Use the current form and instructions from VA's official page. A form number alone does not tell you which deadline or review lane applies. Confirm the issue, decision date, filing method, and signature requirements before submitting. The links below go to VA's form information pages; VA may update a PDF or change its online filing workflow.

Initial claims, intent, and evidence

  • VA Form 21-526EZ: Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Use for an original disability claim or a claim for increase when VA directs you to file a formal application.
  • VA Form 21-0966: Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC. It can preserve a potential effective date for up to one year while you complete the claim; it is not the completed claim.
  • VA Form 21-10210: Lay/Witness Statement. Use it for your own statement or another person's observations, with dates, first-hand details, and the issue addressed.
  • VA Form 21-0781: Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to an In-Service Traumatic Event(s). The March 2024 form covers traumatic-event claims for PTSD and other mental health conditions, including events involving military sexual trauma or personal assault; VA discontinued the separate Form 21-0781a in June 2024.
  • VA Form 21-4142 and VA Form 21-4142a: Authorization and Consent to Release Information to VA, and General Release for Medical Provider Information to VA. These can allow VA to request identified private records; they do not guarantee that a provider will respond. Keep your own copy and request records directly when timing matters.

For evidence planning, see Chapter 2: Evidence That Supports Claims, Chapter 4: Buddy and Lay Statement Tips, and Chapter 3: What Makes a Strong Nexus Letter.

AMA review forms

  • VA Form 20-0995: Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. Use when you have or identify new and relevant evidence for an issue decided by VA.
  • VA Form 20-0996: Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review. Use to ask for a senior reviewer to review the existing record; new evidence is not considered in the HLR itself.
  • VA Form 10182: Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement). Select the Board docket that fits the evidence and hearing plan. Docket selection controls when additional evidence may be submitted.

The form does not replace the deadline. Most AMA review requests must be filed within one year of the decision notice to continuously pursue the issue. Read Chapter 16: Appeal Options before selecting a lane. A CUE motion is not filed on Form 20-0995; see Chapter 17: CUE.

Unemployability and special benefits

  • VA Form 21-8940: Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (TDIU).
  • VA Form 21-4192: Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits. VA may ask a former employer to complete it; the veteran should not invent an employer response.
  • VA Form 21-2680: Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. A clinician completes the examination portion; eligibility depends on the governing benefit criteria.

See TDIU and Special Monthly Compensation for the legal requirements rather than treating a completed form as proof of entitlement.

Records, dependents, survivors, and representation

  • VA Form 20-10206: Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act Request. Use it for a VBA claims file or a targeted benefits record request; separate VHA medical-record requests may use the health-facility Release of Information process. See Chapter 19: C-file.
  • VA Form 21-686c: Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents. Supply the marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or other relationship information VA requests.
  • VA Form 21P-534EZ: Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits. Select the benefit sought and submit evidence appropriate to that benefit.
  • VA Form 21P-0847: Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant. A survivor generally must request substitution within the statutory period; do not confuse this with an accrued-benefits application.
  • VA Form 21-22: Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative.
  • VA Form 21-22a: Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative, used for an eligible attorney or claims agent.

Review family benefits, survivor benefits, and who can help before sending sensitive documents or signing a fee agreement.

Official sources