VA Form 21-0781 (Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Mental Health Conditions) is where you describe the in-service event (stressor) behind PTSD or another mental health condition. It's your account of what happened and how it has affected you.
One form now covers more
As of June 28, 2024, the VA consolidated its stressor forms. The separate Form 21-0781a was discontinued — claims tied to military sexual trauma (MST) or personal assault now go on this same 21-0781. One form covers PTSD and other mental health conditions from a range of stressors.
What to include
- •A clear description of the stressful event(s) — what happened, when, and where, as best you can.
- •The unit, location, and approximate dates.
- •How the event has affected you since.
"Markers" for MST and assault claims
Official records often don't document personal-assault stressors. The VA recognizes "markers" — indirect evidence under 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5) like a request for transfer, a drop in performance, behavioral changes, or statements to others — that can help establish the stressor when there's no formal report.
A note on care
These statements are hard to write because the events are hard to relive. Take your time, write what's true, and lean on supporting statements from people who saw the changes in you.
If you're in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential, 24/7 — dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
VA forms mentioned in this guide
Put this to work
Put your stressor account on the record in your own words, mapped to what the VA needs to see — review and edit before it's final.
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This guide is educational information about the VA claims system — it is not legal or medical advice, and it does not predict or promise any claim outcome. Regulations and procedures change; always verify current requirements at VA.gov. VA Claim Commander is a self-service documentation tool, not a VSO, law firm, or VA-accredited representative.