![]() ![]() Current Symptoms Being Experienced by the VeteranĪlong with the changes caused by the disability, any knowledge you have about the current symptoms the veteran is experiencing should be included in this section. Talk about when, where, and how it happened, and the changes that it made to the veteran’s behavior and personality. This could include the unit and location to which you were both assigned or the exact happenings of the in-service event. If you served with the veteran and they are also using your buddy letter to corroborate an in-service stressor, include any details about that stressor in the lay statement. Point out any differences you’ve seen in their social or work life as a result of their newfound condition(s). Mention health issues, personality traits, and other relevant information that may have been affected or changed by the presence of the disability in question. Give a comprehensive description of how the veteran acted prior to the event or disability in question, then explain how they act now. ![]() This is the section where you explain all of the changes you witnessed in the veteran’s behavior or personality. Descriptions of the Situation or Witnessed Events Also, introduce and state the name of the veteran you are writing the VA buddy letter for. You should include how frequently you see or speak with the veteran, how long you’ve known one another, how you met, and any other relevant information about your relationship. The writer will introduce themselves by providing their name, contact information, and their relationship to the veteran. The first section is meant to set the scene for the rest of the letter. Identification and Relationship Information Each section covers a different aspect of the case and helps to fill in the missing pieces in a disability claim. ![]() In general, the structure of a buddy statement is broken down into four separate sections. There are many different ways to go about writing a VA buddy letter, but the information included must be relatively similar for all of them. They can be used as support for establishing a service connection or to try to increase a VA disability rating. Additionally, lay statements can be submitted as witness reports by individuals who may have seen an event take place. Lay evidence can provide clarification on how much a veteran is struggling in their daily life. VA buddy letters not only provide insight on the veteran’s disability from those around them but also help to fill in missing pieces of information that may not be covered in service or medical records. A buddy statement can be an essential part of a disability claim. VA buddy letters-also called buddy statements, lay statements, or lay evidence-are statements made in support of a veteran’s claim for VA disability benefits. These buddy letters can help a veteran build a solid case even when they may be lacking certain medical records or evidence of the true effects a disability has had on their daily life. ![]() One way to support the effects of a disability is to have a friend, relative, peer, or fellow service member draft a statement supporting what the veteran tells their claim adjudicator. To receive the correct amount of benefits, the veteran must report their disability as accurately and honestly as possible. When a veteran develops a disability or condition as a result of their military service, they may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Category: Veterans Disability Law VA Buddy Letter: How to Write a Lay Statement ![]()
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