The Power of Buddy Statements: A Veteran's Guide to Strengthening Your VA Claim

If you're a veteran navigating the VA claims process, you've likely heard the term "buddy statement" thrown around. But what exactly are these statements, and why are they so crucial to your claim? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about buddy statements and how they can make or break your VA disability claim.

What Is a Buddy Statement?

A buddy statement, also known as a lay statement or witness statement, is a written declaration from someone who has personal knowledge of your military service, injury, or current condition. These statements provide firsthand accounts that can corroborate your claim when medical records are incomplete, missing, or insufficient.

Think of a buddy statement as a character witness for your disability claim. Just as a character witness might speak on someone's behalf in court, a buddy statement speaks on behalf of your service-connected condition.

Why Are Buddy Statements So Important?

Filling the Gaps in Your Service Records

Military medical records aren't always complete. Perhaps you didn't seek treatment for an injury during service, or maybe records were lost over the years. Buddy statements can bridge these gaps by providing testimony about incidents, injuries, or conditions that may not be fully documented in your official file.

Establishing Service Connection

One of the key elements in any VA claim is proving that your current disability is connected to your military service. When medical evidence alone isn't enough, buddy statements can establish this crucial link by describing events, injuries, or the onset of symptoms during your service.

Documenting Symptom Severity

For mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, buddy statements can be particularly valuable. They provide insight into how your condition affects your daily life—details that might not be captured in a clinical setting but are crucial for proper rating.

Who Can Write a Buddy Statement?

The beauty of buddy statements is that they can come from various sources:

Fellow service members who served with you and witnessed events or injuries
Family members who observed changes in your behavior or physical condition
Friends who can speak to your pre-service versus post-service condition
Coworkers who have witnessed how your disability affects your work performance
Roommates who observe your daily struggles
Anyone with personal knowledge of your condition or service-connected events

The key requirement is that the person must have firsthand knowledge—they witnessed events themselves or observed your condition directly, not through hearsay.

What Should a Strong Buddy Statement Include?

An effective buddy statement should be detailed, specific, and credible. Here are the essential elements:

1. The Writer's Information

Full name and contact information
Relationship to the veteran
How long they've known you
Context of their relationship (fellow service member, spouse, friend, etc.)

2. Specific Details About Events or Conditions

Dates and locations (be as specific as possible)
Detailed descriptions of incidents or observations
Frequency of observations (daily, weekly, how many times)
Specific examples rather than general statements

3. Personal Observations

What they personally saw, heard, or witnessed
Changes they observed over time
Impact on daily activities, work, or relationships
Specific symptoms or behaviors they've noticed

4. Credibility Elements

A statement affirming the truth of their testimony
Their signature and date
Understanding that false statements can result in penalties

Tips for Writing an Effective Buddy Statement

Be Specific, Not General

Instead of: "John had problems with his knee during deployment."

Write: "On March 15, 2018, during our deployment to Afghanistan, I witnessed John injure his right knee when our convoy vehicle hit an IED. He was unable to bear weight on his leg and limped for the remainder of our deployment."

Use the "I" Perspective

Buddy statements are most powerful when they reflect personal observation. Use phrases like "I witnessed," "I observed," "I noticed," or "I personally saw."

Include Context

Explain how you're in a position to know this information. If you're a spouse, mention that you live with the veteran daily. If you're a fellow service member, describe your role and proximity during service.

Stick to Facts You Know

Don't speculate or exaggerate. If you don't remember exact dates, it's okay to say "approximately" or "around." Credibility is more important than perfect recall.

Address Multiple Aspects

If possible, describe:

The original event or injury
Immediate aftermath
Ongoing symptoms
Impact on daily life
Changes over time

Keep It Organized

Use clear paragraphs, proper grammar, and logical flow. While formal legal language isn't necessary, the statement should be professional and easy to read.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Too Vague

Statements like "He has problems" or "She's in pain" don't provide enough detail. Be specific about what you observed, when, and how often.

Including Hearsay

Don't write about things someone else told you happened. Stick to what you personally witnessed or observed.

Making Medical Diagnoses

Unless you're a medical professional writing in your professional capacity, don't diagnose conditions. Instead, describe symptoms: "He appeared disoriented and confused" rather than "He has PTSD."

Forgetting to Sign and Date

An unsigned or undated statement carries less weight. Always include both.

Writing About Too Many Issues

If you're writing about multiple disabilities, keep each section focused and organized. Better yet, consider separate statements for different claims if the information is extensive.

How to Format Your Buddy Statement

While there's no single required format, here's a template that works well:

BUDDY STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF VETERAN'S CLAIM
Veteran's Name: [Full Name]
Veteran's SSN/VA File Number: [Number]
My name is [Your Name], and I currently reside at [Address]. I can be reached at [Phone] or [Email]. I am writing this statement in support of [Veteran's Name]'s claim for VA disability compensation.
[Describe your relationship to the veteran and how long you've known them]
[Provide specific details about what you witnessed, observed, or experienced. Use separate paragraphs for different topics or time periods.]
[Conclude with any additional relevant information]
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: _________________ Date: _________
Printed Name: _________________

When Should You Submit Buddy Statements?

The short answer: as early as possible. Ideal times include:

With your initial claim to establish service connection from the start
During a claim review if the VA requests additional evidence
With an appeal to provide new and relevant evidence
For a reopened claim to introduce information not previously considered

You can submit buddy statements through:

VA.gov (upload as supporting documents)
Mail to your regional VA office
Through your Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
At a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam

The Bottom Line

Buddy statements are powerful tools that can significantly strengthen your VA claim. They provide the human element—the real-world impact of your service-connected condition that medical records alone might not capture.

Remember, the VA must consider all evidence submitted, including lay statements from competent witnesses. While they're not a substitute for medical evidence, they're often the missing piece that connects your current disability to your military service.

If you're working on a VA claim, don't underestimate the value of reaching out to those who know your story. Their words might be exactly what your claim needs to succeed.

Need Help?

If you're struggling with your VA claim, consider working with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or a VA-accredited attorney. These professionals can guide you through the process and help ensure your claim includes all necessary evidence—including effective buddy statements.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on your VA claim, please consult with an accredited VSO or VA attorney.