Buddy Letters That Actually Work

Buddy Letters That Actually Work - VA Claims Field Manual book cover

Get Supporting Statements That Back Your Claim

Written by veterans who've been through the claims gauntlet. No legal jargon. No fluff. Just the scripts, worksheets, and tactics that actually work.

Book 5 of 5 in the VA Claims Field Manual Series · Included with Kindle Unlimited

Turn buddy memories into VA-ready evidence with outreach scripts, stressor prompts, and checklists that keep every witness focused on what raters need.

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Deep Dive

What's Inside

Buddy letters can provide crucial evidence when service records are incomplete. This manual gives you scripts for reaching out to fellow veterans, prompts to help them recall specific incidents, and templates that capture exactly what VA raters need to see.

Includes outreach templates, stressor corroboration guides for PTSD claims, and checklists to ensure buddy statements meet VA requirements.

Included Materials

What You'll Get

  • Buddy outreach email and text scripts
  • Stressor corroboration templates for PTSD claims
  • Witness statement prompts for specific incidents
  • VA Form 21-10210 buddy letter templates
  • Checklist ensuring statements meet VA requirements
  • Follow-up scripts for non-responsive contacts

Is This For You?

Who This Helps

  • Veterans who need witness statements to corroborate service incidents
  • PTSD claimants required to provide stressor verification
  • Anyone whose buddies want to help but don't know what to write
  • Claimants with incomplete service records needing lay evidence

Key Features

Highlights

  • Scripts make reaching out to old contacts less awkward
  • Prompts help buddies recall specific details
  • Templates ensure statements meet VA formatting requirements
  • PTSD stressor corroboration guidance included
  • Follow-up templates for non-responsive witnesses

The Complete Series

More in This Series

Free Resources

Related Resources

Start Here Pathfinder
Answer a few questions and get your personalized claim roadmap.
Free Claim Playbooks
Step-by-step guides for new claims, supplementals, and specific conditions.
Downloadable Templates
Print-ready lay statement templates, symptom logs, and nexus letter outlines.
VA Math Calculator
Model your combined rating and estimate monthly compensation.
C&P Exam Prep Guide
Free prep checklist covering what to bring, what to say, and common questions.
Lay Statement Guide
How to write VA Form 21-10210 statements that move the needle.

Common Questions

FAQ

Do buddy letters have to be notarized?
No—the VA does not require notarization. A signed and dated statement on VA Form 21-10210 (or a plain letter with full contact info) is sufficient. What matters is specific details about what your buddy witnessed, not notary stamps.
Can a family member write a buddy letter?
Yes, family members can and should write supporting statements. The VA accepts letters from anyone with direct knowledge of your condition or service. Spouses, parents, and siblings often provide valuable "before and after" observations.
What if my buddy doesn't remember specific dates?
Approximate timeframes work fine: "During our deployment to Iraq in 2007" or "While stationed at Fort Bragg." Focus on what they personally witnessed—the incident, your behavior changes, or ongoing symptoms. The manual includes memory prompts to help buddies recall details.
How do I ask someone to write a buddy letter?
This manual includes outreach scripts that make the ask less awkward. The key: explain exactly what you need, provide a template they can customize, and make it easy for them. Most buddies want to help—they just don't know what to write.