VA forms, in plain language
The forms behind a VA claim, explained one by one
Every claim runs on forms with names like 21-526EZ and 20-0995. Each page below says what one form is, when it shows up, and links the official VA page to get it. Facts only: nothing here tells you what to file, and a free accredited VSO can help with the decisions.
21-526EZ
Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
The main application for VA disability compensation: the form that starts a disability claim.
21-0966
Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension
Reserves your place in line: it locks an effective date while you gather evidence for the full claim.
21-4138
Statement in Support of Claim
The general-purpose written statement form: your own words, on the record, attached to your claim.
21-10210
Lay/Witness Statement
The form for statements from people who know you: spouses, battle buddies, coworkers, or the veteran themselves.
20-0995
Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim
The review lane for adding new evidence after a decision you disagree with.
20-0996
Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review
Asks a more senior reviewer to take a fresh look at the same evidence, no new evidence allowed.
10182
Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)
Takes your case to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
21-22
Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative
The form that lets a Veterans Service Organization represent you, for free.
21-4142
Authorization to Disclose Information to the VA
Your permission slip letting the VA collect records from private, non-VA doctors.
21-686c
Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents
Adds a spouse, children, or dependent parents to your award, or removes them when life changes.
21-8940
Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability
The application for Individual Unemployability: compensation at the 100% rate when service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful work.
21-0781
Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to In-Service Traumatic Event(s)
The statement form for PTSD and other mental health claims tied to traumatic events in service.
SF-180
Request Pertaining to Military Records
The National Archives form for requesting your military records, including your DD-214.
20-10206
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act Request
How you request a copy of your own VA claims file, the C-file.
10-10EZ
Application for Health Benefits
Enrollment in VA health care, separate from disability compensation.
22-1990
Application for VA Education Benefits
The application for GI Bill education benefits.
3288
Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Individual's Records
Authorizes the VA to release your VA records to someone you choose.
The forms go to the VA. The copies are yours to keep.
MusterVault keeps your completed forms, decision letters, and medical records organized and encrypted on your own computer, so the next form is filled from files you can actually find. No cloud, no account.
Informational only. Form availability and requirements are governed by the official VA pages linked from each entry. MusterVault organizes records, never gives claims advice, and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.