Caluza verification

[KC3]

I have the 3 elements of the caluza triangle, however the verification of an in service event has to be through buddy letters which I am blessed to have 3 of. Will a DRO or Higher level reviewer take this into consideration or will I be seeing the BVA or above to prove the in service event?

[Vync]

The VA often appears to give lesser weight to buddy letters, but evidence is evidence.

I submitted several buddy letters in a claim a few years ago, but it was coupled with nexus letter from a doctor. When I received the VA decision letter, the buddy letters were listed in the evidence section.

My buddy letters were submitted on VA Form 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim. I asked each buddy to be objective and state their observations.

I hope this helps.

[Berta]

That's great Vync- because a good buddy statement can  make a big difference. And more than one helps too!

The 21-4138 us a good idea because they sign the oath at the bottom.

With the same unit and often same MOS, same time as the claimant,  details of the event they witnessed, and with contact info, 

(sometimes the VA will call the buddy) buddy statements can help considerably to prove an inservice event.

 

[vetquest]

The BVA chastised my RO for not putting enough weight to buddy letters I submitted with my case.  They helped to carry the day.

[KC3]

Thanks everyone it does help me very much. I think I'm dwelling on this a little much but at the same time this eases my mind a bit.