Write a Powerful
Buddy or Lay Statement

I, [YOUR NAME], [RANK/RELATIONSHIP], hereby submit this statement in support of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s VA disability claim for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I have firsthand knowledge of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s condition, having [served together in [UNIT/DEPLOYMENT] / known him/her for X years]. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the following statements are true and accurate. I personally observed [VETERAN'S NAME] exhibit significant behavioral changes consistent with PTSD, including an exaggerated startle response to loud or sudden noises, hypervigilance in public spaces such as restaurants and stores, and social withdrawal from friends and family. On multiple occasions, I witnessed [VETERAN'S NAME] become visibly distressed and leave social gatherings abruptly without explanation. [He/She] has described experiencing recurring nightmares and difficulty sleeping through the night. These symptoms have had a profound impact on [VETERAN'S NAME]'s daily functioning. [He/She] rarely participates in activities [he/she] previously enjoyed, has difficulty maintaining relationships, and requires [assistance / support] for routine tasks that were once manageable. I have personally observed that [he/she] avoids crowds, enclosed spaces, and situations that remind [him/her] of [his/her] service. I am submitting this statement to ensure the VA has a complete picture of how [VETERAN'S NAME]'s PTSD affects [his/her] daily life. I have firsthand knowledge of these observations and attest to their accuracy to the best of my ability. Respectfully submitted, [YOUR FULL NAME] [DATE] [CONTACT INFORMATION — optional]

I, [YOUR NAME], [RANK/RELATIONSHIP], hereby submit this statement in support of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s VA disability claim for [back pain / knee injury]. I have firsthand knowledge of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s physical limitations, having [served alongside him/her / known him/her for X years and regularly observed his/her physical condition]. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the following statements are true and accurate. I personally observed that [VETERAN'S NAME] has significant difficulty with physical tasks including lifting objects over [X] pounds, standing for extended periods, and climbing stairs. On numerous occasions, I witnessed [him/her] require assistance with tasks that a healthy person could perform independently, including [carrying groceries / getting in and out of vehicles / bending to pick up objects]. [He/She] walks with a visible limp and frequently grimaces or stops activity due to pain. These physical limitations directly affect [VETERAN'S NAME]'s ability to perform daily activities. I have observed [him/her] unable to participate in activities [he/she] previously enjoyed such as [outdoor activities / yard work / playing with children]. [He/She] relies on [a cane / other assistance / prescription pain medication] to manage daily activities. Regarding [his/her] ability to work, I personally observed [VETERAN'S NAME] [miss work / leave work early / require modified duty] on multiple occasions due to pain and physical limitations related to [his/her] [back / knee] condition. I am submitting this statement to provide the VA with an accurate account of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s functional limitations as I have personally observed them. Respectfully submitted, [YOUR FULL NAME] [DATE]

I, [YOUR NAME], [RANK/RELATIONSHIP], hereby submit this statement in support of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s VA disability claim for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Migraines. I have firsthand knowledge of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s condition, having [served together / worked with / known] [him/her] for [X years]. I personally knew [VETERAN'S NAME] before and after [his/her] injury and can speak to the changes I have observed. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the following statements are true and accurate. Prior to [VETERAN'S NAME]'s TBI, I knew [him/her] as [a sharp, detail-oriented person / someone with an excellent memory / a high-functioning individual]. Following [his/her] injury, I personally observed significant cognitive changes, including difficulty remembering conversations we had recently, losing track of tasks mid-completion, and confusion in environments with multiple stimuli. On multiple occasions, [VETERAN'S NAME] has asked me to repeat information [he/she] had already received within the same conversation. I have personally observed [VETERAN'S NAME] experience migraine episodes that are [completely debilitating / extremely severe]. During these episodes, [he/she] is unable to tolerate light or sound and must [retire to a dark room / cease all activity] for [hours / days] at a time. I have witnessed [him/her] miss [work / family events / appointments] as a direct result of these episodes. Additionally, I have noticed personality and behavioral changes in [VETERAN'S NAME] since [his/her] injury, including increased irritability, difficulty with emotional regulation, and reduced ability to tolerate frustration. These changes are distinctly different from [his/her] personality before the injury and have been consistently present since [approximate date or event]. Respectfully submitted, [YOUR FULL NAME] [DATE]

I, [YOUR NAME], [RANK/RELATIONSHIP], hereby submit this statement in support of [VETERAN'S NAME]'s VA disability claim. I have known [VETERAN'S NAME] since [approximate date/period], and I am submitting this statement to describe changes in [his/her] behavior and functioning that I personally observed. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the following statements are true and accurate. Prior to approximately [TIME PERIOD], I knew [VETERAN'S NAME] as [a confident, outgoing, and high-performing service member / describe positive characteristics]. Beginning around [TIME PERIOD], I personally observed significant and unexplained changes in [his/her] behavior and demeanor. I personally observed [VETERAN'S NAME] become increasingly withdrawn from [his/her] peers, avoid certain locations on base [describe vaguely if needed], and exhibit signs of significant emotional distress including [tearfulness / anxiety / difficulty concentrating]. [He/She] lost noticeable weight and had visible difficulty performing [his/her] duties that had previously been performed without difficulty. I also observed that [VETERAN'S NAME] avoided [certain individuals / certain locations] without explanation, had difficulty sleeping as evidenced by [describe observable signs], and withdrew from social activities [he/she] had previously participated in. I cannot speak to the cause of these changes, only to the changes themselves as I personally observed them. These behavioral changes were distinct, sustained, and inconsistent with [VETERAN'S NAME]'s character and performance before the period described above. Respectfully submitted, [YOUR FULL NAME] [DATE]

I, [YOUR FULL NAME], [YOUR RANK/TITLE/RELATIONSHIP], hereby submit this statement in support of [VETERAN'S FIRST NAME]'s VA disability claim for [CONDITION]. I have firsthand knowledge of [VETERAN'S FIRST NAME]'s condition, having [DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP — e.g. served together in the 101st Airborne Division from 2005–2008 / known him/her for X years as a family member / worked alongside him/her for X years]. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the following statements are true and accurate. I personally observed [VETERAN'S FIRST NAME] [DESCRIBE SPECIFIC OBSERVATIONS — what did you see, hear, witness? Be specific. Include dates, locations, or events if possible]. These observations were consistent and ongoing, not isolated incidents. The condition has affected [VETERAN'S FIRST NAME]'s daily life in the following ways that I have personally observed: [DESCRIBE FUNCTIONAL IMPACT — how does it affect sleep, mobility, relationships, ability to leave the home, personal care, etc.]. [OPTIONAL: Regarding employment — I personally observed [VETERAN'S FIRST NAME] [DESCRIBE WORK IMPACT — missed work, required accommodations, lost job, etc.] as a direct result of [his/her] condition.] I am providing this statement because I have direct, personal knowledge of [VETERAN'S FIRST NAME]'s condition and its effects, and I believe this information will assist the VA in making a fair and accurate determination of [his/her] disability claim. Respectfully submitted, [YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS — optional] [YOUR PHONE / EMAIL — optional] [DATE]