Buddy or witness statement
Lay/Witness Statement
Records a firsthand statement from the claimant or someone with relevant personal knowledge.
Purpose and use
Use when a claimant, family member, friend, coworker, or service member is providing a lay or witness statement.
When not to use it
Do not use this form for a different benefit or review path unless current VA instructions identify it for that purpose.
Who completes and signs it?
- Completed by
- veteran or claimant, buddy or witness
- Signed by
- veteran or claimant, buddy or witness
- Availability
- online and pdf
- Submission
- follow current form instructions
Always start with the official page
Open the current VA version.
Check the revision, instructions, signature requirements, and delivery options immediately before use.
Read before use
Important limitations
- Verify the current revision and submission instructions on the official VA page before signing or sending the form.
- This planner identifies forms that may fit a situation; it does not determine eligibility or filing strategy.