VetRatingAI
Evidence Organizer

Evidence Checklist

Organize common evidence types, then verify what your specific claim actually requires on VA.gov. This checklist does not decide what evidence is legally or medically sufficient.

Progress: 0 of 7 items gathered

Common Evidence to Review

Service Treatment Records (STRs)

Review for this claim

Medical records from your time in service showing treatment or complaints

How to obtain: Request from National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or your VA regional office

VA Medical Records

Review for this claim

All treatment records from VA facilities

How to obtain: Request through MyHealtheVet or VA medical records department

Private Medical Records

Often relevant

Treatment records from non-VA doctors

How to obtain: Request from each healthcare provider you've seen

Nexus Letter

Often relevant

Medical opinion stating your condition is 'at least as likely as not' connected to service

How to obtain: Ask a qualified medical professional whether an opinion is appropriate based on your records and claim theory

Personal Statement

Review for this claim

Your detailed written account of condition, service connection, and impact on life

How to obtain: Write your own factual statement or use the Personal Statement tool as an organizer, then review it for accuracy

Buddy Statements

Often relevant

Written statements from fellow service members or family who witnessed your condition

How to obtain: Ask fellow veterans, family members, or friends to write and sign statements

DD-214

Review for this claim

Your discharge papers showing service dates and character of discharge

How to obtain: Request from NPRC if you don't have a copy

Evidence Quality Checks

  • Relevant, accurate evidence matters more than volume
  • Get everything in writing and keep copies of everything you submit
  • If you can't find records, submit a statement explaining what you tried
  • A medical opinion may be relevant when the missing issue is a medical link; not every claim needs one
  • Lay statements should be firsthand, accurate, and limited to what the writer actually observed

Official VA source

VA publishes separate evidence requirements for original, increased, and secondary claims. Check the current requirement before treating any item on this page as necessary. VA: Evidence needed for your disability claim

Buddy Statement Template

Use this only for firsthand observations. The writer should avoid medical conclusions unless they are qualified to make them:

BUDDY STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF CLAIM

I, [BUDDY'S FULL NAME], am writing this statement in support of 
[VETERAN'S NAME]'s claim for VA disability benefits.

My relationship to the veteran: [e.g., served together, spouse, friend]

I have known the veteran since: [date/year]

During my time knowing [VETERAN'S NAME], I have personally witnessed 
the following regarding their condition:

[Describe what you've observed - symptoms, limitations, changes in 
behavior or ability, specific incidents, etc.]

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and 
correct to the best of my knowledge.

_______________________________
Signature

_______________________________
Printed Name

_______________________________
Date

_______________________________
Phone Number (optional)

_______________________________
Address (optional)