However, providing as much accurate information as possible could help facilitate the VA disability claims process. A medical professional or expert may need to prove a specific medical condition or diagnosis. Buddy Statement Best Practicesīecause of the scrutiny applied to lay statements, there are some best practices that individuals should adhere to when creating them. Additionally, how recently the event occurred may also affect the value of a buddy statement. This includes the accuracy of an individual’s memory, their level of competency, and their direct knowledge of the described event. In many cases, the VA considers several factors when determining the value of a lay statement. However, evidence provided in a buddy statement must be deemed by the VA as satisfactory, consistent with the service position and credible despite a lack of official records. How Does the VA Treat Lay Statements?Īccording to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), lay evidence is a valid way to establish a service-connected injury in cases where Service Treatment Records (STRs) are missing or not available. Specifically, lay statements provided by civilians could describe how an injury has impacted a former servicemember’s daily activity, mental state, and family life. Lay evidence could also be provided by a friend, co-worker, or spouse to explain how a service-connected injury has affected a disabled veteran. They can provide an account of how a disabled veteran became injured during their active duty service and help establish when and where the injury occurred. Lay statements may be given by the disabled veteran, their commanding officer, a fellow servicemember, or loved ones of the veteran. In other words, a lay statement often compliments a medical diagnosis or professional opinion. In many cases, lay evidence adds context and detail about how a disability has affected a veteran’s life. Lay statements may be presented through a written report or orally during a hearing. FebruHow Are Lay Statements Beneficial for My VA Claim?Ī lay statement, also referred to as a buddy statement, is testimony given by a veteran or trusted individual to establish a disability or demonstrate a disability’s impact.
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