VA Personal Statement Guide

Structure a VA personal statement around condition history, timelines and functional impact.

VA Personal Statement Guide is a 4-page PDF field guide. Claim timelines, condition history and everyday functional impact.

• State the purpose: Identify the condition or decision issue the statement addresses.

• Build a usable timeline: Cover onset, key events, treatment and changes without burying the important facts.

• Describe real impact: Use concrete work, sleep, mobility, relationship or daily-activity examples when relevant.

• Do not overreach: Separate personal experience from medical or legal conclusions outside the writer's expertise.

Action checklist: Name the specific claim issue; Outline events chronologically; Add dates or honest estimates; Describe frequency and severity; Reference attached records accurately; Sign, date and keep the final copy.

Submit only accurate information; an accredited representative can review claim-specific strategy.