Buddy Letter Guide
Buddy letters (also called lay statements or witness statements) are written accounts from people who have witnessed your condition or know about your military service. They can be powerful evidence for your VA claim.
What Is a Buddy Letter?
A buddy letter is a written statement from someone who can describe:
- An event or injury that happened during your service
- Symptoms they have observed
- How your condition affects your daily life
- Changes they have noticed in you over time
The term "buddy" is informal. These statements can come from anyone: fellow service members, family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors.
Why Buddy Letters Matter
Medical records do not capture everything. Buddy letters fill important gaps:
- Missing service records: A fellow veteran can describe an incident that was never documented
- Daily impact: A spouse can describe how you struggle with tasks at home
- Behavior changes: Friends can describe personality changes they have observed
- Continuity: Someone who has known you since service can describe ongoing symptoms
Who Should Write One?
The best buddy letter writers are people who can speak to specifics:
- Fellow service members: Can describe in-service events, injuries, or exposures
- Spouse or partner: Can describe daily limitations, sleep issues, mood changes
- Family members: Can describe changes they have observed over years
- Coworkers: Can describe work limitations or missed days
- Friends: Can describe social withdrawal or behavior changes
What Makes a Strong Buddy Letter
Effective buddy letters share these qualities:
- Specific details: Dates, locations, and concrete examples
- First-hand observations: What they personally witnessed, not what you told them
- Honest tone: Sincere and believable, not exaggerated
- Relevant focus: Directly addresses the condition being claimed
Example Content
A strong buddy letter might include statements like:
- "I served with John at Camp Lejeune from 2008-2010 and witnessed the motor vehicle accident on March 15, 2009"
- "I have noticed my husband wakes up several times each night and often cannot fall back asleep"
- "She used to enjoy hiking and camping, but now she rarely leaves the house"
- "At work, I have observed him struggling to concentrate and often needing to step away due to anxiety"
How to Request a Buddy Letter
- Explain the purpose: Let them know this is to support your VA claim
- Be specific: Tell them what condition you are claiming and what details would help
- Make it easy: Provide a template or offer to draft it for their review
- Give them time: Do not rush them; a thoughtful letter is better than a quick one
- Thank them: Writing a statement takes time and emotional energy
The Official Form
VA Form 21-10210 (Lay/Witness Statement) is the official form for buddy letters. However, a well-written letter on plain paper is also accepted as long as it is signed and dated.
Tips for the Writer
If someone is writing a letter for you, share these tips:
- Write in first person ("I observed...")
- Include your full name and relationship to the veteran
- Describe specific incidents or observations
- Stick to what you personally witnessed
- Sign and date the statement
- Include contact information (optional but helpful)
How Many Do You Need?
Quality matters more than quantity. One or two strong, detailed letters are better than five vague ones. Choose writers who can speak to different aspects of your condition.
How Valor Rating Can Help
Writing buddy letters can be challenging—both for you to request and for your supporters to write. Valor Rating's buddy statement tool makes the process easier:
- AI-assisted drafting: Our tool helps generate personalized buddy letter drafts based on your specific condition and circumstances
- Easy sharing: Send invite links to your supporters so they can review and sign their statements digitally
- Guided questions: Writers answer simple questions, and the tool helps structure their responses into an effective statement
- Organized tracking: Keep all your buddy statements in one place alongside your other claim documents
Instead of sending confusing instructions or blank templates, you can invite supporters through Valor Rating and guide them through the process step by step.
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.