The term Buddy Statement may seem informal and of little significance. However, these supporting statements, called Buddy Statements by the VA, can play a large role in developing and validating an open VA disability claim.
What is a Buddy Statement?
A Buddy Statement is a letter of support from an individual with first hand knowledge of facts surrounding the veteran’s claim. This knowledge can come in many forms and may support or develop the claim in a variety of ways.
knowledge of the injury itself
knowledge of the veteran’s behaviors and capabilities before and/or after the injury/incident
confirmation of date or location of unit or event
corroborating details of a stressful event
confirmation that a veteran was ‘engaged in combat’ in situations which are unclear
How do I obtain a Buddy Statement?
If a veteran has remained in contact with another service member, then obtaining a Buddy Statement may be as simple as asking. But, it isn’t often quite that easy. There are, however, lots of ways to locate and obtain Buddy Statements.
A Google search for veteran related sites will yield an assortment of websites dedicated to sharing veteran contact information. Search by name, service branch, location, or unit assignment. You can also try searching Facebook and LinkedIn for unit names, or names of ships. Very often, you will find that you are not alone in looking for fellow service members.
If a veteran’s claim is entirely dependent upon contact with the fellow service member, the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, can assist with a free forwarding service.
If the person you are searching for is in active duty, you can contact the branch’s locator office, and they will offer assistance. However, in this instance, you’ll need to know some very specific details about the service member including: full name, date of birth, and social security number.
I have a Buddy Statement, now what?
You’ll want to submit your Buddy Statement in support of your open veterans disability claim. You can submit the statement either informally as a letter or via Form 21-4138 Statement in Support.
If you have questions, I would be happy to talk to you. Setting up a free veterans disability consultation is normally the best way to discuss those questions. If you would like to find out more about how a free consultation works and what you will learn, please take a look at this short article that explains it in more detail.
Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims. He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.
You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.
I could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent my worker comp. case. Any questions I had during the process was always answered in a timely manner. Mr. Perkins really cared about insuring that I wasn't being taken advantage of during this process and helped us reach a settlement that I feel comfortable with. I would recommend this firm to my parents or children.syndel Laber
I'm so thankful and grateful for all the hard work Jason, Tina and Liz did for me. They went above and beyond to get the best outcome for me. They took the to explain everything that was going on with my case again I'm so thankful grateful and happy with the outcome of my workers comp case.Adrian Adams
First off, I must say thank you again to the office of Perkins Studdard. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication your office has shown to achieve a successful and happy outcome. You have forever changed my family’s life!
Also, I wanted to give a special shoutout to Jessica Hyatt for her excellent attitude, advice, and overall professionalism throughout every step of this process.
This journey has finally been complete after more than a decade of being denied and almost giving up. However, two of my old coworkers advised me that the office of Perkins Studdard had also successfully helped them achieve their proper rating too.
Needless to say, this has been one of my best decisions in life. I can now sleep a little better and stress free knowing I finally got what I deserved all along.
Once again, thank you for everything! And shoutout to Travis Studdard, “we did it.”
Respectfully,
Jonathon FloresJonathon Flores
My family and I are so grateful for Jason Perkins and his team. Jason explains thing's to detail and walks you through every step of your case. I would highly recommend Perkins Studdard for your legal needs. Thank you so much Jason and Tina!Chapin & Lea Anne Warner
The best I know for workers comp attorney'sDenise Williams
Jason really has helped me so much through this hard experience I have went through! And the ladies in the office was wonderful with any and everything I had questions about! I highly recommend using this lawyer office to everyone and Jason Perkins for sure!! Thank y'all for everything and making it easier to get through this long though experience!
James HammittJames Hammitt
Thank you so much ! I received excellent representation from the entire Perkins Studdard Law firm, my VA claim was resolved and granted in a timely manner, they were hands on with me during the entire process. I would definitely recommend the firm to any veteran deciding to file a VA claim.Darrell Lynn
I would like to thank the law firm of Perkins-Studdard (Travis) and his team, for performing such an outstanding job, at every possible level, during my recent situation with the VA Disability Claims . From the first time I called and spoke with Mr Studdard with an overview of my situation, until the final settlement was executed (successfully I may add), I always felt that I was in good hands with this firm. Everyone in the office, Jessica, and April were responsive, approachable, knowledgeable, good listeners, and extremely professional. Mr. Studdard was realistic of the circumstances and of the potential difficult process that would lay ahead, should I proceed. I can’t say enough about Travis, and I will always be thankful to him. Travis was committed, and he instilled a real sense of confidence during both the highs and the lows. He ultimately prevailed and the outcome was very much in my favor. Of course, each case is different on its own merits and one can never predict how things ultimately will turn out. All I know is that the settlement far exceeded my expectation. Mr. Studdard has been a blessing to me.
I strongly recommend that anyone who would find themselves in a similar legal situation with the VA to contact Law Offices of Perkins Studdard for a consultation. It was a very positive experience given the circumstances. Thank you again, I shall forever be in your debt.Concetta Hogg
Mr. Perkins, I cannot express enough how thankful I am for your exceptional representation. Your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case have left an indelible mark. Thanks to you, I can now move forward with my life, confident that justice has been served.Esli Roque
Travis and his team have been a blessing for me and my family. They have done an amazing job in helping me navigate the VA appeals process. They kept their eye on the ball all the way through the long, difficult and confusing process. I highly recommend Travis and his team because thanks to their professionalism and know how, I got the benefits I deserve.Daniel patriot
I understand you want your VA claim to be done as quickly as possible. But remember the ultimate goal – to win your VA disability compensation claim.
You may eventually get there on your own, but it may be after a series of decisions by the Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals. Sometimes claims are appealed and remanded several times, which can cause a claim to drag on for years. If you are interested in avoiding unnecessary delay in your claim and want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of success, it is probably a good idea for you to consult with an accredited veterans disability attorney.
We would be happy to talk to you. If you would like a free consultation with our Perkins Studdard veterans disability attorneys just click here or give us a call to begin the process.
