How to Use A Buddy Letter for Your VA Disability Claim

If you’re filing a claim for VA disability benefits, you probably know that you’ll need to submit evidence such as proof of your military service and medical records. But, you may not be aware of the full range of opportunities available to help establish the extent of your disability, the progression of your medical condition, and perhaps even the connection between your military service and your current condition.

One important opportunity that some veterans overlook or don’t know how to make full use of is the lay witness statement, often called a “buddy statement” or “buddy letter.”

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What is a Buddy Letter?

A buddy statement is a statement from someone in your life who has information that’s relevant to your VA disability claim. Some examples may include:

A spouse who can talk about changes in your mental state and ability to function after you returned from military service if you are pursuing VA disability benefits for PTSD or another mental health condition.
A fellow service member who was present when the event or injury you are attempting to connect to your current disability occurred, or who saw you developing symptoms during your military service.
A friend or family member who assists you with things you can no longer do for yourself, or can no longer do alone.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

How Does a Buddy Letter Help?

A buddy letter can help to give the VA a fuller picture of your disability and the challenges and limitations you face from day to day. Checkboxes on a form and medical records don’t always tell the whole story, and more information about how your condition impacts your day-to-day life can be very helpful. It’s also possible that close friends and family members have observed changes or obstacles that you aren’t aware of yourself, or just didn’t think to note. And, hearing about how your condition affects you in real life from someone who is there to witness the effects can be more impactful than clinical information.

A buddy statement can also help establish a connection between your military service and your current medical condition, especially if you developed symptoms soon after an in-service event or exposure but didn’t seek medical attention right away.

Making the Most of Buddy Letters

The VA is interested in information from people who have firsthand information to share. So, it’s important for the person writing your letter to briefly establish their relationship with you in terms of what they have had the opportunity to observe and during what time frame.

Your writer should be detailed in the information they provide, but not speculate or editorialize. They should think of themselves as the VA’s eyes and ears, and simply report what they have seen and heard in terms of symptoms, limitations, and physical and emotional difficulties.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

An Experienced VA Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help

The dedicated advocates at Disabled Vets are here to help veterans like you submit the strongest possible claims for VA disability benefits and to make that process as smooth and painless as possible. To learn more about how we can help, call 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form here.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form