A lay statement for the VA should follow this format: It is your opportunity to document all the physical, mental, emotional, personal and social changes you have observed. If you served alongside them and they are using your lay statement to corroborate an in-service stressor, include a detailed account of the event.
Shows the Impact: Explain how your disability impacts your life beyond just medical symptoms. Discuss day-to-day life, changes in your routines, challenges in physical and mental wellbeing, how it impacts your social relationships, etc. It's important to really emphasize to the VA how your life has been affected.
Example of Lay Statement Written by the Veteran. I, John Doe, hereby declare under penalty of perjury, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746(2), that the following is true and correct to the best of my knowledge: I served honorably in the United States Army from August 15, 1968 to June 16, 1974.
Keep your statements short and focused on the main issue at hand. Be Precise: When describing a symptom, incident, or diagnosis -- accuracy matters! Don't exaggerate or embellish details -- stick to the facts. Be Organized: Staying organized is key when it comes to filing a VA claim.
Example: “I am submitting this statement to support my claim for service connection for a knee injury sustained during combat operations in Afghanistan in March 2015. This injury has significantly reduced my mobility and continues to affect my daily life.”
I injured my foot severely when I was in the service in 1975 at Fort Benning, Georgia. This required surgery to repair the foot, but it did not heal properly and over the years I have not been able to walk properly because of the foot injury. I am furnishing the service medical records from that incident.
What is the Hardest VA Claim to Get? Mental Health Conditions (e.g., PTSD, Depression) ... Sleep Apnea. Tinnitus and Hearing Loss. Military Sexual Trauma (MST) ... Chronic Pain Without a Clear Diagnosis.
If you would like to submit an additional statement on your own behalf or if you have more than one witness writing on your behalf, use a separate form (VA Form 21-10210) for each statement.
How to write a Statement in Support of Claim Begin with identification information. Include your service details. Outline your disability. Share event details. Sign and date the statement.