VA sworn declaration form

Generally speaking, a VA sworn declaration form (i.e., VA Form 21-4138, “Statement in Support of Claim”), is a letter in support of a veteran’s claim. It is usually written by a layperson or someone without medical expertise. Importantly, this person can be a relative, spouse, friend, co-worker, or fellow servicemember. The overall purpose is for the veteran to find someone who knows them well and can speak to the impact of their claimed condition. Specifically, the individual should be able to adequately describe the onset and progression of the veteran’s condition and how it has negatively affected their social and occupational functioning. Importantly, veterans can also submit a VA sworn declaration form on their own behalf and certify that their testimony is both truthful and accurate.