Buddy Letters
Are your military records missing evidence or context?
Buddy Letters
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Are your military records missing evidence or context?
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If so, the VA provides you with two options:
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If you know someone who can attest to something you were a part of, witness to, changes in your behavior, and/or the severity of your symptoms then having them write a buddy statement can be a useful piece of evidence for your claim.
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However, if you yourself want to write a statement in support of your own claim click HERE.
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Who Can Write a Buddy Letter?
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There are four groups of people who can write buddy letters in support of your claim:
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Someone who served with you.
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Your friends and family.
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Civilian coworkers/supervisors.
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Anyone else: your parole officer, priest, etc.
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Writing Tips
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Use the proper VA form! VA Form 21-10210 is the latest and greatest form they should use.
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Keep it brief and to the point, remember BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front). The rater doesn't have time to get lost in a great story about the time Pvt. Reddit put LT's patrol cap in the freezer, after filling it with water. (But the people at r/Veterans do.)
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Quantify (state numbers) when possible. Which sounds better?:
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Veteran's headaches are so severe s(he) has to lay down for most of the day. These headaches occur fairly frequently; OR
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Veteran's headaches are so severe s(he) has to lay down for most of the day. These headaches occur at least three times a week.
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Unless your buddy is a licensed physician in the relevant area of medicine, they should NOT try to diagnosis the Veteran. Remember, have them stick to the facts of their direct observations! But if your buddy does just so happen to be a licensed physician in the relevant area of medicine. Have them complete a Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs) and/or an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)/Nexus Letter.
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IMPORTANT NOTES:
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Do NOT tell your buddy what to write!! They must write what they saw in relation to you and your claim. So if they did not witness anything or they recall something differently.... Well that's that!
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But DO tell them how to write the letter.
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If your buddy for whatever reason does not want to use the VA form. Ensure that they write "I CERTIFY THAT I have completed this statement and that its information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief." Directly above where they sign and date their letter. In addition to providing their contact information.
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What Should be in the Letter
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It depends on the your purpose you are trying to accomplish:
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Help prove service connection:
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How you know the Veteran and for how long you've known them.
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Details about the in-service event that caused the injury or illness.
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How the Veteran was impacted by the event. Any changes in physical/mental health?
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Help prove severity of your disability:
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How you know the Veteran and for how long you've known them.
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What are the Veteran’s current symptoms? How do their disabilit(ies) interfere with their job, social life, things they can no longer do, etc.
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Example 1 (Witnessed an Event)
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My name is [Buddy], and I served with Sgt. Reddit at Ft. Camp for 3 years. During that time I was Sgt. Reddit's team leader.
Sgt. Reddit was an all around good soldier for most of that time. That was until April 20XX when she started having issues, such as showing up late to formations, underage drinking, [etc]. This resulted in Sgt. Reddit receiving nonjudicial punishment.
It was not until July 20XX that Sgt. Reddit confided in me that she was sexually assaulted by another service member who was from another company.
Upon learning this information I immediately reported the information to the Company Commander. However, I am unaware if that information was acted upon as I separated from the Army shortly thereafter.
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Example 2 (Witnessed an Event)
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My name is [Buddy], and I served with Cpl. Reddit for 2 years. During that time I deployed with them to Afghanistan for 1 year. We both served in the same squad.
Prior to our 1 year deployment to Afghanistan in Feb 201X, he was a high achieving soldier who excelled in many areas. He was very outgoing, energetic, and had no discipline problems.
On June 201X, our squad was doing routine patrols when the vehicle immediately...
After that event I noticed that Cpl. Reddit was always on edge, [other examples of symptoms].
It is my belief that the events that occurred that day had a lasting negative affect on Cpl. Reddit's mental health.
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Example 3 (Witness to Severity)
I [Friend] have known [Veteran] for 4 years. We used to get together 3-4 times a month to do activities like walking and bowling. For the past 6 or so months I have noticed a decline in [Veteran]'s mobility.
[Veteran] is no longer able to walk for as long or as far as they used to. I see that after physical activities that their back becomes very stiff which makes it difficult for them to move around.
It has gotten to the point now that I notice him having difficulties getting into and out of vehicles. This June, when [Veteran] was walking back to their car I saw them drop their keys. He attempted to bend down to get them but he was barely able to bend his back. In the end, I had to get his keys for him.
[Veteran] has pretty much stopped doing physical activities with me. We maybe go on walks once a month now. Due to their declining physical condition.
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FAQ
How can I get in touch with people I've served with but lost contact with?
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You can try using sites like:
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You can also search Facebook to search for specific unit pages as well.
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I had my buddy use a 4138 form instead of a VA Form 21-10210. Should I be worried?
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No, but it is always best practice to use the latest and correct forms.
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Wait, the form you link says it is expired. Can I still use it?
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The expiration date is more a notice to check to see if there is a newer version out of the form. It DOES NOT invalidate the evidence contained on the form itself. That said, the VA (as is often the case) has yet to release a new version of the form. So there is nothing to worry about.
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Does both the Veteran and the person who wrote the statement sign block 22A?
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No, only the person who provided the statement.
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Who completes Section II?
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Claimant would be the Spouse or other eligible dependent continuing a Claim or Appeal for a deceased Veteran.
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How do I upload the form to my claim, if I have already submitted it?
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You can upload evidence via this LINK.
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When I go to upload the form there is no option for VA Form 21-10210?
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You can select the option: Other Correspondence.
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Do they need to 'wet sign' the form?
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They can digitally sign the form using a cursive font.
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My buddy does not write in English, what are my options?
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They can submit their statement in their native language - the VA HAS internal ability to have things translated in-house. However, you may find it beneficial to translate it yourself and just have them sign that version.
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