Introduction
When filing a VA disability claim, medical records and official service treatment documents usually take center stage. But what happens when those records don’t tell the whole story? That’s where lay statements—personal, non-medical accounts from you or others—can become the bridge between the evidence and the reality of your condition.
Many veterans wonder if lay statements are necessary. The short answer? They’re not always required—but when used wisely, they can make the difference between denial and approval, especially in complex or undocumented claims.
This guide explores what lay statements are, when you need them, how to write them effectively, and why they matter more in 2025 than ever before.
What Is a Lay Statement?
A lay statement is a written account provided by someone without formal medical training—such as the veteran, a spouse, friend, coworker, or fellow service member—that describes observed symptoms, experiences, or incidents related to a disability claim.
Lay statements can support claims by:
Describing symptoms or behavior not documented in medical records
Providing insight into how a condition impacts daily life
Offering a timeline of when and how symptoms began or worsened
Confirming the occurrence of an in-service event (like a fall or blast) when no official report exists
In short, they give context—and credibility—to what the VA might otherwise overlook.
When Are Lay Statements Most Helpful?
Not all claims need lay statements, but certain situations benefit significantly from them. Here are a few examples:
🔹 Mental Health Claims
Conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety may not always have clean-cut documentation. Lay statements from spouses or close friends can describe:
Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
Sleep disturbances or nightmares
Social withdrawal or panic attacks
Aggression or emotional numbness
These firsthand accounts give the VA a clearer picture of how your condition plays out in real life.
🔹 Undocumented In-Service Events
Some injuries or exposures weren’t documented in official records—especially in combat zones or remote duty stations. A buddy letter from a fellow service member can confirm:
Exposure to blasts, burn pits, or chemicals
Physical injuries sustained during missions or field exercises
Situations where medical attention wasn’t available or was refused
This kind of corroboration can establish the in-service element required for a successful claim.
🔹 Chronic Pain or Invisible Conditions
Conditions like migraines, back pain, or fibromyalgia may not show up on scans or lab tests. A lay statement can describe:
The frequency and severity of flare-ups
How the condition limits your physical activity or job performance
The impact on your personal and family life
Who Can Write a Lay Statement?
Anyone who knows you well and can speak honestly about your condition is a potential source of a lay statement. This includes:
You, the veteran
Spouses or domestic partners
Adult children
Friends and roommates
Coworkers or supervisors
Fellow service members
Different perspectives matter. For instance, a spouse might describe how your PTSD affects your sleep, while a coworker might highlight your difficulty focusing or performing tasks.
Bonus Tip: Statements from multiple sources can offer a well-rounded view, as long as they’re consistent and specific.
How to Write an Effective Lay Statement
The VA gives weight to lay statements—but only when they’re clear, detailed, and relevant. Here’s how to write one that counts:
1. Identify the Writer and Their Relationship to You
Start the statement with a sentence like:
“My name is John Smith. I served with [Veteran’s Name] in Iraq from 2009 to 2010, and we were in the same platoon during the incident described.”
Or:
“I am Jane Doe, the spouse of [Veteran’s Name]. We have been married since 2015, and I have witnessed his struggles with anxiety and depression since his discharge.”
2. Be Specific About What Was Observed
Instead of vague phrases like “he struggles,” use examples:
“On several occasions, I’ve seen him experience full-body tremors and panic attacks after hearing loud noises like fireworks or car backfires.”
Or:
“She has missed several family events due to migraines that leave her bedridden for days.”
Details show the VA reviewer this isn’t just opinion—it’s real-life observation.
3. Keep It Focused and Truthful
Lay statements don’t need to be dramatic. Avoid exaggeration. Stick to what the writer directly witnessed or experienced.
Also, focus on relevance. A letter about your parenting style won’t help a knee pain claim—but a note about your inability to go on walks with your kids because of that knee pain might.
4. Include a Signature and Date
All lay statements should be signed and dated. If possible, include a contact number or email, especially for buddy statements or coworker letters.
You can also submit them using VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim).
Sample Lay Statement (From a Spouse)
“I am Maria Gonzalez, wife of James Gonzalez. James has suffered from severe insomnia, depression, and anxiety since he returned from his second deployment in 2012. He rarely sleeps more than 2 hours a night and wakes up in cold sweats. He has frequent mood swings, avoids social situations, and becomes irritable in loud environments. I have seen him break down crying over what seem like small stressors. These symptoms were not present before his deployments.”
Signed: Maria Gonzalez – 02/12/2025
This statement covers identity, observations, consistency, and dates—all key elements the VA looks for.
How to Submit a Lay Statement
You can submit lay statements by:
Uploading them via your VA.gov claim portal
Including them with your initial application (VA Form 21-526EZ)
Mailing them with VA Form 21-4138
Having your VSO include them when they file or assist with your claim
Be sure to label them clearly (e.g., “Spouse Lay Statement” or “Buddy Letter”) and match them to the condition you’re trying to prove.
Do Lay Statements Really Work?
Yes—especially when the medical evidence is limited, inconclusive, or circumstantial. Lay statements can provide the continuity of symptoms, context of impact, and verification of events the VA needs to approve a claim.
They can also help increase a rating by showing how a condition affects occupational and social functioning, which directly impacts your disability percentage.
Even if your medical records are solid, a compelling lay statement can reinforce your claim and protect it from doubt.
When You Might Not Need One
If you have strong service treatment records, consistent VA medical documentation, and a clear diagnosis-service connection, you might not need lay statements. But even then, they can serve as supporting documentation to solidify your case—especially when appealing a low rating or denial.
Final Thoughts
In a system where documentation rules everything, lay statements are your voice—and the voices of those who know you best. They fill in the blanks that records can’t. They humanize your claim. And when done well, they carry real weight in the VA’s decision-making process.
So, do you need lay statements? Maybe not always—but in many cases, they’re the detail that tips the scales in your favor.
If your claim is complex, undocumented, or deeply personal, don’t just tell the VA what’s wrong—show them. And let the people who’ve walked beside you do the same.
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