VA Form 21-0781 Guide

Document PTSD Stressors the Right Way

Follow this play to describe stressor events clearly, connect corroborating evidence, and keep your PTSD claim on track.

  1. Capture the facts: Write precise who/what/when/where details for each qualifying stressor.
  2. Attach proof: Pair every event with buddy statements, unit records, and treatment notes that back up your account.
  3. Submit and respond: File the form with your claim, answer VA follow-ups quickly, and prepare for the PTSD C&P exam.

What’s covered on this page

VA Form 21-0781 snapshot

Source: VA.gov form summary (last updated June 13, 2025)

  • Official name: Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Download: VBA-21-0781-ARE.pdf
  • Companion form: Use VA Form 21-0781a for stressors related to personal assault or Military Sexual Trauma.
  • Primary use: Document in-service stressor events so the VA can corroborate PTSD claims or Supplemental Claims.
  • Typical follow-up: Most claimants are scheduled for a PTSD Compensation & Pension exam and a records search by VA’s stressor verification team.

When to use VA Form 21-0781

  • You are filing VA Form 21-526EZ for PTSD and need to document specific in-service stressor events for the first time.
  • You are pursuing a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new corroborating evidence and must re-describe the stressor for context.
  • You previously submitted a statement through VA Form 21-4138 and now need to upgrade to the standardized PTSD format.
  • You are a National Guard or Reserve veteran documenting deployment events that occurred while you were activated under qualifying orders.
  • You received a development letter requesting additional stressor details; updating sections IV and V can prevent a formal denial.

What you’ll need before you file

  • Two primary stressor events with month/year (or 60-day window), location, unit, MOS, and the names of people who witnessed or were involved.
  • Supporting documentation: after-action reports, unit diaries, deployment orders, police reports, combat awards, or buddy statements prepared on VA Form 21-10210.
  • Medical evidence connecting the stressor to a current PTSD diagnosis, including VA treatment notes, private therapy records, or DBQs.
  • Contact details for private clinicians or chaplains if you want the VA to request records using VA Form 21-4142.
  • A typed addendum if you need more space—label it “Attachment to VA Form 21-0781” and reference the event number it supports.

How to submit VA Form 21-0781

Upload with your claim

When filing VA Form 21-526EZ or VA Form 20-0995 online, add the stressor statement as its own PDF and title it clearly (for example, “PTSD Stressor Statement – Event 1”).

Mail or fax with supporting evidence

Include the completed form in the same packet you mail or fax to the Claims Intake Center so all exhibits stay grouped together:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Fax domestic submissions to 844-531-7818 (or 248-524-4260 overseas). Accredited VSO representatives can also upload the stressor statement for you.

Flag sensitive content

If the statement discusses traumatic details, add “Sensitive information enclosed” to the cover memo so VA mailroom staff handle the packet appropriately.

What happens after you file

  • VA’s stressor verification cell reviews the statement and may contact the Joint Services Records Research Center or DoD archives to corroborate events.
  • Most PTSD claims trigger a Compensation & Pension exam; come prepared to discuss the same timeline you described on the form.
  • If VA needs more information, you will receive a development letter or phone call. Respond promptly with updated statements or additional evidence.
  • Keep checking the claim status tool so you do not miss scheduled exams or document deadlines.
  • If the stressor cannot be verified, consider submitting new corroboration (unit logs, award citations) or re-filing with assistance from a PTSD-trained VSO.

Common pitfalls and pro tips

  • Leaving dates or unit identifiers blank—the VA needs at least a 60-day window and unit/company information to run a records search.
  • Using VA Form 21-0781 instead of VA Form 21-0781a for personal assault or MST stressors; the wrong form can delay assistance.
  • Submitting vague “blanket” statements. Focus on specific incidents and the immediate aftermath so VA adjudicators can evaluate credibility.
  • Forgetting to update contact information on the main claim form—missed phone calls for verification interviews can lead to denial.
  • Not cross-referencing evidence. Mention the exhibit number (for example, “See Buddy Statement 1”) in Part VI to keep raters oriented.

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