Buddy Statements for VA Claims
How to Request, Write, and Submit the Most Underused Evidence in VA Disability Claims
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide -- download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.
Buddy Statements for VA Claims
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
Get the one-page buddy statement submission checklist.
Free printable PDF that distills this toolkit into one page you can take to your next appointment.
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About This Topic
A practical guide to buddy statements (VA Form 21-10210), lay evidence from fellow service members, family, and others who witnessed a veteran's injuries or in-service events. Covers who can write one, what it should include, how to request it, and how to make it an effective part of a claim package.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from Buddy Statements for VA Claims:
Who This Is For
- Veterans who need lay evidence to support their claims
- Veterans whose military records are incomplete
- Family members and friends willing to provide witness statements
- Anyone who wants to strengthen a claim with real-world testimony
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 17 files in one zip · 203 KB
Companion Toolkit
17 files for Buddy Statements for VA Claims -- Organized by when you need them in the claims process.
Ch 2: Who Should Write Your Statements
1 file
Ch 3: What to Ask For / Brief Witnesses
3 files
Ch 4: Writing Your Own Statement
1 file
Ch 5: Statements for Specific Claim Types
1 file
Ch 6: Collecting, Organizing, Submitting
3 files
Statement Submission Checklist
DOCXChecklist for submitting buddy statements with the right forms and formatting
11 KB
Ch 7: When VA Discounts Statements
3 files
Decision Letter Decoder
DOCXBreak down a VA decision letter line by line to find errors and next steps
12 KB
Ch 8: Complete Strategy
1 file
General / whole book
4 files
VA Forms Quick Reference
DOCXQuick-reference guide to the VA forms used at each stage of a claim
11 KB
Buddy Statements Playbook
DOCXComplete playbook for buddy statements — who to ask, what to say, how to format
18 KB
Claims Master Tracker
XLSXTrack every claim, rating, effective date, and status in one master spreadsheet
11 KB
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders. Open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators. They include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Related Topics
Nexus Letters for VA Claims
How to Get, Write, and Use a Nexus Letter to Win Your VA Disability Service Connection
A VA Disability Claims Manual for the Rest of Us
How to File, Appeal, and Win Your VA Benefits
The VA C&P Exam Playbook
The Complete Guide to Preparing for Your VA C&P Exam and Getting the Rating You Deserve
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.