VA Forms
The seven core forms you'll use across the entire claims process — from filing through appeals. Direct downloads. Print, fill, submit by mail / in person / online / through a VSO.
VA Form 21-0966 — Intent to File
2 pages
What it's for: Locks your claim effective date for 12 months while you gather evidence.
When to use: File this FIRST — the day you decide you might file any claim. Costs nothing, takes 10 minutes.
VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation
15 pages
What it's for: The main claim form. Use for initial claims, secondary claims, and increased rating claims.
When to use: When you're ready to formally file your claim. After Intent to File (21-0966).
VA Form 21-4138 — Statement in Support of Claim
2 pages
What it's for: Your own sworn personal statement explaining your condition, in-service event, and functional impact.
When to use: With every claim. 3–5 paragraphs, structured.
VA Form 21-10210 — Lay/Witness Statement
3 pages
What it's for: For buddies, family, coworkers, or any third party submitting a sworn statement on your behalf.
When to use: When you have witnesses to in-service events or current symptoms. One form per witness.
VA Form 20-0995 — Supplemental Claim
7 pages
What it's for: Appeal lane 1: submit new and relevant evidence not previously considered.
When to use: When you have new evidence (nexus letter, buddy statement, new diagnosis) and want to re-open a denied claim. 1-year deadline from the denial.
VA Form 20-0996 — Higher-Level Review
5 pages
What it's for: Appeal lane 2: a senior reviewer at a different Regional Office looks at the same record. No new evidence.
When to use: When VA misapplied the law on the existing evidence. Includes optional informal phone conference. 1-year deadline.
VA Form 10182 — Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)
3 pages
What it's for: Appeal lane 3: a Board of Veterans Appeals judge reviews your case.
When to use: For complex cases or when Supplemental Claim and HLR didn't resolve it. Three sublanes: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, Hearing. 1-year deadline.
VA Form 20-10206 — Privacy Act / FOIA Request
2 pages
What it's for: Request your complete VA Claims File (C-File).
When to use: Before any appeal — you need to see exactly what evidence VA has on you. Especially the C&P exam reports. The C-File is free.
Other forms you may need
- Form 21-8940 — Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (VA.gov). Used to apply for TDIU.
- Form 21-22 — Appointment of Veterans Service Organization (VA.gov). Authorizes a VSO to act on your behalf.
- Form 21-22a — Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative (VA.gov). Authorizes an accredited attorney or agent.
- Form 20-10206 — Privacy Act / FOIA Request (VA.gov). Request your C-File.
- Form 21-686c — Declaration of Status of Dependents (VA.gov). Add dependents at 30%+ rating.
- Form 10-10d — CHAMPVA Application (VA.gov). Health coverage for dependents at 100% P&T.
- Form 22-5490 — Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) Application (VA.gov).
- Form 28-1900 — VR&E Application (VA.gov). Vocational Rehabilitation.