Claims help · Evidence
How to Write a Buddy Statement
Asking someone for a statement is easier when you can tell them exactly what to write. Share this structure with them.
- A simple structure
- Which form to use
- What to leave out
- Who to ask
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A Simple Four-Part Structure
- Who I am: name, and how and when they know you (same unit, spouse since 2009, coworker for five years).
- What I saw: the specific event or symptoms, with approximate dates and places.
- What changed: how you were before versus after, if they know.
- How it affects you now: what they observe today, like a limp, nightmares, missed work or isolation.
Which Form to Use
Witnesses can use VA Form 21-10210 (Lay/Witness Statement). Your own statement usually goes on VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim). Both include a signed certification that the statement is true.
What to Leave Out
- Medical diagnoses (“he has PTSD”). Describe what they saw instead.
- Guesses or things they only heard about secondhand
- Exaggeration. Specific and accurate beats dramatic.
Good witnesses include people you served with, a spouse, family, and coworkers. Each sees a different part of the picture.
Writing a Buddy Statement: Common Questions
How long should a buddy statement be?
Usually a page or less. Specific details matter more than length.
Should the statement be notarized?
Not usually. The VA forms include a certification that the statement is true, which the writer signs.
Can I write my own statement?
Yes. Veterans typically use VA Form 21-4138 for their own statements about symptoms and events.
How many buddy statements should I submit?
There’s no set number. One or two detailed, credible statements are usually worth more than several vague ones.
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