WingmanOpen the free toolsWingmanOpen the free toolsA short, plain-English guide to the forms that matter for a disability claim or appeal. Each links to the official form on VA.gov.
The main application you file to claim VA disability compensation for a condition connected to your service.
Use it: File a brand-new claim, add a new or secondary condition, or ask for an increase because a service-connected condition got worse.
Tells VA you plan to file, which locks in an earlier effective date so back pay can start from that date once you submit.
Use it: When you're not ready to file the full claim yet but want to protect your effective date; you then have one year to submit. (Filing online captures this automatically.)
Your own written statement adding details, context, and your personal account to support your claim.
Use it: To tell your story in your own words — how a condition affects you and anything that didn't fit on the main form.
Lets someone else (or you) submit a witness statement about what they personally saw or know.
Use it: For a 'buddy statement' from a fellow service member, spouse, coworker, or friend who witnessed your injury, symptoms, or their impact.
Gives VA your written permission to request your medical records from a non-VA source.
Use it: When some of your treatment records are with private providers and you want VA to go get them (pairs with 21-4142a).
Reopens a decided claim by adding new and relevant evidence VA didn't have before.
Use it: You disagree with a decision and have NEW evidence to submit (or a newly presumptive condition, e.g. under the PACT Act).
Asks a more senior reviewer to take a fresh look at your decision for errors, using only evidence already on file.
Use it: You think VA made a mistake with the evidence they already had. No new evidence, but you can request an informal phone call.
Appeals your decision to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Use it: You want a judge to review your case. Pick a docket: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or Hearing.
A condition-specific medical form a doctor fills out to document your diagnosis, symptoms, and severity in VA's own rating terms.
Use it: When you want your VA or private doctor to record your condition thoroughly; a strong DBQ can support your claim and sometimes reduce the need for a C&P exam.