According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 29% of veterans from the Iraq War developed PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental condition caused by a traumatic event or encountering a stressful incident.
In veterans, PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is often caused by experiencing military combat, military sexual trauma, or personal assault during their military service. Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts can all trigger PTSD.
Because of the prevalence of this condition, the VA extended its help and service to veterans suffering from PTSD. If you want to learn more about VA Form 21-0781 and how to make a PTSD claim, this guide will help you.
What Is VA Form 21-0781, and Why Is It Important?
As mentioned, VA Form 21-0781 is a claims form that allows veterans to seek disability compensation and other benefits related to PTSD. It is a comprehensive form that requires detailed documentation, including medical records and service history.
PTSD is a severe mental health condition that is triggered by a stressor. PTSD affects the quality of life and can make it difficult for veterans to transition into civilian life.
This form is vital as veterans are prone to develop PTSD due to the nature of military service. However, successful application with this form entails extensive documentation and can be time-consuming.
How To Fill Out VA Form 21-0781?
Filling out the VA Form 21-0781 is relatively easy as it’s filled with precise instructions on what information you must provide for each section. For your convenience, we summarized everything for you below:
- Section I: Also known as the Veteran’s Identification Information section, this section requires you to provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and other relevant information verifying your information.
- Section II: The section is also called the Stressful Incidents. This is the part where you outline the details of your condition, such as your stressor and PTSD symptoms. You also need to verify your other essential military service information here.
- Section III: The Remarks section allows you to provide further details and information regarding your VA disability claim. Include any pertinent medical history, treatments, and other information that might help your case.
- Section IV: The Certification and Signature section requires you to sign the form. By signing this part, you testify that all the information you provided is accurate.
Once you are done filling out the form, make sure to double-check all information for accuracy and completeness, then submit it to the VA.
What Is the Purpose of VA Form 21-0781?
The purpose of VA Form 21-0781 is to provide veterans with the necessary tools and resources to seek compensation and other related benefits for their PTSD. The form allows you to accurately outline your condition, traumatic event, and other pertinent information to facilitate a streamlined claims process. Your VA disability benefits aim to help veterans overcome their stressors and help them live a more fulfilling life.
What Are the Types of Information Required for VA Form 21-0781?
The VA Form 21-0781 requires basic information regarding your identification and condition. Some details you need to confirm your personal information are your name, Social Security number, and date of birth. You also need to provide details about your active duty years, such as the locations you served, dates of service, and your unit or division.
Additionally, the form requires further information about your condition, such as your stressor, present symptoms, and treatment efforts. Providing medical records with disability rating details could help you further strengthen your claim.
What Are the Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filling Out VA Form 21-0781?
Some of the most common reasons why a VA claim is denied are as follows:
- Provided the wrong information
- Submitted the wrong form
- Insufficient evidence
A quick double-check to verify all the information you’ve written in the form is correct could drastically minimize the chances of denial. Also, you must ensure that you’re claiming PTSD benefits and not other disability benefits when you use this form.
Here are some forms you should familiarize yourself with:
- VA Form 20-0996: If you receive a denial and want a higher-level review of the current evidence, you file this form.
- VA Form 21-526EZ: This form is to file a general disability claim and receive other related benefits.
- VA Form 20-996: If your claim was denied due to a lack of evidence, this form allows you to submit a new one and initiate a new review.
It’s also essential to learn about the VA disability 5-year rule to further understand the extent and limitations of VA benefits.
How To Submit VA Form 21-0781?
If you have a physical copy of the VA Form 21-0781, you need to file it properly and send the document to the VA’s address. The VA’s current address is as follows:
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
Can VA Form 21-0781 Be Submitted Online?
In contrast, you also have the choice to complete and submit the form online. All you have to do is sign-up and create an account at https://www.va.gov/. Once you have an account, you can file any VA forms you want anytime, and some of your information will also be pre-populated for convenience.
You can also easily track the status of your VA claim through your online account. Normally, it would take three to four months before the VA decides about your PTSD benefit.
What Are the Supporting Documents Needed for VA Form 21-0781?
To help the VA make an accurate decision, you should also submit some documents supporting your PTSD claim. These are as follows:
- Medical records with a VA rating (disability rating) from a doctor
- Service medical records
- Any other kind of written supporting evidence to prove your condition (e.g., testaments from friends and family)
The more evidence you can provide, the better your chances are for approval. Don’t hesitate to give the VA all the necessary documents to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Veterans deal with a heavy toll even after their active service years. If you’re one of them and suffer from PTSD, then VA Form 21-0781 is your first step to receiving financial benefits and treatment for your condition. By submitting all the necessary information correctly and providing ample supporting documents, you can receive the help that you deserve. For more information, let us help you. Visit Trajector Medical to learn more!
