Chapter 17

Writing Effective Personal Statements

Introduction to Personal Statements

Personal statements are powerful tools in secondary service connection claims. While medical evidence forms the foundation of your claim, your personal statement provides crucial context, connecting the clinical facts to your lived experience. This chapter explores how to craft compelling personal statements that effectively communicate the relationship between your service-connected condition and your secondary condition.

Key Concepts

Effective personal statements for secondary claims must:

Clearly establish the connection between your primary and secondary conditions
Provide specific examples and observations not captured in medical records
Create a coherent timeline showing the progression from primary to secondary condition
Describe functional impacts in concrete, observable terms
Complement and reinforce your medical evidence

This chapter provides a structured approach to developing personal statements that strengthen your secondary claim, with examples, templates, and strategies for addressing common challenges.

The Purpose and Power of Personal Statements

Personal statements serve multiple critical functions in secondary claims, each contributing to a more complete picture of your condition and its relationship to your service-connected disability.

Functions of Personal Statements

Well-crafted personal statements fulfill these essential roles:

Bridge gaps in medical documentation: Provide context for periods between medical appointments
Humanize clinical findings: Translate medical terminology into real-life impacts
Establish chronology: Create a clear timeline showing how conditions developed
Document observations: Record symptoms and patterns not captured in medical settings
Explain relationships: Articulate how your primary condition affects your secondary condition
Describe functional impacts: Detail how your conditions affect daily activities
Address inconsistencies: Explain any contradictions or gaps in your record
Provide context: Offer background information relevant to your claim

The Unique Value of Your Perspective

Your personal statement offers insights that medical records alone cannot provide:

24/7 observation: You experience your conditions continuously, not just during medical appointments
Pattern recognition: You can identify correlations between conditions over time
Functional context: You understand how your conditions affect specific activities important to you
Symptom interactions: You experience firsthand how symptoms of different conditions interact
Treatment effects: You observe how treatments for one condition affect another
Environmental factors: You notice how different environments or situations affect your conditions
Progression insights: You witness gradual changes that may not be apparent in periodic medical visits

The Credibility Factor

Personal statements are evaluated based on their credibility. The VA considers factors such as:

Consistency with medical evidence
Internal consistency within your statement
Level of detail and specificity
Plausibility of described relationships
Absence of exaggeration
Acknowledgment of limitations in your knowledge

Statements that demonstrate these qualities carry significantly more weight in the claims process.

Structuring Your Personal Statement

A well-organized personal statement guides the reader through your experience in a logical, compelling manner. This section provides a framework for structuring your statement effectively.

Essential Components

A comprehensive personal statement for a secondary claim should include:

Introduction: Identify yourself and the purpose of your statement
Primary condition background: Briefly describe your service-connected condition
Secondary condition development: Explain when and how your secondary condition emerged
Connection explanation: Detail how your primary condition caused or aggravates your secondary condition
Chronology: Provide a timeline showing the relationship between conditions
Specific examples: Offer concrete instances demonstrating the connection
Functional impacts: Describe how the conditions affect your daily life
Treatment experiences: Discuss relevant treatments and their effects
Supporting observations: Include observations from family members or others
Conclusion: Summarize the key points supporting the secondary connection

Organizational Approaches

Different organizational structures work better for different types of claims:

Chronological Structure

Best for showing clear progression from primary to secondary condition:

Begin with service-connected condition onset and history
Describe initial symptoms of the secondary condition
Detail how symptoms progressed over time
Explain current status of both conditions
Conclude with how the conditions continue to interact

Causal Mechanism Structure

Best for explaining complex relationships between conditions:

Start with brief history of both conditions
Organize by different ways the primary condition affects the secondary condition
Provide specific examples for each causal mechanism
Include observations that support each mechanism
Conclude by summarizing the overall relationship

Symptom-Impact Structure

Best for conditions with multiple symptoms affecting different areas of functioning:

Begin with overview of both conditions
Organize by major symptoms or manifestations
For each symptom, explain how it relates to the primary condition
Describe functional impacts of each symptom
Conclude with overall effect on quality of life

Case Study: Effective Statement Structure

A veteran with service-connected PTSD filed a claim for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a secondary condition. His personal statement used a combined chronological and causal mechanism structure:

Introduction: “I am submitting this statement in support of my claim for irritable bowel syndrome as secondary to my service-connected PTSD (currently rated at 70%).”

Primary condition background: “I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2015 following my deployment to Afghanistan. My symptoms include severe anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and exaggerated startle response. I have been treated with both medication and therapy, but continue to experience significant symptoms.”

Secondary condition development: “In approximately August 2016, about one year after my PTSD diagnosis, I began experiencing persistent digestive problems. Initially, I noticed increased abdominal pain and diarrhea during periods of heightened anxiety. Over time, these symptoms became more frequent and severe, eventually leading to my diagnosis of IBS in January 2017.”

Connection explanation (Mechanism 1): “I have observed a direct relationship between my PTSD symptoms and my IBS. When I experience increased anxiety or stress due to my PTSD, my digestive symptoms worsen within hours. For example, after having a nightmare, I typically experience abdominal cramping and diarrhea the following morning. My gastroenterologist has explained that this is due to the ‘gut-brain connection,’ where stress signals from the brain directly affect digestive function.”

Connection explanation (Mechanism 2): “Additionally, the medication prescribed for my PTSD (sertraline) has contributed to my digestive issues. Within two weeks of starting this medication in November 2015, I began experiencing nausea and changes in bowel habits. My medical records document that my doctor acknowledged these as side effects of the medication, but we decided to continue the treatment because it was helping my PTSD symptoms.”

Specific examples: “The connection between my conditions is most evident during PTSD flare-ups. For instance, on March 12, 2022, I experienced a severe PTSD episode triggered by a car backfiring. Within three hours, I developed intense abdominal cramping and had to use the bathroom urgently seven times over the next day. This pattern has repeated consistently over the years.”

Functional impacts: “The combination of my PTSD and IBS has significantly impacted my daily functioning. I often cannot leave my home on days when both conditions are active. I’ve had to excuse myself from meetings at work due to sudden digestive urgency triggered by anxiety. I no longer attend social gatherings where bathroom access might be limited. The unpredictability of these combined symptoms has led to increasing isolation.”

Supporting observations: “My wife has observed this connection firsthand and has submitted a separate statement describing how she has noticed my digestive symptoms worsen predictably after PTSD-related incidents.”

Conclusion: “Based on the clear temporal relationship, the consistent pattern of symptom interaction, and the medical explanation provided by my doctors, I believe the evidence clearly establishes that my IBS is secondary to my service-connected PTSD.”

Statement Templates

The following template provides a starting point for organizing your personal statement:

Secondary Condition Personal Statement Template

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your VA File Number]
[Date]

RE: Personal Statement in Support of Claim for [Secondary Condition] as Secondary to Service-Connected [Primary Condition]

Introduction

I am submitting this statement in support of my claim for [secondary condition] as secondary to my service-connected [primary condition] (currently rated at [percentage]).

History of My Service-Connected Condition

[Briefly describe your primary condition, when it was diagnosed, when it was service-connected, and its major symptoms and treatments.]

Development of My Secondary Condition

[Describe when you first noticed symptoms of your secondary condition, how these symptoms progressed, when you were diagnosed, and current status. Be specific about dates and timeline.]

How My Service-Connected Condition Caused/Aggravates My Secondary Condition

[Explain the relationship between your conditions. Include:

Patterns you’ve observed between symptoms of both conditions
Any medical explanations you’ve received about the connection
Effects of medications or treatments for your primary condition
Physical or physiological mechanisms if you understand them

Be as specific as possible with examples.]

Specific Examples Demonstrating the Connection

[Provide 2-3 detailed examples showing how your primary condition affects your secondary condition. Include specific dates, circumstances, symptoms, and duration when possible.]

Impact on Daily Functioning

[Describe how the combination of your primary and secondary conditions affects your daily activities, work, relationships, and quality of life. Include specific activities you can no longer do or must modify.]

Treatment History

[Discuss treatments you’ve received for both conditions, their effectiveness, and any relevant interactions between treatments.]

Additional Supporting Information

[Include any other relevant information, such as observations from family members, work accommodations needed, or other factors that support your claim.]

Conclusion

[Summarize the key points supporting the connection between your conditions.]

I certify that the statements made in this document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]

Adapting the Template

While the template provides a useful structure, your statement will be most effective when personalized to your specific situation:

Adjust the sections to emphasize the strongest aspects of your claim
Add sections relevant to your particular conditions
Remove sections that don’t apply to your situation
Reorganize to highlight the most compelling evidence of connection
Use your own voice and language while maintaining clarity

The most effective statements feel authentic while remaining organized and focused on the secondary connection.

Writing Techniques for Compelling Statements

How you write your statement is as important as what you include. This section explores techniques for making your statement clear, credible, and compelling.

Be Specific and Detailed

Specific details enhance credibility and paint a clearer picture:

Use exact dates when possible: “On March 15, 2022” rather than “last spring”
Quantify when appropriate: “I experienced migraines 18 days out of 30” rather than “I had frequent migraines”
Describe duration: “The pain lasted approximately 4 hours” rather than “the pain lasted a long time”
Name specific activities: “I can no longer mow my lawn or carry groceries” rather than “I can’t do yard work or errands”
Include sensory details: “Sharp, stabbing pain radiating from my lower back down to my left foot” rather than “back pain”
Reference specific events: “After attending my daughter’s graduation ceremony, where I stood for 45 minutes” rather than “after standing for a while”

Focus on Observable Facts

Emphasize what you’ve directly experienced or observed:

Describe symptoms: “My hands trembled visibly” rather than “I felt nervous”
Note timing relationships: “Within 30 minutes of taking my pain medication” rather than “after taking my medication”
Document frequency: “This occurs approximately 3-4 times per week” rather than “this happens often”
Record measurements: “I can only walk about 100 yards before needing to rest” rather than “I can’t walk very far”
Note environmental factors: “Symptoms worsen in cold, damp weather” rather than “weather affects my condition”
Document progression: “By January 2022, I needed to use a cane daily, whereas in 2020 I only needed it occasionally” rather than “my condition has gotten worse”

Connect to Medical Evidence

Strengthen your statement by connecting it to your medical records:

Reference diagnoses: “As diagnosed by Dr. Smith on June 10, 2021”
Cite medical explanations: “My neurologist explained that the tingling in my feet is caused by nerve compression from my service-connected back condition”
Mention test results: “The MRI showed disc herniation at L4-L5, which my doctor said explains the radiating pain”
Note treatment recommendations: “My doctor prescribed gabapentin specifically to address the neuropathy caused by my diabetes”
Include provider observations: “During my appointment on March 3, 2022, Dr. Johnson observed visible swelling and noted this in my chart”
Acknowledge limitations: “While my X-rays were normal, my orthopedist explained that this is common with this type of soft tissue injury”

Use Clear, Straightforward Language

Write in a way that is easy to understand:

Avoid medical jargon unless necessary: “joint pain” rather than “arthralgia”
Use plain language: “I have trouble remembering appointments” rather than “I experience cognitive deficits affecting prospective memory”
Be direct: “My knee pain causes me to limp” rather than “My ambulation is affected by knee discomfort”
Use active voice: “My back pain prevents me from sleeping” rather than “Sleep is prevented by back pain”
Organize with headings: Use clear section titles to guide the reader
Use short paragraphs: Break information into digestible chunks
Define terms when needed: “I experience tinnitus (constant ringing in my ears)”

Be Honest and Balanced

Maintain credibility through honest, balanced reporting:

Acknowledge good days: “While I have 3-4 days per month with minimal pain, most days are significantly impacted”
Avoid absolute statements: “I typically need help with grocery shopping” rather than “I can never go shopping”
Note effectiveness of treatments: “The medication reduces my pain from a 9/10 to a 6/10, but side effects limit how often I can take it”
Acknowledge other factors: “While age may contribute somewhat to my joint stiffness, the symptoms began immediately after my service-connected injury”
Distinguish between facts and beliefs: “I believe the medication contributed to my symptoms” rather than stating it as fact if not medically confirmed
Be precise about limitations: “I can stand for approximately 15 minutes before needing to sit” rather than “I can’t stand”

Before and After Example

Before (Vague): “My back pain from my service-connected injury causes depression. I feel sad a lot and don’t enjoy things anymore. It’s hard to do activities and I don’t sleep well. My doctor says it’s related.”

After (Specific and Detailed): “My service-connected lumbar strain (rated at 40% since 2018) has caused secondary depression, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder by Dr. Wilson on May 12, 2021. Before my back injury, I was active in community sports and regularly hiked with friends on weekends. As my back pain increased through 2019-2020, I gradually withdrew from these activities. By January 2021, I was unable to participate in any sports or hike more than a quarter mile without severe pain (7-8/10). This loss of meaningful activities directly affected my mood. I began experiencing persistent sadness in March 2021, initially 2-3 days per week, progressing to 5-6 days per week by May. I now experience anhedonia (lack of pleasure) even in activities I can physically perform, such as watching movies or visiting with family. My sleep has deteriorated from a consistent 7-8 hours before my back injury to 4-5 interrupted hours, with difficulty falling asleep due to pain and ruminating thoughts. During my psychological evaluation on May 12, 2021, Dr. Wilson specifically noted that my depression ‘appears directly related to functional limitations and chronic pain from service-connected back injury, representing a clear secondary condition rather than an independent mental health disorder.’”

Addressing Specific Secondary Relationships

Different types of secondary relationships require different approaches in your personal statement. This section provides guidance for common secondary claim scenarios.

Medication Side Effects

When claiming conditions caused by medications for service-connected disabilities, focus on:

Medication details: Names, dosages, and duration of treatment
Timing relationship: When symptoms began relative to starting medication
Consistency of effects: Patterns between medication use and symptoms
Provider awareness: Documentation of side effects by healthcare providers
Medication changes: Attempts to adjust medications and results
Resolution testing: Whether symptoms improve when medication is reduced/changed
Ruling out alternatives: Why other causes are less likely

Physical Stress and Overcompensation

When claiming conditions caused by altered body mechanics or overuse, emphasize:

Altered movement patterns: How you’ve changed how you move or stand
Weight distribution changes: Shifts in how you bear weight
Activity limitations: How physical changes affect specific movements
Assistive devices: Use of braces, canes, or other supports
Physical therapy observations: What professionals have noted about your movement patterns

Mental Health Secondary to Physical Conditions

When claiming mental health conditions secondary to physical disabilities, focus on:

Psychological impact: How physical limitations affect your mental state
Activity losses: Meaningful activities you can no longer perform
Role changes: How your identity and responsibilities have been affected
Social consequences: Effects on relationships and social participation
Emotional responses: Specific feelings associated with physical limitations
Cognitive effects: How pain or physical symptoms affect concentration, memory, etc.
Sleep impacts: How physical symptoms affect sleep and subsequent mood

Aggravation of Existing Conditions

When claiming that a service-connected disability aggravates a pre-existing condition, emphasize:

Baseline status: The condition’s severity before aggravation
Clear changes: How the condition worsened after the primary condition
Aggravation mechanisms: How the primary condition affects the pre-existing condition
Treatment changes: How medical care has changed due to worsening
Permanent nature: Evidence that worsening is not temporary
Ruling out natural progression: Why this is beyond the normal course of the condition

Addressing Multiple Secondary Conditions

If you’re claiming multiple conditions secondary to the same service-connected disability, consider these approaches:

Submit separate personal statements for each secondary condition to allow for focused, detailed discussion of each relationship
If using a single statement, clearly organize with separate sections for each secondary condition
Explain any relationships between the secondary conditions themselves
Address different causal mechanisms for each condition
Use headings and clear organization to help the reader follow your explanation

The key is ensuring each secondary relationship is thoroughly explained without creating confusion.

Supporting Statements from Others

Statements from people who know you can significantly strengthen your claim by providing third-party observations of the relationship between your conditions. This section explores how to effectively incorporate supporting statements.

Types of Supporting Statements

Different types of observers can provide valuable perspectives:

Spouse/Partner statements: Observations of daily symptoms and patterns at home
Family member statements: Perspectives on changes in functioning and activities
Friend statements: Observations about social functioning and activity participation
Coworker statements: Insights about workplace functioning and accommodations
Supervisor statements: Documentation of work performance impacts
Caregiver statements: Detailed observations about assistance needed

What Makes Supporting Statements Effective

Guide your witnesses to include these elements:

Relationship context: How they know you and for how long
Frequency of contact: How often they observe you
Before/after comparisons: Changes they’ve observed over time
Specific examples: Concrete instances demonstrating the connection between conditions
Observable symptoms: What they’ve directly witnessed
Functional impacts: How they’ve seen your conditions affect activities
Pattern observations: Relationships between primary and secondary condition symptoms

Case Study: Effective Spouse Statement

Below is an excerpt from an effective spouse statement supporting a claim for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD:

“I have been married to John for 12 years and sleep in the same bed with him every night. Before his deployment and PTSD diagnosis, John was a sound sleeper who rarely snored and woke up refreshed after 7-8 hours of sleep.

After his return from Afghanistan in 2019 and subsequent PTSD diagnosis, I observed significant changes in his sleep patterns. Within approximately 6 months of his return, I began noticing that John would stop breathing during sleep. These episodes typically occur 3-4 times per hour based on my observation. I would watch him stop breathing for 15-20 seconds, then gasp or choke as he resumed breathing. These episodes are particularly frequent and severe (occurring as often as 6-8 times per hour) on nights following PTSD nightmares or days with heightened anxiety symptoms.

I have also observed a clear pattern where his sleep-disordered breathing worsens during periods of increased PTSD symptoms. For example, during the week of July 4, 2022, when fireworks in our neighborhood triggered multiple PTSD episodes, John’s breathing interruptions during sleep increased dramatically. I counted 12 episodes during a two-hour period that night, compared to the 3-4 per hour I typically observe. I recorded a video of these episodes on my phone, which I shared with his sleep specialist.”

This statement is effective because it establishes the spouse’s ability to observe sleep patterns consistently, provides a clear before/after comparison, includes specific observations with estimated frequencies, and documents a clear pattern connecting PTSD symptoms to worsened sleep apnea.

Guiding Your Witnesses

Help those providing supporting statements by:

Explaining the purpose: Clarify that you’re seeking observations about how your conditions relate
Providing a timeline: Share key dates of your primary and secondary conditions
Suggesting structure: Offer a basic outline for their statement
Requesting specificity: Ask for concrete examples with dates when possible
Focusing on observations: Emphasize the importance of what they’ve personally witnessed
Avoiding coaching content: Let their observations be authentic
Offering VA Form 21-4138: Provide the Statement in Support of Claim form

Selecting the Right Witnesses

Choose individuals who can provide the most relevant observations:

People who knew you both before and after the development of your conditions
Those who see you regularly in different settings (home, work, social)
Individuals who have directly observed the relationship between your conditions
People who can articulate their observations clearly
Those with credibility (long-term relationships, professional backgrounds)

Quality is more important than quantity—a few detailed, specific statements from well-positioned observers are more valuable than numerous vague statements.

Addressing Common Challenges

Veterans often face challenges when writing personal statements for secondary claims. This section provides strategies for overcoming common obstacles.

When Medical Evidence Is Limited

If you lack comprehensive medical documentation:

Focus on observable patterns: Describe consistent relationships between symptoms
Document self-management strategies: Explain how you’ve adapted to manage symptoms
Provide detailed chronology: Create a clear timeline showing condition development
Explain barriers to care: Address reasons for gaps in medical treatment
Include third-party observations: Gather statements from people who have witnessed your symptoms
Reference relevant medical literature: Mention established relationships between your conditions
Document functional impacts thoroughly: Describe effects on daily activities in detail

When Relationships Are Complex

If the connection between conditions is complicated:

Break down mechanisms: Explain each aspect of the relationship separately
Use analogies: Provide simple comparisons to illustrate complex relationships
Reference provider explanations: Quote or paraphrase how doctors have explained the connection
Provide concrete examples: Illustrate abstract concepts with specific instances
Create visual aids: Consider including diagrams or charts if helpful
Acknowledge multiple factors: Address how various aspects of your primary condition contribute
Use clear organization: Structure your explanation logically with headings

When Conditions Developed Gradually

If your secondary condition emerged slowly over time:

Identify key milestones: Note when symptoms first appeared, worsened, or changed
Document progression patterns: Explain how symptoms evolved in relation to your primary condition
Use a timeline format: Create a chronological record of developments
Note threshold moments: Identify when symptoms became significant enough to seek treatment
Connect to life events: Relate symptom changes to memorable occasions for context
Track functional impacts over time: Describe how your abilities changed gradually
Acknowledge awareness development: Explain how you came to recognize the connection

When Addressing Negative Evidence

If there are contradictions or negative findings in your record:

Acknowledge the evidence: Address contradictions directly rather than ignoring them
Provide context: Explain circumstances that might have affected findings
Clarify misunderstandings: Correct any factual errors in the record
Offer alternative interpretations: Suggest other ways to understand the evidence
Describe symptom variability: Explain how your condition fluctuates
Address examination limitations: Note if evaluations were brief or limited in scope
Provide additional evidence: Offer new information that wasn’t available previously

Final Tips for Effective Statements

To maximize the impact of your personal statement:

Write multiple drafts, refining your statement each time
Ask someone you trust to review your statement for clarity and completeness
Consider having a veterans service officer review your statement before submission
Keep a symptom journal to capture details you might otherwise forget
Update your statement if significant changes occur or new information becomes available
Submit your statement with your initial claim rather than waiting until requested
Keep a copy of your statement for reference during C&P examinations
Remember that quality matters more than quantity—focus on relevant, specific information

A well-crafted personal statement can be the difference between approval and denial, particularly in complex secondary claims where the connection between conditions may not be immediately obvious to reviewers.

Chapter 17: Writing Effective Personal Statements