VA forms are valuable in your pursuit of understanding, claiming, and navigating the VA claims. Understanding the most common forms for a specific disability claim, appealing a decision, or simply adding another dependent enables you to speed up decisions, improve outcomes, and avoid delays.
However, there is a whole list of VA forms that a veteran should be wary about, which makes the educational guidance of a veteran coach — or disability benefit coaching service — necessary.
But before we take a deeper look at the advantages when it comes to consulting with veteran coaches, let’s confirm the necessary VA claim form that every veteran should know.
Essential VA Forms and Their Uses
Each VA form serves a specific purpose—some VA form statements support claims for service-connected injuries like mental health conditions, disabilities, or illnesses, while others are used to take action, such as filing appeals, adding dependents, or requesting a higher-level review.
Here are the top VA forms every veteran should know, along with what they’re for and how to use them:
VA Form 21-526EZ
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez/
Otherwise known as the Application for VA Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. This form is necessary if you want to:
- Apply for new benefits
- Request for a higher disability rating
- Establish service for a condition
You can choose between two processing methods: the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program or the Standard Claim Process. The FDC route is faster, but only if you confirm that all required evidence has been submitted and no additional documentation is needed.
VA Form 21-0781
Access the form here: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0781-ARE.pdf
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among many veterans who have experienced traumatic events during their active service. Part II of VA Form 21-0781 will require you to provide some details of the specific traumatic events that led to your PTSD diagnosis. For each incident, be sure to include:
- A description of what occurred
- Your unit at the time where and when it happened
- Names and units of anyone injured or killed during the event
You need to maintain an accurate description of your potential diagnosis, especially the dates (ideally within a 60-day window).
However, if you cannot remember the specific data, you should describe the surrounding details, such as:
- Holiday
- A major news story
- Weather
VA Form 10182
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10182/
The Decision Review Request: Board Appeal—Notice of Disagreement is a form that specifies your need for a Veterans Law Judge to review your case. You’ll need to identify the specific issues from the VA’s decision that you want to appeal, along with the date of that decision. The form also requires your personal details, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, contact information, and current mailing address.
VA Form 21-8940
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-8940/
The Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability applies when your combined disability rating is below 100%, but your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
The form collects key details about the following:
- Medical treatment
- Education
- Work history—including when you last worked full-time and your income over the past year.
You’ll also need to state when you became too disabled to work.
VA Form 20-0995
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-0995/
You need to submit this form (Supplemental Claim) if you have new evidence to support a previously denied claim. The evidence should not have been previously presented to the VA adjudicator; it should further confirm your injuries and help you achieve a better rating and better VA benefits.
VA Form 20-0996
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-0996/
Use this form when you want a more senior VA reviewer to re-evaluate your claim decision, and if you feel that the initial evaluation made an error in the decision process. The purpose of this form is for higher-level reviewers to evaluate the evidence you have already submitted from your original claim, determining whether an error was made during the initial process.
VA Form 21-4138
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-4138/
This is a catch-all form where you provide your Statement in Support of Claim and explain your case in your own words, add context to existing evidence, or clarify details. It would usually consist of a written narrative explaining the facts and circumstances of your condition.
It is not a requirement but can be extremely useful when you are trying to complete a fully developed claim.
VA Form 21-686c
Access the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-686c/
This form is important as a Declaration of Status of Dependents for either a spouse or children to your VA benefits for additional compensation. This form can also be used to remove a dependent (if you are either divorced or have a child that is above 18 but don’t have a job or at school).
Guide to Completing VA Forms
The most important process in completing VA forms is to make sure that you accurately describe the claim and maintain honesty. The VA cross-checks every piece of information within your records. Other tips that you should be wary of are:
- Understand the form you need for a specific case. The VA implemented the use of these forms to maintain a systematic and organized process. You may consult J4V for educational assistance if you feel that doing research can be overwhelming.
- Double-check your personal info. Simple errors like a wrong date of birth can delay processing. Make sure that each piece of your personal info is correct.
- Include all necessary documentation and evidence. Missing evidence is a top reason for delayed or denied claims. Submit all necessary evidence, buddy statements, and nexus letters to guarantee a smoother VA claims process.
- Be wary of your deadlines. Whether you’re appealing or submitting a new claim, you must know the required timelines.
- Secure Multiple Copies. Always retain a personal copy of each form you submit.
Submission Methods and Best Practices
You can submit VA forms through multiple methods:
- Online VA Forms – You can visit and find the forms you need at the VA website for your claim. For many, this can be the most convenient and secure option, since you can track your VA claim in real time.
You can send your completed form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Some of the common mistakes that can occur when it comes to filing VA forms are the following:
- Incomplete or incorrect forms
- Missed deadlines
- Inconsistent or lack of supporting evidence
How to Avoid Them?
Understanding each of the forms can be overwhelming, but it is a necessary task to secure your benefits.
Mistakes can happen, and we understand it. So, if you need some educational guidance, we are here to help.
Book a free strategy call to directly reach our veteran coaches. You may also visit our VA claims consulting page to learn more about us.