have transferred benefits through milConnect while still on active duty.
Housing, Pension & Other Benefits
Forms for housing assistance, pension, and additional benefit programs
Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Home Loan)
Requests your Certificate of Eligibility for a VA-backed home loan. VA home loans offer no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates.
Application for Pension Benefits
Applies for VA pension — a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and assets. Different from disability compensation. Does not require a service-connected condition.
Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid & Attendance
Used to apply for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for veterans who need regular help with daily activities or are housebound due to service-connected disabilities.