Buddy Statements For Service Connection

[blackbird]

Hello Fellow Vets,

In trying to prove an in service injury, I've recieved the following letter from my NCOIC at my National Guard base. Please post if you think it will help.

To whom it may concern:

Reference Veteran SSGT XXXXXXXXXXXX,

Veteran XXXXXXX was assigned to the Power Production section of the XXXX Communications Squadron, in XXXXXX XXXXXXX

in November 1987 till his discharge in 1997.

While SSGT XXXXXXXXXXXXXX was deployed to Egypt in October to November 1995, he had some generator problems and couldn't find the tech manuals he needed to effect repairs on a maulfuntioning piece of equipment. He called back to home station to ask if I was sure the tech manuals were packed and where to find them. I told him to look in the boxes of parts on the trailer that accompanied the generator packages to the site. He called back later saying that he had looked through most of the boxes and in doing so he pulled on one that made his back hurt so he quit looking. He told me he still had not found the tech manuals, however he had fixed the problem by replacing a fuel injector pump.

I was aware of him experiencing some back pain on drill weekends after he returned stateside, but I didn't realize it was serious until he had surgery a couple months after he returned from deployment. He missed several drill weekends as a result of the surgery.

I hereby certfy that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SMSGT XXXXX XXXXXXXXX

Power Production Supt.

XXXX Combat Communications Squadron

XXXXX, XXXXXX XXXXXXX

(Letter was then notarized)

Thanks for your comments,

Blackbird

[Bonzai]

I remember Berta posting that the VA is looking for a Buddy statement with teeth in it. Meaning the buddy should be a witness or know of the event claimed by the veteran. The buddy statement you posted seem to meet what Berta had mentioned.

Hope this helps,

Louis

[carlie]

Hello Fellow Vets,

In trying to prove an in service injury, I've recieved the following letter from my NCOIC at my National Guard base. Please post if you think it will help.

It reads well for Lay Evidence.

I would be sure to have the buddy include current contact information.

carlie

Thanks for your comments,

Blackbird

[john999]

Yoggie got a statement from his commanding officer to back up his claim if I remember correctly. That carried the weight.

[blackbird]

Thanks John999, Carlie and Bonzai for the responses, they were encouraging! Does anyone know how to get a message to Berta? I was hoping she would see my post since she was also one that suggested the buddy letters.

Thanks again fellow vets!

Blackbird

[CRYPTOTECH]

Buddy statements are great as long as their not an opinion. Meaning the letter is based on FACTUAL WITNESSED EVENTS.

Hello Fellow Vets,

In trying to prove an in service injury, I've recieved the following letter from my NCOIC at my National Guard base. Please post if you think it will help.

To whom it may concern:

Reference Veteran SSGT XXXXXXXXXXXX,

Veteran XXXXXXX was assigned to the Power Production section of the XXXX Communications Squadron, in XXXXXX XXXXXXX

in November 1987 till his discharge in 1997.

While SSGT XXXXXXXXXXXXXX was deployed to Egypt in October to November 1995, he had some generator problems and couldn't find the tech manuals he needed to effect repairs on a maulfuntioning piece of equipment. He called back to home station to ask if I was sure the tech manuals were packed and where to find them. I told him to look in the boxes of parts on the trailer that accompanied the generator packages to the site. He called back later saying that he had looked through most of the boxes and in doing so he pulled on one that made his back hurt so he quit looking. He told me he still had not found the tech manuals, however he had fixed the problem by replacing a fuel injector pump.

I was aware of him experiencing some back pain on drill weekends after he returned stateside, but I didn't realize it was serious until he had surgery a couple months after he returned from deployment. He missed several drill weekends as a result of the surgery.

I hereby certfy that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SMSGT XXXXX XXXXXXXXX

Power Production Supt.

XXXX Combat Communications Squadron

XXXXX, XXXXXX XXXXXXX

(Letter was then notarized)

Thanks for your comments,

Blackbird

[Berta]

I think it is fine!

He is same unit and with a rational reason to be able to verify your statements----

I cannot see why the VA would reject this- so let's hope they do not ignore it-

It describes exactly what you did when you filed this claim so this is definitely good corroborating testimony.

Some vets never even try to get a buddy statement because it can be a daunting task to even find a buddy-but with some leg work they can be found and they can often be the key to proving the nexus factor.

Well done veteran!

[blackbird]

Thank you so much Berta! I'll keep everyone posted as the process grinds along.

Blackbird

[trailblazer]

It helped me and was mentioned in my decision. Awhile latter my buddy filed for the same condition (diebetes) and i gave him a buddy statement and it worked for him and I think it will be a lot of help to your claim as it appears you have a good statement. Good luck.

[blackbird]

Thanks Trailblazer!

I needed the encouragement.

Blackbird