Ask for a buddy statement with clarity and care
A buddy statement is a lay or witness statement about what someone personally saw or heard. This free worksheet helps you decide whom to ask, write a respectful request, and give the witness the official VA form. It does not write their statement for them.
1. Prepare your request
Copy these prompts into a private note. You can complete them without entering any personal information on this website.
- Who might have first-hand knowledge? Think of a person who personally saw an event or a change during a relevant time period.
- How do they know you? Note the relationship and approximate dates.
- What can they honestly describe? Name the general observation; do not ask for a diagnosis, legal conclusion, or a promised outcome.
- What are you asking them to do? Ask if they are willing to write in their own words. Give them space to decline or say they do not remember.
- How will you exchange the statement privately? Choose a secure method outside public comments, social posts, or group chats.
My potential witness: ______________________________
How they know me / approximate time: ______________________________
What they may have observed first-hand: ______________________________
Private follow-up method and date: ______________________________
2. Send a simple, pressure-free ask
Copy and personalize this message:
Hi [name], I’m organizing information for a VA benefits matter. You may remember [general event or time period]. Would you be comfortable writing a truthful statement, in your own words, about anything you personally observed? It is completely okay to decline or say you do not remember. VA’s Lay/Witness Statement form and instructions are at https://www.va.gov/forms/21-10210/. If you choose to write one, we can agree on a private way to share it.
Send the request yourself. This page does not message your witness or store their contact details.
3. Let the witness speak in their own words
The person writing should review the current VA Form 21-10210 page and the form instructions. Their statement should describe their relationship to you, the approximate time frame, and concrete first-hand observations. If a detail is uncertain, they can say so. They should review and sign the statement as VA instructs.
Keep a private copy and follow the instructions for the VA claim or review process. VA may accept lay evidence, but no particular statement guarantees an outcome.
Want a fuller system for the claims process?
This worksheet handles one request. The Veteran Claims Blueprint course walks through the broader claims process, evidence, exams, ratings, and decisions. The Blueprint Command Center is being built for ongoing checklists, research paths, and member resources, including a guided buddy request and decision-letter reading guide.
Start with the free worksheet. Explore the course only if a structured program would help you.
General education and organization only. We do not review individual claims, prepare statements for a witness, or act as your representative. For help specific to your claim, find a VA-accredited representative. Reviewed September 24, 2026.