"Buddy Statement" for VA Disability Service-Connection | Statement in Support of a Claim | theSITREP

In this episode of theSITREP, Mike and Paul discuss how Veterans can use Buddy Statements, a statement in support of their claim, to provide evidence for a VA disability claim for service-connection. Not all Veterans have records that reflect injuries or illnesses while serving in the military and Buddy Statements can be a solution to that problem. Look below for a link to the documentation you need. Email us at [email protected] with questions and topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter at https://www.newengland.va.gov/info WEBLINKS Visit https://www.newengland.va.gov/sitrep for additional theSITREP content. Visit https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-f... for VA Form 21-4138 ADDITIONAL VA INFORMATION The Dept. of Veterans Affairs has three, separate administrations aimed to serve our country’s Veterans with an assortment of benefits that address the unique needs of every Veteran. To be sure you are interacting with the proper administration within VA, here are short descriptions for each VA administration: VHA: VA’s Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care network in the United States, with 1,255 health care facilities serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. VBA: Veterans can earn a range of benefits that help them transition back to civilian life in the country they fought to defend. Through the Veterans Benefits Administration, VA helps servicemembers transition out of military service, and assists with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. NCA: The job of the National Cemetery Administration is to make sure those who served this nation are never forgotten. NCA provides dignified burial services for Veterans and eligible family members by maintaining 142 cemeteries as national shrines and providing lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our nation. Dept. of Veterans Affairs does not endorse or officially sanction any entities that may be discussed in this podcast, nor any media, products or services they may provide. #theSITREP #VAbenefits #VANewEngland