ptsd "buddy" And "spousal" Letters

[Ruffcreek]

Just wondering if anyone knows how far back the VA started accepting "buddy" and "spousal" letters for PTSD claims?

Also do they currently carry any weight in determining the rating for a claim?

Thanks

[Navy04]

I have seen a lot of Vets, especially Vietnam Vets get PTSD SC solely on these letters. I think that the VA has been using them the last 7 or so years.

[Philip Rogers]

They used them back in '89, when I first filed a claim. I recommend that they be written on a "Statement in Support of Claim" form, with signature being sworn & attested to. They carry more weight if sworn & attested to.

pr

[Berta]

PR, that is a very good point.

I don't know if you heard our recent hadit blog radio show.

James Cripps ( the first AO CONUS awarded vet) carried a bunch of blank 21-4138s with him when he went back to Ft Gordon, during his appeal period , to get proof of how he was exposed to the AO there in the 60's.

[john999]

I used spouse letter and a letter from my brother when I filed for TDIU. The VA listed it as evidence and quoted the evidence in the record. What the letters spoke to was my behavior and what they saw me do and what they observed about me. They did not try and DX me.