Buddy Statement From An Active Duty Commissioned Officer?

[Mark C]

Greetings everybody, I was in the process of getting verification for a stressor incident.

2 years of trying and Navpers does not respond to my request, but I was able to find and get hold of a former member of my unit that was an eyewitness to the incident.

This fellow had stayed in the service and is now a very high ranking officer, still on active duty.

He has written a very good statement verifying the incident, does this settle the issue?

I guess what I'm asking is a sworn statement from an active duty comissioned officer count as verification from a federal source?

Thx in advance...

M

[Chuck75]

As far as the military is concerned, yes. The VA on the other hand, likes to downgrade or ignore "Buddy" statements when it can get away with it.

Often, this means that the buddy statement will only receive true consideration in an appeal.

The VA often construes the laws and regulations any way it can to deny, even when the plain language meaning of law and regulation is in the veteran's favor.

Even though there might be no "negative information" present, the VA attempts to negate "positive information" and if successful, considers that "negative information".

Greetings everybody, I was in the process of getting verification for a stressor incident.

2 years of trying and Navpers does not respond to my request, but I was able to find and get hold of a former member of my unit that was an eyewitness to the incident.

This fellow had stayed in the service and is now a very high ranking officer, still on active duty.

He has written a very good statement verifying the incident, does this settle the issue?

I guess what I'm asking is a sworn statement from an active duty comissioned officer count as verification from a federal source?

Thx in advance...

M

Edited October 10, 2010 by Chuck75

[john999]

VA ignoring evidence of all kinds is sort of SOP. Where else do you see disabled people with claims strung out over the last ten years trying to work their way through a system of trap doors and IED's set by the organization that is supposed to "Care for those who have borne the battle".

[jbasser]

A Buddy Statement, wether it be from a commissioned office, or a 5 star general is treated the same as one from a PFC.

They all are considered Lay statements and the VA can choose to credit them or totally ignore them.

The only difference is if the statement comes from a Licensed professional who has expertise in the area you are claiming and can show credentials.

for Example. An Asbestos worker telling the VA that you worked with him ripping out asbestos. A Medic or Corpsman stating that they treated you in service.

J

[bigcox]

I think it will count and yes, a commission officer will help. I don't mean to say you'll get what you ask for. If you know someone of lower rank who'll write the Buddy Statement for you it'll help as well. You've heard the expression the more he merrier. It is called supporting evidence. Anything you can support your claim with send it as well. Good Luck and God Bless

[Mark C]

As far as the military is concerned, yes. The VA on the other hand, likes to downgrade or ignore "Buddy" statements when it can get away with it.

Often, this means that the buddy statement will only receive true consideration in an appeal.

The VA often construes the laws and regulations any way it can to deny, even when the plain language meaning of law and regulation is in the veteran's favor.

Even though there might be no "negative information" present, the VA attempts to negate "positive information" and if successful, considers that "negative information".

That's been exactly my experience Chuck. I realize they have a job to do, but they talk to me me like I'm a criminal or con man.

Your post is a great relief to read, it's a minor comfort to know they're prickish to everybody.

What a shame.

Thank you,

M

[mortarman]

I have found buddy letters or lay statement and do not carry much weight.mortarman