VA Buddy Letter Guide

Structure a VA buddy statement around firsthand observations, dates and daily impact.

VA Buddy Letter Guide is a 4-page PDF field guide. Firsthand observations, timelines and VA Form 21-10210.

• Establish the witness: Explain how the writer knows the veteran, for how long and in what context.

• Describe observations: Use specific events, behavior changes, limitations and approximate dates the witness personally perceived.

• Stay within competence: A lay witness can report observable facts but should not invent a diagnosis or nexus opinion.

• Consistency supports credibility: The statement should fit known records and acknowledge uncertainty where memory is imperfect.

Action checklist: Identify writer and relationship; State the observation period; Use concrete examples; Separate seen facts from what was told; Avoid medical conclusions; Sign, date and retain a copy.

A sample is not a substitute for truthful, individualized evidence.