When filing a VA disability claim, it’s important to provide as much relevant supporting information as possible. Along with medical records and service documentation, one of the most impactful forms of evidence you can include is a “buddy letter”—also known as lay evidence or a statement in support of your claim.
These personal accounts can come from fellow service members, family, or friends who either witnessed the incident or observed how your condition has affected your life. They serve as powerful tools, especially in cases where official documentation is limited, incomplete, or unavailable.
How Buddy Letters Help Your Claim
Eyewitness statements from people who served with you can confirm events or conditions that may not have been officially recorded. Incidents in the field often go undocumented or records get lost. In such cases, a credible statement from someone who was there can trigger the VA’s “benefit of the doubt” rule—helping tip the scale in your favor.
Statements from close friends or family can also be impactful. These individuals can explain how your condition has changed you—emotionally, mentally, or physically—and how it affects your relationships, job performance, or quality of life.
Tips for Writing an Effective Buddy Letter
To ensure your buddy letter is clear and persuasive:
-
Use the proper form: The VA Form 21-4138 (“Statement in Support of Claim”) organizes details in a way VA reviewers are used to reading.
-
Include personal details: The writer should share their full name, contact info, and explain how they know you, including their relationship and duration of contact before and after the event.
-
Stick to what they’ve seen: Let the person describe firsthand observations. For example, a spouse can say, “He no longer sleeps through the night,” but shouldn’t diagnose conditions like PTSD unless they’re a medical professional.
-
Describe changes: Statements should highlight how the disability has impacted you—from physical limitations to emotional shifts or changes in your daily functioning.
-
Include a truth statement and signature: End with a phrase like, “I certify that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge,” followed by the person’s signature and the date.
The More Perspectives, the Better
You’re not limited to one buddy letter. Submitting multiple statements from different angles can add depth to your claim. A former unit member might confirm the event; a spouse might describe emotional impacts at home; an employer might explain changes in your work performance.
Final Thoughts
A well-written buddy letter makes your case human. While medical records are essential, a personal narrative can show the deeper, day-to-day impact of your service-connected condition. Keep it short, honest, and specific. And remember: every strong voice added to your claim helps tell the full story.
