Lay/Witness Statement (Buddy Statement)
A written statement from someone backing up your claim — friends, family, or fellow service members.
21-10210
Supporting Your Claim
What this form does
A written statement from someone backing up your claim — friends, family, or fellow service members.
Provides written testimony from someone who witnessed your condition or its effects.
Official VA title: Lay/Witness Statement
VA revision June 28, 2021 · Links verified against VA.gov August 10, 2026
Use it when: When you or another witness can give relevant, specific observations that support your own claim or another Veteran's or eligible family member's claim.
Preparation route
How to use 21-10210
Every preparation step stays open so you can scan the whole job before starting.
Do now · 01
Before you start
- Estimated time
- 30-60 minutes per statement
Use this form when: When you or another witness can give relevant, specific observations that support your own claim or another Veteran's or eligible family member's claim.
Waypoint · 02
Complete the form
- Your relationship to the veteran and how long you've known them
- Specific observations of the condition or in-service events
- How the condition affects the veteran's daily life, work, and relationships
- Dates and locations of observations when possible
Waypoint · 03
Avoid common mistakes
- Being too vague — specific examples are much more powerful
- Not describing the impact on daily activities
- Assuming only service members can write buddy statements
- Forgetting to sign and date the statement
Go next · 04
Submit the form
Available methods
- Online
- Mail to
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- Submission note
- Submit with the veteran's 21-526EZ or as additional evidence for an existing claim.
Field note
Write like you're talking to someone who knows nothing about the veteran. Be specific: 'I saw him limping every morning at 0600 formation for 6 months' is better than 'he had knee problems.'
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