Filing a VA disability claim can be an overwhelming process, but one key element that can make or break your claim is a VA personal statement.
This document allows you to provide lay evidence—a personal account of how your service-connected disability affects your daily life. While medical evidence carries weight in the VA’s decision-making process, a well-crafted personal statement can bridge the gap between your medical records and the actual impact of your disability. You’ll get VA personal statement examples here also. Whether you’re filing an initial claim or seeking an increase in your current rating, mastering the art of the personal statement is crucial.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a VA personal statement that maximizes your chances of success:
The VA personal statement is filled out on a VA form 21-4138 — make sure to download it, fill it in, print it, then sign, and submit it to the VA via a PDF. It must be signed with a pen, not electronically.
1. Submit a Separate VA Personal Statement for Each Condition
Each condition you are claiming should have its own personal statement. See our VA personal statement examples below. Don’t lump all of the conditions all together. This helps the VA rater clearly see how each condition affects your life. Veterans often make the mistake of trying to cover multiple conditions in one statement, which can dilute the effectiveness of your claim. A focused, condition-specific statement allows you to zero in on the criteria for that particular ailment and address them clearly.
As a technique, I also name each file that I submit with the following nomenclature: <problem name> – <Form Name> – <date> so for example, Migraines – Personal Statement – 30 Nov 2024
2. Start with the Basics In Your Personal Statement
Getting started can be difficult, so start with your name. Open your statement with a sentence like:
“Hi, my name is Bob Smith, and I was diagnosed with [Your Condition] during my active-duty service.”
This approach not only gets the writing process started but also lays a solid foundation by confirming a service connection. Always mention if the diagnosis occurred during service to ensure there’s no confusion about the origin of your condition. This can save you from unnecessary denials and simplify the review process if you need to appeal later on. You can see an example from our VA personal statement examples below.
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3. Link Your Statement to Submitted Medical Documents
Include a brief reference to your medical records to reinforce your claim. For example, you can write:
“I was diagnosed with [Condition] during my active-duty service (see submitted medical records).”
This shows the VA rater that your personal statement is backed up by medical evidence, encouraging them to review the documentation. Not all VA raters thoroughly read medical files, so guiding them to your evidence can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. It also presents you as confident and organized, reducing the chances of your claim being unfairly dismissed.
4. Tailor Your Personal Statement to the Rating Criteria
The VA evaluates disabilities based on specific criteria outlined in the 38 CFR Schedule for Rating Disabilities. When writing your personal statement, familiarize yourself with how your condition is rated by researching the relevant criteria. For example, if you’re filing a claim for Migraines , a 30% rating requires showing “…characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months” . With prostrating being a key criteria.
Once you know the criteria, craft your personal statement to show how you meet it. Be sure to focus on key terms such as “total social and occupational impairment” for mental health claims or “severe impairment” for physical ailments. Avoid going off-topic—everything you write should advance your case.
5. Use a Surgical Approach to Your Statement
Think of your personal statement as a surgical strike. Focus only on the elements that prove you meet the rating criteria, and keep everything else out. For example, if your condition affects your ability to work, detail how this manifests:
“Due to chronic back pain, I cannot sit or stand for extended periods, which has severely impacted my ability to perform my duties at work. I’ve been written up twice for missed deadlines and am on the verge of losing my job.”
This demonstrates total occupational impairment, which is crucial for mental health and chronic pain claims that aim for higher disability ratings.
6. Avoid Overly Emotional Language
It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration and emotional toll of your condition, but the VA raters are looking for concrete facts. Avoid venting or overly emotional language. While your personal experience is important, focus on how your symptoms meet the VA’s rating criteria. THIS IS IMPORTANT. For example, rather than saying, “I feel terrible every day and no one understands my pain,” explain how your condition affects specific areas of your life, such as work, relationships, or daily routines as it relates to the VAs rating criteria. And of course make sure you are honest. The VA personal statement examples below can provide even more details.
7. Relate Symptoms to Both Social and Occupational Impairment
For mental health claims like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, the VA looks for total social and occupational impairment when evaluating high ratings. Your personal statement should demonstrate how your condition affects these two areas.
Social Impairment Example:
“Due to my PTSD, I have become withdrawn from my family and friends. I no longer attend social gatherings, and my relationship with my spouse has deteriorated. We are on the verge of separation due to my inability to communicate effectively or manage my symptoms.”
Occupational Impairment Example:
“My chronic migraines cause me to miss work frequently. On multiple occasions, I’ve had to leave early due to severe pain, and my employer has warned me that my performance is unsatisfactory. I fear losing my job as I am no longer able to function at the level required.”
By explicitly relating your symptoms to both areas, you paint a clear picture for the rater that aligns with the VA’s standards for higher ratings.
8. Keep It Concise
The VA raters are human and may be reviewing dozens of claims in a day. To make sure your statement is read carefully, keep it concise and to the point. Use short paragraphs and leave plenty of white space to make it easier to read. While your story is incredibly important to you, remember that the rater is looking for evidence that connects your symptoms to the rating criteria, not a long narrative. Cut out anything that doesn’t directly advance your claim. See our VA personal statement examples below.
At the same time, avoid using legalistic language or quoting VA guidelines verbatim. You don’t want to come across as arrogant or condescending. Instead, translate the guidelines into everyday language that aligns with your real-life experiences.
9. Don’t Forget to Proofread and Trim
Before submitting your personal statement, read it through several times. Make sure every sentence serves a purpose and directly contributes to showing how your condition meets the VA’s rating criteria. If something doesn’t serve that goal, cut it out. You don’t want it wordy. Your statement should be lean, direct, and focused.
One Of The VA Personal Statement Examples
Personal Statement for VA Disability Claim: Back Pain
Hi, my name is Bob Smith, and I was diagnosed with back pain during my Air Force active-duty service. Since leaving the military in 2015, my back condition has progressively worsened, and an MRI performed two years after my discharge revealed that I suffer from degenerative back disease and multiple bulging discs.
I experience intermittent shooting pain down both legs and persistent numbness in my left leg, which is accompanied by almost constant cramping. Additionally, I have significant weakness in my left calf and foot, which further limits my mobility and ability to perform daily activities. These symptoms occur on a daily basis, severely impacting my quality of life.
My back pain has made it nearly impossible to perform basic daily activities at home. I am unable to lift anything over a few pounds without experiencing significant discomfort, and I cannot stand for more than 5 to 10 minutes without feeling substantial pain. Sitting for extended periods also causes severe discomfort, making it challenging to perform tasks that require prolonged sitting.
This condition has also negatively affected my personal life. Activities I once enjoyed, like jogging and playing sports, are no longer possible. Even walking short distances is difficult, and I must use walking sticks to keep steady and prevent falls. I also have to carry a portable chair with me to sit when needed. Twisting or moving the wrong way can lead to sudden, debilitating pain.
At work, while I can perform my duties, I require lumbar support in every chair I sit in to manage the pain. Additionally, I have tried several treatments to alleviate my symptoms, including physical therapy, muscle relaxants, ibuprofen, and injections, but the relief has been minimal. I am trying to avoid surgery at this time, though it remains a potential future option.
Overall, my back condition severely impacts both my social and physical activities, and it continues to worsen despite my efforts to manage the pain.
Thank you for considering my statement in support of my claim.
Sincerely,
Bob Smith
The Second Of The VA Personal Statement Examples
Personal Statement for VA Disability Claim: Anxiety
My name is Suzy Smith, and I am submitting this statement to support my claim for service-connected anxiety. I was diagnosed with anxiety during my active-duty service, and since my discharge, the condition has continued to significantly affect my daily life, personal relationships, and work performance.
I experience persistent anxiety symptoms, including constant worry, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a sense of dread, often without any clear reason. My anxiety also causes physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tightness in my chest, and trouble breathing, which occur daily and can be overwhelming at times. I often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, leaving me fatigued and on edge throughout the day.
These symptoms have had a profound impact on my daily life. Simple tasks, like going to the grocery store or driving, trigger intense feelings of anxiety, which often leads to me avoiding these activities altogether. I constantly worry about worst-case scenarios, even for minor situations, and this has made it difficult to focus on anything else. My relationships with family and friends have suffered because I am frequently irritable and withdraw from social activities, fearing my anxiety will take over in public settings.
The condition has also affected my work performance. While I am still employed, my anxiety makes it difficult for me to concentrate on tasks for extended periods. I often find myself overwhelmed by routine tasks, leading to mistakes and missed deadlines. I have had multiple instances where I needed to leave work early or take unscheduled breaks due to anxiety attacks. This has put a strain on my job security and has made me fear that I may not be able to maintain employment if the anxiety continues to worsen.
To manage my anxiety, I have sought treatment, including counseling and medication. While these have provided some relief, the symptoms remain persistent and interfere with both my personal and professional life on a daily basis.
In conclusion, my anxiety has caused significant social and occupational impairment, affecting nearly every aspect of my life. Despite my efforts to manage the condition, it continues to disrupt my ability to function normally. I respectfully request that my condition be evaluated in light of these factors.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Suzy Smith
A well-crafted personal statement can significantly improve your chances of getting the VA rating you deserve. By breaking down the process into clear steps—starting with your name, referencing your medical records, tailoring your statement to the rating criteria, and focusing on social and occupational impairment—you can maximize the impact of your claim.
Remember, the goal is to provide the VA rater with everything they need to give you a fair decision without overwhelming them. Keep it simple, keep it direct, and above all, focus on showing how your condition fits the VA’s guidelines. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to writing a personal statement that boosts your VA disability claim. We’ve provided two VA Personal Statement Examples along with guidance to help you make your VA personal statement the best it can be.
