Buddy letters, also known as lay statements, are invaluable pieces of evidence when filing a VA disability claim. They provide first-hand accounts of how your condition affects your daily life. These letters, written by friends, family members, coworkers, or fellow veterans, can corroborate your own testimony and offer a clearer picture to the VA regarding the severity and origin of your disability.
A strong buddy letter should be specific, detailed, and honest. It should clearly state the writer’s relationship to you, the period of time they observed your condition, and specific examples of how your disability impacts your activities. Avoid general statements; instead, focus on concrete observations that support your claim. The examples below offer a starting point for understanding the format and content of effective buddy letters.
Sample VA Buddy Letters
Here are nine sample buddy letters tailored to different scenarios. Remember to adapt these samples to your specific situation and have the writer personalize the letter with their own unique experiences.
Sample Letter 1: Supporting a PTSD Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is John Smith, and I am writing this letter in support of David Miller’s claim for disability benefits related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I served with David in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011 as part of the same infantry unit.
During our deployment, David was exposed to multiple traumatic events, including IED explosions and enemy fire. I personally witnessed him struggling with nightmares, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance following these events. He became increasingly withdrawn and isolated from the rest of the unit. I remember one specific instance where an IED exploded near our vehicle. David, though physically unharmed, froze and was unable to react for several minutes afterwards.
Since returning home, I have remained in contact with David. He has told me about his ongoing struggles with PTSD symptoms, including difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, and an inability to hold down a job. I believe that David’s experiences in Afghanistan have significantly impacted his mental health and ability to function. I hope the VA will consider my testimony in support of his claim.
Sincerely,
John Smith
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 2: Supporting a Back Injury Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Sarah Johnson, and I am writing this letter to support the disability claim of Michael Brown, my husband. I have been married to Michael for 15 years and have firsthand knowledge of his back problems.
Michael injured his back during his service in the Marine Corps in 2005 while lifting heavy equipment. Before his service, he was active and had no back pain. I recall him telling me about the initial injury, and since his discharge, I’ve seen the gradual decline in his ability to perform everyday tasks.
He has constant pain that impacts his sleep and daily activities. He can no longer participate in activities we used to enjoy, such as hiking and gardening. I often have to help him with household chores like laundry and grocery shopping because he can’t lift heavy objects without severe pain. I’ve observed him struggling to get out of bed some mornings due to the stiffness and pain.
I believe that Michael’s back condition has significantly impacted his quality of life, and I hope this letter will support his claim for disability benefits.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 3: Supporting a Tinnitus Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Robert Davis, and I am writing to support the claim of Maria Rodriguez for tinnitus, which I believe is directly related to her service in the Navy. I worked alongside Maria as a sonar technician for 4 years.
Maria was exposed to extremely loud noises from the sonar equipment daily. I remember her frequently complaining about ringing in her ears even during breaks and after our shifts. We were both issued hearing protection, but sometimes the noise was so intense it didn’t seem to help much.
Since leaving the Navy, Maria has mentioned that the tinnitus has persisted and is constant. She says it interferes with her sleep and makes it difficult to concentrate.
I believe her tinnitus is a direct result of the noise exposure during her military service, and I hope this information will aid in the approval of her claim.
Sincerely,
Robert Davis
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 4: Supporting a Knee Injury Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Emily Wilson, and I’m writing to support the disability claim of Captain James Carter, regarding a knee injury sustained during his time in the military. I served as his medic while stationed at Fort Bragg.
I witnessed Captain Carter injure his knee during a training exercise. He was running a maneuver course when his knee twisted awkwardly. I treated him immediately on-site and observed his initial pain and limited mobility. He received further medical attention afterward.
Even after physical therapy and time off-duty, I noticed Captain Carter still experiencing pain and instability in his knee. He struggled to keep pace during marches and often winced in pain when performing certain tasks.
Based on my observations as his medic, I believe the knee injury sustained during the training exercise has had a lasting impact on Captain Carter’s physical capabilities.
Sincerely,
Emily Wilson
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 5: Supporting a Migraine Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Thomas Green, and I am writing in support of the disability claim of Jessica Lee, who is applying for benefits related to migraines. We were roommates while serving at Camp Pendleton.
During our time together, I frequently witnessed Jessica suffering from severe migraines. These episodes would often leave her incapacitated, with sensitivity to light and sound, and intense headaches. She would often have to miss work or social events due to the debilitating nature of her migraines.
I often found her lying in bed in a darkened room, trying to alleviate the pain. These episodes would last for several hours and leave her exhausted.
I know that Jessica experienced these debilitating migraines during and after her service, and I can attest to their severity.
Sincerely,
Thomas Green
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 6: Supporting a Sleep Apnea Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Patricia Hall, and I am writing this letter in support of the VA disability claim of Mark Thompson for Sleep Apnea. Mark is my brother, and I have observed his condition for many years.
After Mark returned from his deployment, I noticed he started snoring very loudly and heavily. He would often gasp for air in his sleep, which was concerning to witness. He was always tired and complained of daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s rest (or what was supposed to be a full night).
I have seen the effects of this lack of sleep on his life. He is often irritable, has trouble concentrating, and struggles to stay awake during the day. His sleep apnea has impacted both his physical and mental health. I truly believe that Mark developed this condition after his service due to stressors and exposures during his deployment.
Sincerely,
Patricia Hall
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 7: Supporting a Foot Injury Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is David Jones, and I am writing in support of Sergeant Lisa Miller’s claim for a foot injury sustained during active duty. I served alongside her as a fellow soldier in the same company.
I witnessed Lisa develop a stress fracture in her foot during a particularly grueling training exercise. She continued to push through the pain for several days, but eventually, the pain became unbearable, and she had to seek medical attention. I saw her limping noticeably and struggling to keep up with the rest of the unit.
Even after treatment, I observed Lisa continue to experience pain and discomfort in her foot. She often had to modify her activities and take breaks due to the ongoing pain. I truly believe that the stress fracture she sustained in training has had a lasting impact on her physical capabilities.
Sincerely,
David Jones
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 8: Supporting a IBS Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Brenda Lee, and I am writing to support the disability claim of Jason Smith for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Jason and I have been close friends since childhood and have remained in contact since he served in the Army.
After Jason returned from his deployment, he started experiencing frequent stomach problems, including diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. He described these symptoms as debilitating and said they significantly impacted his ability to work and socialize. I remember countless times when he had to cancel plans or leave events early due to sudden and urgent bathroom trips.
Jason has told me about the numerous doctor’s appointments and tests he has undergone to try and manage his IBS. Despite his efforts, he continues to struggle with these symptoms on a daily basis. I believe that his IBS is a direct result of his service and the stressors he experienced during his deployment.
Sincerely,
Brenda Lee
(Contact Information)
Sample Letter 9: Supporting a Hearing Loss Claim
Date: October 26, 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Processing Center
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is George Miller, and I am writing this letter to support the hearing loss claim of Captain Anna Davis. I served as Captain Davis’s communications officer and spent many hours working directly alongside her.
I witnessed firsthand the intense noise levels that Captain Davis was regularly exposed to, from radio communications to artillery fire during training exercises. She was constantly using her headset, often in loud environments. She frequently asked people to repeat themselves, even in relatively quiet settings. I noticed her leaning in closer during conversations and often misunderstanding what was said.
Since leaving the military, Captain Davis has shared with me the challenges she faces due to her hearing loss. She has difficulty hearing in crowded environments and struggles to understand conversations on the phone. I strongly believe that the hearing loss she is experiencing is a direct result of her service, and I hope the VA will consider my testimony in support of her claim.
Sincerely,
George Miller
(Contact Information)
Conclusion
These sample buddy letters are meant to serve as a guide. Remember, the most effective letters are personalized and provide specific details about your condition and its impact. Encouraging your buddies to be honest and thorough in their accounts will significantly strengthen your VA disability claim. Consulting with a VA accredited attorney or claims agent can further assist in gathering and presenting compelling evidence.
