How to Write a Buddy Letter for VA Disability
The VA calls it a “Statement in Support of Claim.” Veterans call it a buddy letter.
Whatever you call it, it can be the missing link in your case—the one thing that helps the rater understand what really happened or how bad things have gotten. Unlike medical records or service treatment notes, a good buddy letter comes straight from the people who were there. It adds human context to government paperwork.
Whether you’re writing one for a fellow veteran or asking someone to write one for you, this guide will walk you through what works, what doesn’t, and how to make every word count.
✅ What Is a Buddy Letter?
A buddy letter is a written statement from someone who has firsthand knowledge of your condition or the events related to your claim. That person could be:
- A fellow service member who witnessed the in-service event
- A spouse or family member who sees your day-to-day struggles
- A friend or coworker who knows how your condition affects your life now
The VA allows these letters under 38 CFR § 3.159(a)(2) as “lay evidence.” That means someone doesn’t need to be a doctor or expert to give credible testimony—they just need to explain what they’ve seen, heard, or experienced directly.
This type of evidence can be critical in claims involving service connection, increased ratings, or even TDIU.
🛠️ What Makes a Good Buddy Letter?
Think of a buddy letter like a courtroom statement. It needs to be:
- Direct and specific
- Based on firsthand knowledge
- Credible and consistent with other evidence
Don’t just say “he has back pain.” Say:
“On multiple occasions in 2006, I saw the veteran bend down during equipment checks and struggle to stand back up. He once mentioned his back locked up during a field exercise and he had to be carried off the range.”
The more detail, the better.
📋 Key Elements to Include
Here’s what every solid buddy letter should include:
- Who the writer is
Full name, contact info, and relationship to the veteran. - What they observed
Specific incidents, behaviors, or symptoms they’ve seen. - When and where
Dates, locations, and how long they’ve known the veteran. - Credibility statement
A line like: “I certify that the information above is true to the best of my knowledge.” - Signature and date
Typed is fine, handwritten signature even better.
Optional but helpful: Have the buddy letter notarized or written on VA Form 21-10210 (Statement in Support of Claim). It’s not required, but it may carry more weight.
🧠 Examples of Buddy Letter Use
1. Service Connection for PTSD
A fellow squad member explains the mortar attack, the veteran’s reaction, and how their behavior changed afterward. Especially helpful when there’s no verified stressor in the record—see 38 CFR § 3.304(f) for PTSD claims.
2. Chronic Back Pain
A spouse describes how the veteran can’t sit through a movie, wakes up in pain, and avoids lifting their child.
3. TBI or Cognitive Issues
A coworker outlines how the veteran forgets meetings, gets overwhelmed easily, and struggles with concentration on the job.
❌ What NOT to Do
- Don’t exaggerate. The VA spots it a mile away.
- Don’t copy-paste language from other statements.
- Don’t make medical conclusions (e.g., “he has severe PTSD”). Stick to what you’ve personally seen or heard.
✍️ Template You Can Use
[Full Name] [Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address] Date: [Insert Date] Subject: Statement in Support of Claim – [Veteran’s Full Name] To whom it may concern, My name is [Your Name], and I have known [Veteran’s Name] since [year]. We served together in [unit/location], and I witnessed [describe specific events related to the claim]. Since that time, I have observed the following: [describe behaviors, limitations, or incidents]. These events have affected [his/her] ability to [work, interact socially, sleep, etc.]. I make this statement freely and based on my personal observations. I understand this will be used as part of a VA disability claim and certify that the above is true to the best of my knowledge. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed Name]
🧩 Final Tip: Link It to Other Evidence
A buddy letter on its own may not win a claim. But it can strengthen weak points in your file. If your service records don’t document a stressor, but your buddy letter corroborates it—now you’ve got two pieces of evidence working together.
Likewise, if your doctor says your condition is serious, and your spouse backs that up with daily examples, it paints a more complete picture.
For some claims, especially under 38 CFR § 3.102 – Benefit of the Doubt, credible lay evidence can be just enough to tip the scale.
🧭 Need Help?
If you need feedback on a buddy letter or aren’t sure how to ask someone to write one, head over to the HadIt Community and share your draft. Veterans helping veterans — that’s how we win.
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