Using Lay Statements to Support Your VA Claim

Providing evidence to show proof of a service-connected disability or illness is often an essential component to any VA disability claim. Relevant evidence comes in various shapes and forms, from service and medical records to doctor statements. Along with records, one of the most effective pieces of evidence is a lay or buddy statement. These statements from people who knew a veteran before, during, or after military service can paint an accurate picture and provide essential information to how a service member’s condition began, worsened over time, and affects daily activities.

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In this article about lay statements

• Support your VA claim with lay statements
• Types of lay statements
• Lay statements from family
• Lay statements from friends
• Lay statements from employers–even in protected work environments
• Lay statements from people who served with you–also called buddy statements
• How to write a lay statement
• Benefits of contacting Woods and Woods

Support your VA claim with lay statements

A lay statement is organic, personal testimony from someone who knows a veteran who is filing a disability claim. The information shared by a “lay” person (someone who is not a trained professional) is meant to accurately describe a veteran’s life before, during, or after the course of military service or in relation to a service connected medical condition. These statements can paint a full picture of how veterans were affected by their time in service or how their condition has worsened since leaving the military. Lay statements provide insight into ways a veteran’s daily life has been altered and can back up a finding from a medical professional.

How to write a lay statement

Veterans may fill out VA Form 21-10210 to submit a lay/witness statement.

A supportive statement should focus on providing competent and credible information that directly relates to the veteran’s disability claim.

You may want to consider the following suggestions: could also include the following information:

• Begin with “I [your full name] hereby swear and affirm that…”
• Give specific details, such as date, location, time of day.
• Avoid opinions, suggestions, or relative statements, like “we were tired.”

Benefits of contacting Woods and Woods

We know not everyone likes to write–especially a formal legal statement. That’s why Woods and Woods has professional lay statement writers who assist veterans with this part of their claim. Our clients provide the names of the people who are willing to provide a statement about the veteran, including a former boss, parents, high school friends, people the person served with, etc. We’ll contact them, ask questions, and develop their statements to be submitted with a claim or appeal.

The VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods have helped thousands of veterans. Contact us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. The call is free and we won’t charge you a single fee unless we win your case.

Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lay statements are organic, personal testimony from someone who knows the veteran filing a disability claim. A “lay” person (someone who is not a trained professional) can describe a veteran’s life before, during, or after the course of military service.

The key to a credible buddy statement is to always ensure the information is firsthand knowledge, specific, and tailored to the claim.