When submitting a claim for benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), providing a strong and effective statement in support of your claim can be crucial to receiving the compensation you deserve. A VA statement in support of a claim is a personal statement that outlines the details of your medical condition, the impact it has had on your life, and why you believe you are entitled to benefits.
In this article, we will provide an example of a powerful VA statement in support of the claim and discuss some tips on how to write an effective statement that can help you win your case.
Curious about VA Form 21-4138? Click here to find out what a Statement in Support of a Claim is and why it’s crucial for the disability compensation claim process for veterans.
WHAT IS A VA STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF A CLAIM?
A VA Statement in Support of a Claim is a personal statement that a veteran provides to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when filing a claim for disability compensation. The statement serves to provide details about the veteran’s medical condition, how it affects their daily life, and why they believe they are entitled to VA benefits. It is a critical component of a veteran’s claim and can help the VA understand the veteran’s unique circumstances and make an informed decision about their eligibility for compensation. The statement can be used to provide additional information that may not be included in the medical records or other documents submitted as part of the claim. Writing a powerful VA Statement in Support of a Claim is essential to ensure that the VA has a comprehensive understanding of the veteran’s condition and its impact on their life.
FOUR CRITICAL SECTIONS OF A SAMPLE STATEMENT SUPPORTING A CLAIM
When submitting a claim for disability compensation to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a Statement in Support of a Claim can be a crucial component in the process. A powerful statement can help the VA understand the full extent of a veteran’s medical condition and how it affects their daily life.
For the best chance of success with your VA disability claim, make sure your Statement in Support of a Claim covers these four critical sections, tailored to your specific situation:
#1. Clearly state the name of the disability you are claiming in the first section of VA Form 21-4138.
#2. Explain when your disability began and why it should be service-connected or why your VA rating should be increased for conditions that are already service-connected.
#3. List the current symptoms of your disability in terms of frequency, severity, and duration over time.
#4. Explain how your disability negatively impacts your work, life, and social functioning with specific examples.
While the official VA Form 21-4138 is still the preferred document to use when writing your personal statement, you can also submit a “Buddy Statement” from someone with firsthand knowledge of the facts and circumstances to support your VA disability claims. Don’t leave your benefits to chance, ensure your Statement in Support of a Claim is comprehensive and personalized.
VA Statement in Support of Claim VA Form 21-4138
EXAMPLE OF A POWERFUL VA STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF CLAIM
Here is an example of a VA statement in support of claim that highlights the essential elements of a compelling statement:
TIPS FOR WRITING A POWERFUL VA STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF CLAIM
- Be clear and concise: Your statement should clearly and concisely describe your medical condition, how it affects your daily life, and why you believe you are entitled to benefits.
- Provide specific details: Include specific details about your injury or illness, such as when and where it occurred, any medical treatment you have received, and any ongoing symptoms.
- Use simple language: Avoid technical jargon and use simple language that is easy to understand.
- Explain the impact on your life: Describe how your injury or illness has affected your ability to function in daily life, such as your ability to work, perform household tasks, or engage in social activities.
- Be honest and truthful: It is important to be honest and truthful when describing your condition and its impact on your life.
- Use examples: Provide specific examples of how your condition has affected your life, such as missed work or social events, to help the VA understand the impact.
- Seek assistance: If you are struggling to write your statement, consider seeking assistance from a Veterans Service Officer or other qualified professional.
A powerful VA statement in support of claim can be a crucial element in winning your case for disability benefits. By following these tips and including the essential elements discussed in the example, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your service-connected injury or illness.
IS IT NECESSARY TO DRAFT A STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF A CLAIM FOR EVERY DISABILITY CONDITION IN A VA DISABILITY CLAIM?
Absolutely! It’s highly recommended that you craft a comprehensive personal statement for each disability condition you are claiming. Here’s an example scenario to illustrate this point: Suppose you are planning to file a single VA disability claim for three different conditions – an increase in your service-connected PTSD, an increase in your service-connected GERD, and a new secondary condition for migraines resulting from Tinnitus.
In this case, it is crucial that you write three separate VA Statements in Support of a Claim, one for each disability condition. For instance:
Statement #1:
Statement in Support of a Claim to Increase Service-Connected PTSD VA Rating – This statement should elaborate on how your PTSD is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning, highlighting your current mental health symptoms, and the reasons why you should be entitled to a higher rating.
Statement #2:
Statement in Support of a Claim to Increase Service-Connected GERD – This statement should explain how your GERD is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning, focusing on your current GERD and acid reflux symptoms, and the reasons why you should receive a higher rating.
Statement #3:
Statement in Support of a Claim for Migraines Secondary to Tinnitus – This statement should explain why you believe that your migraines were caused or worsened by your Tinnitus, elaborating on how your migraines are limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning, and highlighting your current migraine symptoms.
How to Write a Compelling VA Statement in Support of a PTSD Claim
If you’re a veteran who’s experiencing PTSD symptoms and planning to file a claim with the VA, you’ll need to provide a Statement in Support of a Claim. Writing a strong VA Statement is critical to receiving a fair rating and the benefits you deserve. Follow this process to help you write a compelling VA Statement in support of your PTSD claim.
#1: Name Your Disability
In the first section of VA Form 21-4138, list the name of your VA disability condition. Use the actual medical diagnosis from your medical records, including the Diagnostic Code (DC) of the condition you’re claiming from CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 38 CFR Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities For example, if you’re a first-time filer of PTSD due to combat deployment to Iraq, name the disability as “DC 9411, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Due to Combat Deployment to Iraq.”
#2: Explain Your Disability and Why It Should Be Service Connected
In the second section, explain the approximate timeframe your disability began, along with why it should be service-connected (or why your VA rating should be increased for conditions already service-connected). Be clear and concise, and list the page numbers in your records where the VA Rater can find the condition quickly.
#3: Describe Your Current Symptoms
In the third section, list your current symptoms of PTSD, including frequency, severity, and duration over time. Be specific and provide examples to help the VA Rater understand the impact on your life. This information is critical to determining your disability rating.
#4: Explain How Your Disability Affects Your Life
In the final section, explain how your PTSD negatively impacts your work, life, and social functioning. Provide at least two specific examples of how your disability limits or affects you in negative ways. This information will help the VA Rater understand the full extent of your disability.
By following this process, you can write a powerful VA Statement in support of your PTSD claim. Make sure to include all relevant information, medical records, and supporting evidence to increase your chances of receiving a fair rating and the benefits you deserve.
Example of a VA Statement in Support of Claim for Migraine Headaches
If you’re a veteran who suffers from migraines and wants to file a claim with the VA, it’s important to provide a Statement in Support of Claim. This document helps to explain the details of your condition and how it affects your life. Here’s an example of a real VA Statement in Support of Claim for Migraine Headaches.
In this particular case, the veteran had already been service connected at 30% for Migraines, but did not feel an increase to the higher VA rating level of 50% was warranted. The Statement in Support of Claim sample includes the following sections:
𝟏. DC 8100, Migraine Headaches
𝟐. Description of the veteran’s headaches remains largely the same with occasional increases and decreases in severity since 2012, when the headaches were first service-connected.
𝟑. Details on the frequency, duration, and symptoms experienced during a migraine episode, as well as the over-the-counter medications and coping strategies used to manage the pain.
𝟒. Information on how the migraines impact the veteran’s work, including taking frequent naps and breaks, practicing mindfulness, and working from home since 2014 to control their surroundings.
Providing a detailed and honest Statement in Support of Claim can greatly increase your chances of receiving the appropriate VA disability rating for your migraines.
Writing a Successful VA Statement in Support of Claim
Writing a Winning VA Statement in Support of Claim can greatly improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. To start, make sure to provide as much detail as possible about your condition and how it affects your daily life. Use specific examples and provide documentation if available. Be sure to also include any relevant medical records or statements from your healthcare providers.
It’s also important to use language that is clear and easy to understand, avoiding technical jargon or acronyms that might confuse the reader. Be concise and to the point, while still providing enough information to support your claim.
Lastly, remember to include any information about how your condition has affected your ability to work, as well as any other aspects of your life. This can include information about changes in your relationships, hobbies, or other activities.
Overall, a successful VA Statement in Support of Claim requires thorough documentation and clear communication of your condition and its impact on your life. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
