What is a buddy statement and how do I write one?
My VSO told me to get a buddy letter from someone I served with. What does this letter need to say to actually help my claim? Is there a specific format?
1 Answer
A Buddy Statement (formally known as a Statement in Support of Claim, VA Form 21-10210) is "lay evidence"—an account from someone who personally witnessed your injury or can describe how your condition has changed over time. A good buddy letter should follow this structure: 1. Relationship: How they know you and how long they have known you. 2. The Event: "I was there when [Veteran] fell off the truck in 2004..." 3. Observations: "Before the injury, he was the fastest runner in the unit. After, he could barely walk to the chow hall." 4. Current Status: "I see him once a month and he is clearly in constant pain and cannot sit for more than 10 minutes." 5. Declaration: It must be signed and include the statement: "I certify that my statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief." Buddy letters are incredibly powerful for proving "In-Service Stressors" for PTSD claims or the onset of physical injuries where medical records are thin.