The Benefits of Using VA Form 21-4138 and Where to Download It
How to Download VA Form 21-4138
If you are a veteran or a beneficiary of a veteran who wants to submit a statement in support of your claim for VA benefits, you may need to use VA Form 21-4138. This form is also known as a Statement in Support of Claim, and it allows you to provide additional information or evidence that may help your case. In this article, we will explain what VA Form 21-4138 is, when to use it, how to get it, how to fill it out, and how to submit it.
What is VA Form 21-4138?
VA Form 21-4138 is a simple form that lets you write a statement in your own words to support your claim for VA benefits. You can use this form to submit a VA buddy statement, which is a statement from someone who has firsthand knowledge of your service-related condition or disability, or any other statement that you think will help your claim.
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Purpose of the form
The purpose of VA Form 21-4138 is to provide additional information or evidence that may not be available in your service records, medical records, or other documents. For example, you can use this form to explain how your condition affects your daily life, how it relates to your military service, or how it has worsened over time. You can also use this form to provide details about an event or incident that caused or aggravated your condition, such as combat exposure, sexual assault, or injury.
When to use the form
You can use VA Form 21-4138 at any stage of your claim process, whether you are applying for the first time, requesting an increase in your disability rating, appealing a decision, or reopening a previously denied claim. However, you should only use this form if you have relevant and credible information that is not already in your file. You should also make sure that your statement is clear, concise, and consistent with the rest of your evidence.
How to get VA Form 21-4138?
There are several ways to get VA Form 21-4138. You can get it online, by mail, or by phone.
Online
The easiest way to get VA Form 21-4138 is online. You can either download a PDF version of the form or use an online tool to submit your statement electronically.
Downloadable PDF
You can download VA Form 21-4138 from the official website of the Department of Veterans Affairs at .
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Online tool
You can also use an online tool to submit your statement in support of claim without having to print or mail anything. You can access the tool at . You will need to sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account. You will need to answer some questions about your claim and upload any supporting documents. You can then write your statement in the text box provided or upload a completed VA Form 21-4138 as a PDF file. You can also save your progress and come back later to finish your submission.
By mail
If you prefer to mail your statement, you can request a copy of VA Form 21-4138 by mail. You can send a written request to the VA regional office that handles your claim. You can find the address of your regional office at . You should include your name, claim number, and the name of the form you need in your request. You should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the VA to send you the form.
By phone
You can also call the VA toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000 to request a copy of VA Form 21-4138 by phone. You will need to provide your name, claim number, and the name of the form you need. The VA will mail you the form within 10 business days.
How to fill out VA Form 21-4138?
VA Form 21-4138 is a one-page form that consists of three sections: Section I: Veteran/Beneficiary's Identification Information, Section II: Statement, and Section III: Signature. Here is how to fill out each section:
Section I: Veteran/Beneficiary's Identification Information
In this section, you need to provide your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, VA file number, address, phone number, and email address. You also need to indicate whether you are the veteran or the beneficiary of the veteran. If you are the beneficiary, you need to provide the veteran's name and relationship to you.
Section II: Statement
In this section, you need to write your statement in support of your claim. You can use additional sheets of paper if you need more space. You should write clearly and legibly, using a pen with black or blue ink. You should also number each page and include your name and Social Security number on each page. You should start your statement with "I am writing this statement in support of my claim for (type of benefit) based on (condition or disability)." You should then explain why you believe you are entitled to the benefit, providing as much detail as possible. You should also mention any evidence that supports your statement, such as service records, medical records, buddy statements, or other documents. You should end your statement with "I certify that the statements on this form are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Section III: Signature
In this section, you need to sign and date the form. You also need to provide your daytime phone number and email address. If you have a representative or an attorney who is helping you with your claim, you need to provide their name and address as well.
How to submit VA Form 21-4138?
Once you have completed VA Form 21-4138, you can submit it online, by mail, or by fax.
Online
If you have used the online tool to submit your statement electronically, you do not need to do anything else. The tool will automatically send your statement and any attachments to the VA. You will receive a confirmation message and a tracking number for your submission.
By mail
If you have mailed your statement, you need to send it to the VA regional office that handles your claim. You can find the address of your regional office at . You should include a cover letter with your name, claim number, and the type of benefit you are claiming. You should also include any supporting documents that you have not already submitted.
By fax
If you have faxed your statement, you need to send it to the VA fax number at 1-844-531-7818. You should include a cover sheet with your name, claim number, and the type of benefit you are claiming. You should also include any supporting documents that you have not already submitted.
Conclusion
VA Form 21-4138 is a useful form that allows you to submit a statement in support of your claim for VA benefits. It can help you provide additional information or evidence that may not be available in other sources. However , you should only use this form if you have relevant and credible information that is not already in your file. You should also make sure that your statement is clear, concise, and consistent with the rest of your evidence. You can get VA Form 21-4138 online, by mail, or by phone. You can fill it out by hand or on your computer. You can submit it online, by mail, or by fax. We hope this article has helped you understand how to download VA Form 21-4138 and how to use it effectively.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about VA Form 21-4138:
What is the difference between VA Form 21-4138 and VA Form 21-8940?
VA Form 21-4138 is a general form that allows you to submit any statement in support of your claim for VA benefits. VA Form 21-8940 is a specific form that allows you to apply for individual unemployability, which is a benefit that pays you at the 100% disability rate if you are unable to work due to your service-connected disabilities.
How long does it take for the VA to process my statement?
The processing time for your statement depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your claim, the availability of your evidence, and the workload of the VA regional office. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the VA to review your statement and make a decision on your claim.
How can I check the status of my claim?
You can check the status of your claim online, by phone, or by mail. You can use the online tool at to track the progress of your claim. You will need to sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account. You can also call the VA toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a representative who can update you on your claim. You can also write to the VA regional office that handles your claim and request a status update. You should include your name, claim number, and the type of benefit you are claiming in your letter.
What if I disagree with the VA's decision on my claim?
If you disagree