Fill Out VA Form 21-4138 Online
Statement in Support of Claim
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Provides a written statement supporting a VA benefits claim.
Reviewed July 2026
How it works
- 1
Open the form. The official PDF loads straight into the editor, no download needed first.
- 2
Fill it out in the editor. Click anywhere to type, add checkmarks and place your signature.
- 3
Download your PDF. Save the completed form, ready to print or submit.
VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, is the VA's general-purpose statement form. Veterans and claimants use it to put information in writing when it does not fit on another form: extra details about a claim, explanations of evidence, or answers to a VA request.
Because the form is mostly one large text block, typing it is far easier than writing by hand. Open the 21-4138 in the Universal PDF editor, write your statement on screen, and download a clean PDF to sign and submit.
What is VA Form 21-4138 used for
The 21-4138 gives the VA a signed, certified written statement to add to your claims file. Common uses include:
- Adding context or details to a pending disability, pension, or DIC claim
- Responding to a VA letter that asks for more information
- Explaining gaps or inconsistencies in records
- Describing how a condition affects daily life and work
Who files VA Form 21-4138
Veterans, claimants, and other people with information relevant to a claim can complete a 21-4138. For statements from witnesses such as family members or fellow service members, the VA also offers VA Form 21-10210, Lay/Witness Statement, which is designed specifically for that purpose.
If you have an accredited representative appointed with VA Form 21-22, they can help you decide what to say and how to frame it. Keep statements factual and specific; dates, places, names, and concrete observations carry more weight than general assertions.
How to fill out VA Form 21-4138
The form is short. Complete it in this order:
- Identification: your name, Social Security number, and VA file number if you have one, so the statement is matched to the right claims file
- Statement: write clearly and stick to facts you know firsthand; reference the claim or condition the statement relates to
- Certification and signature: the form includes a certification that the statement is true to the best of your knowledge, so read it before signing and dating
Where to send it
Statements can be submitted online through VA.gov, mailed to the claims intake address printed in the current form's instructions, or filed through your accredited representative. If the VA asked you for the statement, follow any submission instructions in that letter.
Frequently asked questions
Anything factual that helps the VA understand your claim: what happened in service, how a condition affects you, or clarifications the VA requested. Be specific with dates, locations, and names where you can.
Statements from other people have often been filed on the 21-4138, but the VA now provides VA Form 21-10210, Lay/Witness Statement, which is purpose-built for witness statements. Either way, the statement should be signed by the person who wrote it.
No. Claims must be filed on the standard claim forms, such as VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation. The 21-4138 adds supporting information to a claim rather than starting one.
Yes. You can submit a statement whenever you have relevant information to add. Each statement should be signed and dated, and clearly identify the claim it supports.
Yes, and it is usually the better choice. Fill in the form in the Universal PDF editor, download the finished PDF, and sign it before submitting.
Related forms
Universal PDF is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Forms are provided from official government sources; always confirm you have the current version before filing.