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30+ forms · Plain English

VA Forms in Plain English

Every form number decoded. What it does, when you need it, and how to fill it out without losing your mind.

Browse VA Forms

Starting a Claim

2

Forms for veterans filing for disability compensation for the first time.

21-0966

Intent to File

Tells the VA you plan to file. Locks in your start date for back pay. Takes 5 minutes — do this FIRST.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21-526EZ

Disability Compensation Claim

THE claim form. This is how you officially apply for disability benefits.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

Supporting Your Claim

5

Forms that help you prove your case with evidence and records.

21-10210

Lay/Witness Statement (Buddy Statement)

A written statement from someone backing up your claim — friends, family, or fellow service members.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21-4142

Authorization to Release Medical Records

Gives the VA permission to pull your private doctor's records. Saves you from gathering them yourself.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21-4142a

General Release for Medical Records

Companion form to 21-4142. Lists additional healthcare providers.

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21-0781

PTSD Statement

Details the traumatic event(s) connected to your PTSD claim. Combat and non-combat versions exist.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21-0781a

PTSD Secondary Statement

For PTSD related to personal assault or MST (Military Sexual Trauma).

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

After Your Rating

4

Forms for after you've received a rating — dependents, TDIU, aid & attendance.

21-686c

Add/Remove Dependents

Add your spouse, kids, or parents to your benefits. Can increase your monthly payment.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21-8940

TDIU Application

Claim you can't work due to your disabilities. Can get you paid at the 100% rate even if your rating is lower.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21-4140

Employment Questionnaire

The VA checking if you're still unemployable. Required if you receive TDIU.

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21-2680

Aid & Attendance Examination

Apply for extra help if you need daily assistance due to your disabilities.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

Appeals & Decision Reviews

3

Forms for when the VA gets it wrong.

20-0995

Supplemental Claim

Reopen your claim with NEW evidence. No time limit.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
20-0996

Higher-Level Review

Ask a senior reviewer to look at your claim again. No new evidence allowed. Must file within 1 year.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
10182

Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)

Take your case to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. You can request a hearing. Must file within 1 year.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

Education & Employment

4

Forms for GI Bill, vocational rehab, and career services.

22-1990

GI Bill Application

Apply for your GI Bill education benefits for the first time.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
22-1995

Change of School or Program

Transfer your GI Bill benefits to a different school or training program.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
22-5490

Dependents Education (DEA)

Apply for Chapter 35 education benefits as a dependent or survivor.

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28-1900

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E / Chapter 31)

Apply for career counseling, job training, or education if your disability affects your ability to work.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

Healthcare

4

Forms for enrolling in and managing VA healthcare.

10-10EZ

Healthcare Enrollment

Enroll in VA healthcare. This is your application.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
10-10EZR

Health Benefits Update

Update your financial info for VA healthcare. Can affect copays and priority group.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
10-10d

CHAMPVA Application

Healthcare for dependents of 100% P&T veterans. Free coverage.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
10-7959c

CHAMPVA Claims Form

Submit a claim for CHAMPVA reimbursement after seeing a provider.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

Housing & Home Loans

2

Forms for VA home loan benefits and housing grants.

26-1880

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Proves to a lender you qualify for a VA home loan. Required before buying a home with VA backing.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
26-4555

Adapted Housing Grant

Apply for a grant to modify your home for a service-connected disability.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →

Survivors & Family

3

Forms for spouses, dependents, and survivors.

21P-534

DIC Application

Apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation as a surviving spouse or child.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21P-534EZ

DIC Application (Simplified)

Streamlined version of the DIC application. Covers DIC, death pension, and accrued benefits in one form.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
21P-527EZ

Survivors Pension

Apply for pension benefits as a surviving spouse of a wartime veteran.

File on VA.gov (opens in new tab)View Guide →
📋

General form filing tips

  • ✓Make copies of everything before you submit
  • ✓Use black ink on paper forms
  • ✓Don't leave blanks — write “N/A” if something doesn't apply
  • ✓Be specific with dates — use exact dates whenever possible, not just years
  • ✓Sign and date every form before submitting
  • ✓File an Intent to File (21-0966) first — it locks in your back pay date
  • ✓Get free VSO help — they can review your forms before you submit
  • ✓Submit online when possible — it's faster and gives you a confirmation number

Related Guides

Forms are just one piece. Make sure your full claim is solid.

Claims Process Appeals & Denials Claim Flowcharts VA Glossary

Related Journeys

Veterans who use this page are often on one of these paths.

🧭

Just Separated / Brand New

“Where do I even start?”

📋

Filing a First Claim

“How do I file my first claim?”

🚧

Denied or Stuck

“My claim got denied. Now what?”

📈

Increasing Your Rating

“My condition got worse.”

⭐

100% P&T Veterans

“I'm 100% P&T — what else am I entitled to?”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Members

“My spouse or parent is a veteran.”

🕯️

Survivor & Gold Star Benefits

“I lost my veteran. What am I entitled to?”

🛡️

Guard & Reserve Veterans

“I was Guard or Reserve — do I qualify?”

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