As a veteran, you bravely served your country, and now you want to ensure you have access to the benefits and services you deserve. Filing a claim with the Veterans Administration (VA) can be a complex process, but understanding the Statement in Support of Claim (SSOC) can help increase your chances of successfully pressing your claim.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on what this important document is, how to prepare it, and what to expect during the claims process. We’ll also give you tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on getting the benefits you need and deserve.
What is a Statement in Support of Claim?
The Statement in Support of Claim represents a powerful tool available to veterans, their loved ones, and fellow service members. It’s also called the Buddy Letter, Lay Evidence, or Witness Statement, allowing claimants to provide additional information to support their VA benefits petition.
Officially called VA Form 21-10210, the statement allows veterans and their support network to provide the VA with valuable insight into their condition and how it affects their daily life. The form offers a unique opportunity for claimants to provide a personal touch to their claims and humanize their experience.
The primary purpose of the statement in support of claim is to provide the VA with a clear and concise explanation of your disability or condition. Without it, the VA may not have enough information to make an informed decision about your case. A well-prepared SSOC can distinguish between receiving the benefits and services you deserve or denying your claim.
How to Write a Statement in Support of Claim
It’s recommended you write a statement for each condition you’re claiming. It should be a concise narrative consisting of three to five paragraphs describing the facts and circumstances of a specific VA-recognized disability. Personal statements can be compelling in filling gaps between military service and the present day, including details such as service treatment records, doctor visits for treatment (or lack thereof), the progression of your condition over time, and how your VA disability impacts your work, life, and social functioning.
Preparing a statement supporting a claim can be daunting, but it’s possible to create a compelling document with some guidance. Before getting started, it’s essential to download the official VA Form 21-4138 statement in support of a claim and save it on your computer.
How to Structure and Format Statement in Support of Claim
It’s recommended you write a statement for each condition you’re claiming. It should be a concise narrative consisting of three to five paragraphs describing the facts and circumstances of a specific VA-recognized disability. Personal statements can be compelling in filling gaps between military service and the present day, including details such as service treatment records, doctor visits for treatment (or lack thereof), the progression of your condition over time, and how your VA disability impacts your work, life, and social functioning.
Preparing a statement supporting a claim can be daunting, but it’s possible to create a compelling document with some guidance. Before getting started, it’s essential to download the official VA Form 21-4138 statement in support of a claim and save it on your computer.
How to Structure and Format Statement in Support of Claim
You must provide basic identification information such as your name, social security number, and date of birth at the beginning of the form. Ensuring that the information you provide is current and that the VA is informed of any changes during the approval process is essential. Below we’ll cover how to fill out each section of the form.
Section #1: Indicate the name of the disability you’re claiming.
In Part One, you must include the name of the VA disability condition you claim. Ensure that the condition’s name matches the medical diagnosis in your medical records.
Section #2: Give an estimated timeframe for when your disability began and justify why it should be considered service-connected (or why your VA rating should be increased for already service-connected conditions).
In Part Two, you want to provide an approximate timeframe, including the month and year when your disability symptoms initially started or when they started to worsen.
For example, if you’re submitting a claim to increase an existing service-connected disability, describe the length of time you have been service-connected and provide a clear explanation of why you’re seeking an increase. Be sure to provide detailed information regarding your symptoms’ frequency, severity, and duration.
If you’re submitting a claim to establish a direct service connection, you should clearly explain to the VA Rater the specific incident, injury, or disease that occurred during your military service, which resulted in the development of your disability.
Section #3: Describe your current disability symptoms, including their frequency, severity, and duration.
Part Three requires you to outline the present symptoms of the disability for which you file a claim. It’s crucial to thoroughly explain your current disability symptoms, as VA disability ratings are based on the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms over time.
For instance, if you’re filing for PTSD, you could describe symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Be sure to provide specific examples of how these symptoms impact your daily life, including how they affect your ability to work, socialize, and engage in everyday activities.
Helpful Hint: Instead of just stating that you have a specific condition, like depression, describing the symptoms your condition causes or contributes to is essential. For instance, you can say that you need help getting out of bed in the morning or you avoid public places and large crowds. Your Statement in Support of a Claim should paint a clear picture of your daily challenges and struggles.
Section #4: Describe how your disability adversely affects your work, personal life, and social functioning.
Part Four of the Statement in Support of a Claim requires you to explain how your disability hurts your work, life, and social functioning. You should provide at least two specific examples of how your disability limits or negatively affect you.
For example, suppose you have a physical disability that affects your ability to stand or walk for extended periods. It would be best to describe how this impacted your ability to perform your job duties, such as standing at a cash register or walking long distances while on the job. Additionally, explain how this has affected your ability to engage in everyday activities, such as grocery shopping or recreational activities with family and friends.
Here’s VA personal statement examples for a veteran who was diagnosed with PTSD after being discharged from military service:
“DC 9411, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Due to Combat Deployment to Iraq.
I was a critical member of counter-insurgency operations during my time in Iraq from April 2006 to May 2007. My duties included leading the charge ahead of conveyances to detect roadside bombs. Unfortunately, these tasks put me in harm’s way every day, and I witnessed the deaths of several of my fellow service members in gruesome ways. The constant threat to my life took a toll on my mental health, and my symptoms of anxiety and depression began to worsen.
Upon my discharge from the Army, I received a diagnosis of PTSD in 2018. Despite undergoing therapy and medication, my symptoms continue to impact my daily life. I experience frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and severe emotional distress, often leading to feelings of hopelessness and disinterest in activities that once brought me joy. Additionally, I struggle with sleep difficulties, memory problems, severe anger, and paranoia, causing me to feel detached from my loved ones.
My PTSD has had a significant negative impact on my work and personal life. In the wake of my trauma, I lost my wife and custody of my children. My depression, inability to focus, and memory issues led to my being terminated from my job. Moreover, my anger issues have made maintaining relationships with friends, family, and coworkers difficult. Despite seeking treatment and medication, my symptoms have not improved.”
This example of a VA Statement in Support of Claim demonstrates how personal details can make all the difference in a winning claim. Veterans are encouraged to describe their experiences in detail and provide specific examples of how their disability affects their life. By doing so, veterans can paint a more vivid picture of their struggles and increase their chances of receiving the benefits they deserve.
Beware of Nexus Letters
Veterans often face financial challenges, and the added burden of expensive medical nexus letters can be a significant hurdle. By understanding alternative options like the Statement in Support of Claim, veterans can save money and still provide strong evidence for their disability claims.
Conclusion
Filing a Statement in Support of Claim can make a significant difference in the success of your quest for VA benefits. Following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can prepare an SSOC that accurately and concisely describes your condition and how it impacts your daily life.
With a well-prepared SSOC, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the VA disability claims process and obtain the VA disability benefits and services you earned as a veteran.
FAQ
What is a statement to a claim?
A statement supporting a claim is a document completed by the veteran that details his or her disability or condition. It helps the VA understand the severity of the condition and how it affects the veteran’s daily life.
What is a VA lay statement?
The VA lay statement, also known as a witness statement or buddy letter, is a written statement provided by someone who has firsthand knowledge of a veteran’s condition or disability. Lay statements can be written by family members, friends, fellow service members, or anyone else who has knowledge of the veteran’s condition. These statements can provide additional evidence to support the veteran’s VA benefits claim.
How do I write a winning VA statement supporting the claim?
To write a winning VA statement in support of a claim, it’s essential to be clear, concise, and detailed. Describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life in specific terms, provide examples, and be honest. Include medical evidence and supporting statements from witnesses or experts. Ensure to follow the VA’s guidelines for formatting and structure and include the necessary information, such as the Diagnostic Code (DC) for the claimed condition.
What is an example of supporting lay statements?
Supporting lay statements can provide additional evidence to support a veteran’s VA benefits claim. Examples of supporting lay statements include personal anecdotes about how a veteran’s condition affects their daily life, descriptions of symptoms or limitations, and witness statements from family members, friends, or coworkers. These statements can provide valuable insight into the severity of the veteran’s condition and how it impacts their ability to work, perform daily tasks, and engage in recreational activities.