What is VA Form 21-4138?

VA Form 21-4138 is the Statement in Support of Claim — a free-form written statement that can be submitted by the veteran themselves or by witnesses such as fellow service members, family members, or anyone who has observed the veteran's condition or in-service events. It's also commonly called a buddy statement or lay statement.

Who can write a buddy statement (VA Form 21-4138)?

Anyone can write a buddy statement who has personal knowledge relevant to the claim. This includes fellow service members who witnessed in-service events, family members who observe the veteran's daily symptoms, coworkers who see how the condition affects job performance, or the veteran themselves describing their own experiences.

What makes a VA Form 21-4138 buddy statement effective?

An effective buddy statement is specific, first-person, and focuses on observed facts rather than conclusions. Include: the writer's relationship to the veteran, specific incidents or observations with dates, how the condition affects daily life and function, and what the writer personally witnessed. Vague statements like 'he seems to be in pain' are far less useful than 'I witnessed him unable to bend down to pick up his equipment on approximately 15 different occasions during our 2019 deployment to Afghanistan.'

VA Form 21-4138

Statement in Support of Claim

The most underused and most powerful supporting document in VA claims. A well-written buddy statement or lay statement can make the difference between a denial and a winning claim.

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Who Can FileVeterans, family, fellow service members

Also CalledBuddy statement, lay statement

When to UseAny time — with initial claim or as new evidence

ImpactOften the deciding factor in marginal cases

What Is This Form?

VA Form 21-4138 is the Statement in Support of Claim — a free-form written statement that can be submitted alongside any VA claim or appeal. It's commonly known as a buddy statement (when written by a fellow service member) or a lay statement (when written by anyone, including the veteran themselves).

Unlike medical records or nexus letters, a buddy statement is simply a written account of what someone personally witnessed or experienced. The VA is legally required to consider lay evidence — and a specific, credible statement can tip marginal cases in a veteran's favor.

⭐ Why this is the most underused form: Most veterans submit only medical records and forget that personal testimony has legal weight with the VA. A service member who witnessed an injury event, or a spouse who observes daily symptoms, provides evidence that no doctor can replicate.

Who Needs to File This Form?

Veterans writing a personal statement about their in-service experiences, injuries, or symptoms
Fellow service members who witnessed an in-service injury event, accident, or exposure
Spouses or family members who observe the veteran's daily symptoms and limitations
Coworkers or supervisors who see how the veteran's condition affects work performance
Anyone who has direct personal knowledge relevant to the veteran's disability claim
Veterans appealing a denied claim with new lay evidence as supporting documentation

What You Need to Fill It Out

Veteran's full name, Social Security Number, and VA file number (on the form header)
Writer's full name and relationship to the veteran
Specific facts, dates, locations, and observations — be as precise as possible
Description of what the writer personally witnessed (not hearsay or assumptions)
Writer's signature and date

The body of the statement is free-form. There are no rigid fields to complete — just a blank space for a written account. Length doesn't matter as much as specificity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Complete the header fields. Enter the veteran's name, Social Security Number, and VA file number in the top section of the form. These link the statement to the correct claim file.
Identify the writer. In the statement body, begin by stating who is writing the statement and your relationship to the veteran: "I, [Name], served with [Veteran's Name] in [Unit] from [Date] to [Date]" or "I am [Veteran's Name]'s spouse and have lived with him since [Year]."
State the purpose clearly. "I am submitting this statement in support of [Veteran's Name]'s claim for service connection for [condition]."
Describe specific observations. Use first-person language and specific details: what you personally saw, heard, experienced. Include approximate dates, locations, unit designations, and names of others who were present if possible.
Describe current impact. For personal/family statements, describe how the condition affects daily life: sleep, mobility, relationships, ability to work, daily activities.
Close with certification. "I certify that the above statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Sign and date. The writer must sign and date the form. Unsigned statements are not considered.
Submit with the claim. Attach the completed 21-4138 to any VA claim form, supplemental claim, or appeal. Submit as many buddy statements as you have — each one adds weight.

What Makes a Good Buddy Statement

Strong statement example:

"I served with Sergeant [Name] in Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment from January 2010 to December 2011. During our deployment to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, I personally witnessed Sergeant [Name] involved in a vehicle rollover on or about March 15, 2010, near FOB Wilson. He was thrown against the interior of the MRAP and immediately complained of severe back pain. He was seen by the unit medic and returned to duty, but I observed him visibly limping and refusing to carry heavy loads for the remainder of the deployment. On multiple occasions, I saw him take pain medication and heard him complain of back pain during our nightly guard shifts. He never complained about anything before that incident."

Weak statement (avoid):

"I know [Veteran] from the military. He seems like he's in a lot of pain. I think his back is bad from the service. He deserves benefits."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being vague. "He was injured in service" is not evidence. "I witnessed him fall from a 12-foot ladder at Camp Lejeune on or about June 2008 and saw him unable to walk for several days" is evidence.
Stating conclusions instead of observations. Don't say "he is 100% disabled." Say "I have observed him unable to stand for more than 10 minutes without grimacing in pain, and he has cancelled our weekly walks consistently for the past 3 years."
Not signing the form. An unsigned buddy statement cannot be considered. The writer must sign and date the completed form.
Writing only one statement. Submit as many as you have. Multiple credible statements from different witnesses compound in persuasive power.
Forgetting the veteran can write their own. Veterans often overlook their own statement. Your first-person account of in-service events, symptoms, and limitations is direct evidence.

Where to Submit

With Your Initial Claim or Appeal

Attach completed buddy statements to your VA Form 21-526EZ, 20-0995 Supplemental Claim, or any other submission. They become part of your permanent claim file.

Separately as New Evidence

Mail directly to the VA Claims Intake Center: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Include your VA file number on every page.

Online

Upload through VA.gov if you're filing an electronic claim or supplemental claim. Scan the completed, signed form and upload as a PDF attachment.

Related Resources

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