When applying for VA disability benefits, your story matters. A well-written personal statement—officially known as a Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138)—can be a powerful tool to strengthen your claim, especially when used to clarify symptoms, timelines, or how your condition affects daily life. But it must be done right. Here’s how to write one that truly supports your case.
What is a Statement in Support of Claim?
VA Form 21-4138 allows Veterans to provide a personal narrative or statement about their disability or condition. It’s a way to explain, in your own words, how your service-connected condition impacts your life, or to add detail to medical records and exams that may not tell the whole story.
When Should You Use It?
To describe the onset and progression of symptoms
To explain inconsistencies in your medical records
To clarify how your condition affects work, relationships, or daily tasks
To support claims for mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression
To add personal insight that can’t be captured in medical jargon
Tips for Writing a Strong Statement
Be Clear and Specific
Avoid vague phrases. Instead of “I have trouble sleeping,” write:
“I wake up 3–4 times per night due to nightmares related to my deployment in Iraq, and this leaves me exhausted during the day.”
Stick to the Facts
Your statement should focus on your experiences—not assumptions about the VA or medical findings. Stick to what you personally observe and feel.
Include Dates and Context
Provide a timeline where possible. When did symptoms begin? When did they worsen? Did an event in service trigger the condition?
Use Everyday Language
You don’t need legal or medical terms. Talk like you would to a trusted friend or family member. That kind of honesty is often more compelling.
Describe Daily Impact
Explain how your condition limits your life. For example:
“Because of my back pain, I can no longer stand for more than 15 minutes, which has made it impossible to continue my job as a mechanic.”
Don’t Minimize Your Experience
Many Veterans downplay their symptoms. Be honest about the full impact. The VA won’t know unless you tell them.
How Long Should It Be?
There’s no strict length limit, but most effective statements are 1–2 pages. The goal is to be detailed but focused. Don’t ramble—make every sentence count.
Additional Support: Buddy Statements
You can also submit supporting statements from spouses, friends, or coworkers. These “buddy statements” can add credibility by showing how your condition is observed by others in your life.
Final Advice
Before submitting, review your statement or have someone familiar with VA claims take a look. Avoid exaggeration, but don’t be afraid to be honest and detailed. This document may be your only chance to give the VA a true picture of what you’re going through.
Let Veterans Valor Help You
At Veterans Valor, we help our clients craft powerful, strategic Statements in Support of Claim that align with the medical and legal elements the VA looks for. Let us help you put your story into the strongest terms possible—because your voice deserves to be heard, and your benefits should reflect the reality you live with.
