VA Form 21-4138, the "Statement in Support of Claim," is used by Veterans to provide written details, personal accounts, and supporting evidence (like buddy statements from friends/family) to help the VA understand and evaluate their claim for benefits, explaining how a condition affects them or connecting disabilities. It helps fill gaps not covered in medical records, offering specific examples of symptoms and their impact on daily life or linking a secondary condition to a service-connected one, crucial for strengthening a claim for disability, education, housing, or other benefits. For more information or to download a writable pdf of VA Form 21-4138, click the portal below: