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.
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
Jason and his paralegal Lisa were on point and on top of their game when it came to handling my worker's comp. injury case. I tried going it alone and the insurance carrier pushed me around. They denied extra physical therapy. They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. They were at all times attentive and on top of my case. I cannot recommend Jason and his staff enough. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side.
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
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.
