STRENGTHEN YOUR VA DISABILITY CLAIM WITH LAY STATEMENTS: WHY THEY MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK

When filing a VA disability claim, most Veterans focus on one thing: medical records. While these documents are essential, they are not the only evidence that can support your case. In fact, lay statements—clear, credible accounts from the people who see your challenges every day—can significantly strengthen how your claim is understood and evaluated.

Veteran reviewing VA disability guidelines underscores how vital strong lay statements are.

What Are Lay Statements?

Lay statements are written observations from:

• Family members

• Friends

• Coworkers or supervisors

• Anyone who witnesses how your condition affects your daily life

These individuals can shed light on the limitations and struggles that medical reports may not fully capture.

Why Lay Statements Matter?

Although clinicians can diagnose and document your condition, they are not with you 24/7. Lay statements fill in the gaps by providing:

• Real-life examples of how symptoms impact work, mobility, mood, or relationships

• Context that supports your medical evidence

• A clearer picture for VA evaluators to understand your day-to-day difficulties

These personal accounts help strengthen the “functional impact” portion of your claim—an area where many Veterans are often underrepresented.

How Lay Evidence Helps Your Claim

In many cases, strong lay statements can:

• Validate the severity of symptoms

• Demonstrate frequency and consistency of limitations

• Support service connection claims when medical records are limited

• Increase the likelihood of a fair and accurate disability rating

Your experience matters—and so do the voices of the people who witness it. By combining medical documentation with well-written lay statements, you provide the VA with a more complete and compelling picture of your disability.

If you’re preparing or appealing a VA disability claim, don’t overlook this powerful resource. Strengthening your evidence can make all the difference in achieving the benefits you deserve.

For more information on veteran disability education, visit Patriot Path Solutions.