Buddy Letters

[WHOLESALE]

Good morning everyone,

I have submitted various buddy letters but none of them have been addressed in any of the decisions.

I just wondering since they weren't notarized the VA gives them very little weight or just downright ignores them. Is this true?

If I had them notarized would the VA have given them more weight since both parties have to be present when notarized.

Maybe the VA thinks that I just typed some stuff up and scribbled a signature on it.

Of course I did not do this as this would be fraud but I'm just thinking the VA thinks this since they weren't notarized. Maybe i'm way off on this but i'm just confused why none of the letters in support weren't addressed.

What's everyone's thoughts on this?

Frank

[sharon]

Whether they are notorized or not the statements are evidence. Was your claim denied?

TITLE 38 - PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF

CHAPTER I - DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

PART 3 - ADJUDICATION

subpart a - PENSION, COMPENSATION, AND DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION

3.159 - Department of Veterans Affairs assistance in developing claims.

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Competent medical evidence means evidence provided by a person who is qualified through education, training, or experience to offer medical diagnoses, statements, or opinions. Competent medical evidence may also mean statements conveying sound medical principles found in medical treatises. It would also include statements contained in authoritative writings such as medical and scientific articles and research reports or analyses.

(2) Competent lay evidence means any evidence not requiring that the proponent have specialized education, training, or experience. Lay evidence is competent if it is provided by a person who has knowledge of facts or circumstances and conveys matters that can be observed and described by a lay person.

[carlie]

Good morning everyone,

I have submitted various buddy letters but none of them have been addressed in any of the decisions.

These should at least be listed in the evidence section of the rating decisions.

I just wondering since they weren't notarized the VA gives them very little weight or just downright ignores them. Is this true?

I feel if it's possible - have the signatures notorized - jmo.

If I had them notarized would the VA have given them more weight since both parties have to be present when notarized.

The only ones that have to be present when a signature is being notorized are

the person placing their signature and the notary.

All the notary is doing is stating the person placing their signature is personally known to them or has shown proof of their identity by form of a legal document of identity.

carlie

[Philip Rogers]

I'd suggest that all buddy letters be in the form of an "affidavit," as affidavits are sworn documents and carry more weight as evidence. I believe notarization only confirms that the person signing the document is that person and carries no weight as to whether the statement is true or not. jmo

pr

Good morning everyone,

I have submitted various buddy letters but none of them have been addressed in any of the decisions.

I just wondering since they weren't notarized the VA gives them very little weight or just downright ignores them. Is this true?

If I had them notarized would the VA have given them more weight since both parties have to be present when notarized.

Maybe the VA thinks that I just typed some stuff up and scribbled a signature on it.

Of course I did not do this as this would be fraud but I'm just thinking the VA thinks this since they weren't notarized. Maybe i'm way off on this but i'm just confused why none of the letters in support weren't addressed.

What's everyone's thoughts on this?

Frank

[Philip Rogers]

Carlie, I believe notaries are required to also ask if the person signing "is doing this of their own free will and is doing so as their free act and deed."

pr

[Pete53]

Notarize them. Why go to the trouble to get them and not complete it for best affect.

[WHOLESALE]

Thanks Pete, I will get my roommates letter for my IU claim notarized. I figure what's 6 bucks since I get a discount.

Frank

Notarize them. Why go to the trouble to get them and not complete it for best affect.