VA Form 21-10210
Lay/Witness Statement (Buddy Statement)
A written statement from someone backing up your claim — friends, family, or fellow service members.
Lay/Witness Statement (Buddy Statement)
In Plain English
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.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to file 21-10210
When to use this form
To support any claim. Buddy statements from fellow service members, family, or coworkers carry real weight with VA raters.
Required
- ✓Personal knowledge of the veteran's condition or service
The writer must have firsthand observations to describe.
You'll need to provide
- ✓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
- ✕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
Mail to
Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Submit with the veteran's 21-526EZ or as additional evidence for an existing claim.
Pro Tip
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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PTSD Statement
Details the traumatic event(s) connected to your PTSD claim. Combat and non-combat versions exist.
Continue Your Research
Forms are just one piece. Make sure your full claim is solid.
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Family Members
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“I lost my veteran. What am I entitled to?”
Guard & Reserve Veterans
“I was Guard or Reserve — do I qualify?”
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