A VA buddy letter, also known as a lay statement, is a written statement from someone who knows you and can provide information about your disability. These letters can be crucial in supporting your VA disability claim. They offer firsthand accounts of events, symptoms, or changes in your behavior that can help the VA understand the impact of your condition. This article provides examples to guide you in understanding what makes a strong and persuasive buddy letter.
When crafting a buddy letter, it’s essential to be specific and detailed. Avoid generalizations and focus on observable facts and events. The person writing the letter should clearly state their relationship to the veteran, the period they observed the veteran, and specific examples of how the disability has affected the veteran’s life. Clear, concise language and a focus on verifiable details significantly increase the letter’s credibility.
A strong buddy letter doesn’t just describe symptoms; it connects them to the veteran’s service. If the buddy witnessed events during the veteran’s service that contributed to the disability, they should include those details. Furthermore, including information about the veteran’s pre-service condition and how it changed after their service can significantly bolster the claim. The more context and verifiable information, the better.
Remember that honesty and accuracy are paramount. Avoid exaggeration or speculation. Focus on providing factual information based on your direct observations. While empathy and support are valuable, the primary goal is to provide credible evidence that supports the veteran’s claim. Presenting well-written and truthful buddy letter can be a powerful tool in achieving a successful outcome.
VA Buddy Letter Examples:
Example 1: PTSD Buddy Letter – Observed During Service
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Re: Statement in Support of [Veteran’s Name], VA Claim [Veteran’s Claim Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Your Name], am writing this letter in support of [Veteran’s Name]. I served alongside [Veteran’s Name] in [Unit] from [Start Date] to [End Date] in [Location, e.g., Iraq]. I observed firsthand the traumatic events he experienced, including [Specific Event 1, e.g., witnessing a roadside bombing] and [Specific Event 2, e.g., participating in a firefight]. After these events, I noticed a significant change in his demeanor. He became withdrawn, easily startled, and had difficulty sleeping. He often talked about the events, reliving them in his mind. I believe these experiences have significantly impacted his mental health.
I am providing this statement to the best of my recollection and in support of [Veteran’s Name]’s claim. I am available for further clarification if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 2: Tinnitus Buddy Letter – Observed After Service
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Re: Statement in Support of [Veteran’s Name], VA Claim [Veteran’s Claim Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Name], and I am writing this letter on behalf of my [Relationship to Veteran, e.g., spouse], [Veteran’s Name]. We have been married for [Number] years. Since his return from service in [Branch of Service] in [Year], [Veteran’s Name] has complained about a constant ringing in his ears. He describes it as a high-pitched tone that is always present. This tinnitus seems to worsen when he is in loud environments or under stress. He frequently asks me to repeat myself and often turns up the volume on the television to a level that is uncomfortable for me. He has also had trouble sleeping because of the constant noise in his ears.
I am providing this statement to the best of my knowledge and belief to support [Veteran’s Name]’s claim for disability benefits.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 3: Back Pain Buddy Letter – Describing Functional Impairment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Re: Statement in Support of [Veteran’s Name], VA Claim [Veteran’s Claim Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am [Your Name], and I have been friends with [Veteran’s Name] for [Number] years. I have witnessed firsthand the limitations he experiences due to his back pain. [Veteran’s Name] struggles with everyday activities such as [Specific Activity 1, e.g., bending over to tie his shoes] and [Specific Activity 2, e.g., lifting groceries]. He often has to take breaks when performing these tasks, and I have seen him wince in pain. He is no longer able to participate in activities he once enjoyed, such as [Specific Activity He No Longer Does, e.g., playing basketball]. He also has difficulty sitting for extended periods, which makes it challenging for him to [Specific Example of Difficulty, e.g., drive long distances]. This back pain significantly impacts his ability to live a normal life.
This statement is provided in good faith to support [Veteran’s Name]’s disability claim.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 4: Sleep Apnea Buddy Letter – Witnessing Symptoms
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Re: Statement in Support of [Veteran’s Name], VA Claim [Veteran’s Claim Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Name], and I am [Veteran’s Name]’s roommate. We have lived together for the past [Number] years. I am writing to provide information regarding [Veteran’s Name]’s sleep apnea. I often hear him snoring loudly at night, and I have even witnessed him stop breathing for short periods. He wakes up gasping for air. In the morning, he complains of being extremely tired and having difficulty concentrating. He frequently naps during the day. This fatigue has affected his ability to [Specific Example, e.g., maintain a consistent work schedule].
I hope this information is helpful in supporting [Veteran’s Name]’s claim.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 5: Migraine Buddy Letter – Frequency and Severity
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Re: Statement in Support of [Veteran’s Name], VA Claim [Veteran’s Claim Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Your Name], am writing on behalf of my brother, [Veteran’s Name]. Since his service in [Branch of Service], he has suffered from debilitating migraines. He experiences these migraines approximately [Frequency, e.g., two to three times per week]. When he has a migraine, he is completely incapacitated. He experiences severe throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. He has to lie down in a dark, quiet room until the migraine subsides, which can take several hours or even days. These migraines have significantly impacted his ability to work and participate in social activities. I have witnessed him cancel plans numerous times due to his migraines.
I am submitting this letter to provide additional support for [Veteran’s Name]’s claim.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 6: Knee Injury Buddy Letter – Limitation of Motion
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Re: Statement in Support of [Veteran’s Name], VA Claim [Veteran’s Claim Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Name] and I have been [Veteran’s Name]’s neighbor for 10 years. I’ve noticed since he came back from service that [Veteran’s Name] has a lot of trouble with his knee. He walks with a limp and seems to have difficulty going up and down the stairs. Even taking a walk around the block, I can see how he’s slowed down a lot from before he went to war. He tells me it’s hard for him to bend his knee fully and it gets stiff and painful after he’s been on it for a while. He can’t participate in the activities he used to enjoy like gardening or playing with his kids, because it’s just too much for his knee. I’m sure it affects his quality of life quite a bit.
I hope my observations are helpful to his case.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
These examples provide a solid foundation for understanding what constitutes an effective VA buddy letter. Remember to personalize each letter with specific details and observations relevant to the veteran’s claim. By providing accurate and compelling evidence, you can significantly contribute to the success of their disability claim.