VA Form 119. Report of Contact

The VA Form 119, also known as the Report of Contact, is a vital document used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to record important information about interactions or communications with veterans or their representatives. 

The main purpose of this form is to document any significant contact or conversation with veterans or their representatives, ensuring accurate and comprehensive record-keeping.

The form consists of several sections that need to be completed with relevant details. These sections include:

1. Section I: Identification: This section requires the identification of the individual making the report, including their name, title, and contact information.
2. Section II: Veteran Information: This section captures important information about the veteran, such as their name, Social Security number, and VA file number.
3. Section III: Contact Information: In this section, the details of the contact or conversation are recorded, including the date, time, location, and purpose of the interaction.
4. Section IV: Summary of Contact: This section provides space to summarize the key points discussed during the contact or conversation.
5. Section V: Signature and Certification: The individual making the report must sign and certify the accuracy of the information provided.

It is crucial to accurately document the date, time, location, and purpose of the contact or conversation. A clear and concise summary of the discussion is also important for comprehensive record-keeping.

The parties involved in this form are the individuals who have had contact or conversations with veterans or their representatives, and the VA personnel responsible for recording and maintaining the information.

When filling out the form, you will need to provide accurate identification details, relevant information about the veteran, and a comprehensive summary of the contact or conversation.

Typically, no additional documents need to be attached to the Report of Contact form. However, if there are any supporting documents related to the contact or conversation, such as emails or letters, they may be attached for reference.

Some examples of when this form may be used include:

• Recording details of a phone conversation with a veteran regarding their benefits claim.
• Documenting an in-person meeting with a representative of a veterans' organization to discuss policy matters.

The strengths of the Report of Contact form include its simplicity and effectiveness in capturing important details of interactions. However, weaknesses may arise if the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate. Opportunities lie in maintaining accurate records for future reference and ensuring proper communication and follow-up. The potential threat is the risk of incomplete or inconsistent documentation, which can lead to miscommunication or disputes.

An alternative form to consider is the electronic equivalent of the Report of Contact, which may be available through the VA's online systems. Related forms include the VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, which is used to provide additional information or evidence to support a claim.

The proper completion and submission of the Report of Contact form contribute to accurate record-keeping and effective communication within the VA. It ensures that important interactions and conversations are documented, which can be crucial for future decision-making and follow-up actions.

The Report of Contact form can be submitted electronically through the VA's online systems or by mail to the appropriate VA office or department. Once submitted, the form and associated information are stored securely within the VA's record-keeping systems for future reference and review.