VA Form 21-0781 is the form veterans use to describe the traumatic event behind a service-connected mental health claim — including PTSD. In 2024, the VA updated this form and discontinued the separate 21-0781a (personal assault/MST) form. In 2026, all mental health stressors now go on this single revised 21-0781.
What is VA Form 21-0781?
VA Form 21-0781 is the “Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection of a Mental Health Condition.” You use it to describe the in-service event or stressor that caused PTSD or another mental health condition.
2024 changes: 21-0781a is gone
On June 28, 2024, the VA discontinued VA Form 21-0781a. The agency rebuilt the standard 21-0781 to cover every type of stressor — combat, training accidents, military sexual trauma (MST), personal assault, and non-combat incidents. Today, MST claims also use VA Form 21-0781.
When you need VA Form 21-0781
You use this form when:
- You file a new claim for PTSD or another service-connected mental health condition.
- The VA already denied your PTSD claim and you want to provide a clearer stressor.
- You're filing for MST or personal assault as a mental health stressor.
What to include on VA Form 21-0781
Provide as much detail as you can. Approximate information is acceptable — the VA will still review partial details.
- Date(s) of the event. A month and year is enough.
- Location and unit. Base, country, deployment, or unit designation.
- Description of the event. What happened, in your own words.
- Impact on your life. How it affected your work, relationships, and health.
What is no longer required
Under the new 21-0781, witness names are optional. You do not need to remember specific names or dates of death. The VA also accepts partial information for MST stressors.
Tips for completing VA Form 21-0781
- Stick to facts. Describe what you saw and felt without guessing about other people.
- Use approximate dates. “Summer 2008” is fine when the exact date is unclear.
- Add markers of behavioral change. Performance reviews, pregnancy tests, transfer requests, and complaints to friends can support an MST claim.
- Pair it with a doctor's diagnosis. The VA needs a current PTSD diagnosis from a qualified clinician.
- Submit lay statements on VA Form 21-4138 from people who saw a change in your behavior after the event.
Related guides
- VA disability rating for PTSD
- VA Form 21-526EZ — main disability application
- VA Form 21-4138 — buddy statements
- PACT Act explained
The current form is available at VA.gov.