Sign VA claim forms as an alternate signer

Use this form if you’re signing a VA benefits application or related form on behalf of someone else. This form certifies you as an alternate signer for the Veteran or non-Veteran with a VA claim (also called the claimant). Answer this form accurately and completely to help us complete the claimant’s claim or request.

What to know before you fill out this form

• You’re responsible for caring for the person with the claim.
• You’re appointed by the court to represent the person with the claim.
• You’re authorized to make decisions for the person with the claim under durable power of attorney.
• You’re a manager or principal officer representing an institution that’s caring for the person with the claim.

• They’re under 18 years old.
• They have an illness, injury, or other health condition that prevents their ability to make decisions for themselves or provide the information needed to complete forms.
• They physically can’t sign the forms.

After you submit this form, we may ask you for documents or other information to verify that you qualify as an alternate signer. We may ask for any of these examples:

• Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN).
• A certificate or order from a court showing your authority to act for the person with the claim. The court must have competent jurisdiction, and the certificate or order must be signed and dated or time-stamped.
• A copy of documentation showing that you’re appointed as a fiduciary.
• Durable power of attorney showing the name and signature of the person with the claim, and your authority as attorney-in-fact or agent.
• Health care power of attorney, affidavit, or notarized statement from an institution or person responsible for the care of the claimant. The statement must explain the extent of provided care.
• Any other documentation showing relevant authorization.

After you submit this form, you can sign any evidence on behalf of the claimant in support of their open claim. You can continue to sign forms related to the claim until it’s completed or closed—as long as you still qualify based on these descriptions. For example, if the person you’re signing for turns 18 years old and can complete the forms on their own, then you can’t continue to sign for them.