When the VA sends a request for evidence (often called a Development Letter, issued under the duty-to-assist requirements in 38 CFR 3.159), there usually isn't a special "response" form you must use. The letter itself tells you what evidence is being sought — for example, private treatment records, a nexus opinion, or lay statements — and you simply submit that evidence, either by mail, uploading it through VA.gov, or bringing it to a VA regional office. If VA is asking specifically for stressor detail related to a PTSD diagnosis, that is typically documented on VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claim for PTSD, which asks you to describe the in-service stressor event(s), including approximate dates, locations, and units involved. This form is separate from a general evidence submission and is most often used earlier in the claims process, but VA may ask for it again if the original stressor statement was incomplete or if a new stressor is being claimed.
For buddy statements or witness statements — meaning a fellow service member, family member, or friend describing what they observed about your symptoms or the stressor event — the correct form is VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim. This is a general-purpose lay statement form that anyone submitting supporting evidence can use, including the veteran. Each buddy statement should be as specific as possible: dates, locations, what the person personally witnessed or was told at the time, and how the person knows the veteran. A signed, dated personal statement that isn't on the official form can also be accepted, as long as it's clear who wrote it and includes their contact information, but using Form 21-4138 keeps things clean and is what VA raters expect to see.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →Whatever evidence is requested, pay close attention to the response deadline in the letter, since failing to respond in time can result in VA deciding the claim based on the evidence already in file, which is often less favorable. If you're unsure exactly what's being asked for, calling the number on the letter or contacting an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help interpreting the request and gathering the right documents is the most reliable next step.
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