The Role of VA Form 21-10210 in VA Disability Claims
VA Form 21-10210 (Lay/ Witness statement) is an important resource for veterans seeking disability benefits. This form allows veterans and those who know them to submit lay evidence, such as buddy statements, also known as buddy letters, and personal accounts, to support their claims. The VA Form 21-10210 helps ensure that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a complete understanding of how disabilities affect a veteran’s daily life.
Here, you’ll learn the purpose of VA Form 21-10210, its significance in disability claims, who can complete it, and provide some best practice tips for using it.
Why VA Form 21-10210 Matters
Medical records sometimes fail to fully describe the real-world impact of a disability. The VA Form 21-10210 addresses this gap by providing a method for veterans and their advocates to give detailed descriptions of:
- Subjective Symptoms: Pain, fatigue, or cognitive issues that are hard to measure in medical exams.
- Functional Impact: How the disability impairs the Veteran’s ability to perform everyday activities such as work, taking care of family, hobbies, etc.
Lay evidence submitted via VA Form 21-10210 supports claims by adding a personal anecdote or perspective that complements medical documentation. And if you want to learn more about medical documentation, read our article: The Importance of Medical Evidence in Disability Benefit Claims.
Types of Lay Evidence Submitted with VA Form 21-10210
VA Form 21-10210 can be used to submit various kinds of lay evidence, the main ones being:
- Buddy Statements: Testimonies from fellow service members who witnessed incidents related to the disability. These accounts provide a critical context for service-connected conditions.
- Family Observations: Statements from family members detailing how the disability affects the veteran’s home life and relationships.
- Workplace Accounts: Letters from coworkers or supervisors describing how the disability impacts job performance or attendance.
- Personal Statements: The veteran’s own narrative of their condition, explaining its effects on their daily life.
Each type of evidence adds depth to the claim, creating a fuller picture of the veteran’s challenges.
Who Can Complete VA Form 21-10210?
As you saw above, lay evidence submitted via VA Form 21-10210 can come from anyone who knows the veteran well and can provide credible insights into their condition. Common sources include:
- Spouses and Partners: Observations of changes in mood, behavior, or physical abilities.
- Children: Noting how the disability affects family dynamics and daily interactions.
- Close Friends: Sharing insights about social activities or hobbies.
- Fellow Veterans: Particularly valuable for combat-related injuries or conditions, as they often have firsthand knowledge of relevant incidents.
The point is to ensure that the person providing the statement is trustworthy and can offer specific, detailed examples.
Tips for Effectively Using VA Form 21-10210
- Be Specific and Detailed: Avoid vague statements. Include concrete examples, dates, and descriptions of how the disability impacts daily life.
- Align with Medical Records: Ensure that the lay evidence complements and corroborates the medical documentation.
- Focus on Daily Life: Highlight the functional limitations caused by the disability, such as difficulty maintaining employment or performing household tasks.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid medical jargon unless the writer is a healthcare professional.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Errors can detract from the credibility of the statement.
Examples of Effective VA Form 21-10210 Submissions
Example 1: PTSD Claim
“During deployment, I witnessed traumatic events that continue to affect me. I struggle with bad anxiety and nightmares, my wife says, every night. These have impacted my ability to hold down jobs and also impacted personal relationships.”
Example 2: Chronic Pain Claim
“I’ve experienced severe back pain since an injury during training. At work, a co-worker often takes over my workload as heavy lifting is difficult and sitting, without pain, impossible.”
Example 3: Hearing Loss Claim
“As an artillery operator, I was exposed to constant loud noise without proper hearing protection. My wife often repeats herself during conversations, and I struggle to follow instructions at work.”
VA Form 21-10210 is an invaluable tool for submitting lay evidence to strengthen VA disability claims. By combining medical records with well-crafted statements, veterans can build a compelling case for the benefits they’ve earned. If you need guidance on completing this form or gathering the right evidence, consult with experts who can help ensure your claim’s success.
Discover how our medical evidence service is transforming lives
Clear and concise medical documentation is crucial for the success of any disability claim. If you’re unsure about your documentation, talk to one of our licensed medical experts for FREE.
And know that at the heart of everything we do at Trajector Medical are the stories of our clients. We are proud to say that we have surpassed 1,000 recorded testimonial videos on our YouTube Channel. Real people that we have helped by building supporting medical evidence that they used to pursue the disability benefits they choose.
*Trajector Medical is not an accredited attorney or agent and does not represent veterans before the VA. This article is provided as information only. For more information, see the Department of Veteran’s Affairs FAQs at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ or consult with a VSO or other accredited representative. For expert medical evidence development in support of your VA claims, contact Trajector Medical today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is VA Form 21-10210?
VA Form 21-10210 is used to submit lay evidence in support of VA disability claims. This includes personal statements and buddy letters that provide insight into how a disability affects a veteran's life.
Why is VA Form 21-10210 important?
The form allows veterans to provide detailed personal accounts that complement medical records, creating a stronger case for disability benefits.
Who can complete VA Form 21-10210?
The form can be completed by anyone who knows the veteran well and can provide credible insights, such as family members, friends, coworkers, or fellow service members.