10 Tips on Writing Buddy Letters for Migraines

Migraines affect a significant number of veterans, impacting their quality of life and ability to work. For veterans seeking a migraine VA rating, buddy letters are a vital element of their claim.

This article explores the role of buddy letters in the VA migraine claims process and provides 10 tips on writing effective buddy letters to support a higher VA migraine rating.

How Do “Buddy Statements” Help With Claims for Service-Connection for a Migraine Condition? 

A buddy statement is a kind of witness statement provided by a person who knows the veteran personally and has experienced the impact and severity of their migraine headaches firsthand.

Since migraines are a subjective condition that blood tests or other hard data cannot measure, buddy letters play an important role in getting a migraine VA rating. They help corroborate the veteran’s account of their migraine symptoms, offering a personal perspective on how migraines impact the veteran’s employment opportunities, family life, social activities, and daily functioning.

Buddy statements can also provide specific details about the veteran’s condition that might not be fully captured in medical records, offering insights into the veteran’s experiences and challenges that may not be evident from clinical records alone. They can comment about witnessing the Veteran’s challenges with migraines while in service.

How the Migraine VA Rating Scale Works

The VA assigns migraine disability ratings from 0% to 50% according to the severity, impact, and frequency of symptoms, with 50% being the highest possible rating for migraines.

• 0% Rating: Migraines are present but do not interfere with the veteran’s daily activities or employment.

• 10% Rating: Migraines occur infrequently and cause minor interference with daily activities or work.

• 30% Rating: Migraines are more frequent, and the veteran experiences prostrating attacks that require rest. This rating reflects a significant impact on daily activities and work.

• 50% Rating: Migraines are very frequent and cause severe, almost constant prostrating attacks, which substantially impact the veteran’s ability to work and perform daily activities.

Who Can Write a Buddy Letter for a VA Migraine Claim?

A buddy letter’s effectiveness depends significantly on who writes it. Buddy letters for migraine claims should be written by family members, close friends, colleagues, employers, or fellow service members who have observed the veteran’s symptoms and can provide a detailed perspective on how the condition affects their daily life.

• Family Members: Spouses, children, or other close family members who live with or regularly interact with the veteran can provide valuable insights into how migraines affect their daily lives and relationships.

• Friends: Close friends who have observed the veteran’s struggles with migraines and can offer detailed accounts of how the condition impacts their social activities and personal interactions.

• Fellow Service Members: Individuals who served alongside the veteran and witnessed their symptoms during service can provide context on how migraines affected their performance and duties.

• Colleagues or Employers: Colleagues or Employers: Supervisors or coworkers who have observed the veteran’s work performance and how migraines might have impacted their productivity or attendance.

10 Tips on Writing Buddy Letters for a Migraine VA Rating

If you are seeking a VA migraine rating and preparing your claim, here are 10 tips on writing buddy letters for VA migraine ratings that can help ensure your buddy letters are clear, complete, and compelling.

1. Be Specific and Detailed: Provide detailed accounts of the veteran’s symptoms, including frequency, duration, and severity of migraines. Describe specific instances when migraines affected their daily life, work, or social activities.
2. Include Observations of Impact: Detail how the migraines have impacted the veteran’s ability to perform daily tasks, work responsibilities, and interactions with family and friends. Mention any observable changes in their behavior or performance.
3. Provide Dates and Frequency: Whenever possible, include specific dates or periods when migraines were particularly severe or frequent. This helps establish a pattern and provides context for the severity of the condition.
4. Describe the Nature of the Attacks: Explain the characteristics of the migraine attacks, such as the intensity of pain, accompanying symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light, and any actions the veteran must take to manage or mitigate the pain, such as lying down in a dark room.
5. Include Personal Observations: Share personal observations of how the migraines affect the veteran’s mood, physical health, and overall quality of life. Personal anecdotes can help illustrate the condition’s real-life impact.
6. Be Honest and Objective: Ensure the letter is honest and objective. Avoid exaggeration or providing information that cannot be substantiated. The credibility of the letter depends on its accuracy and reliability.
7. Highlight Impact on Work: If applicable, describe how migraines have affected the veteran’s work performance, including missed days, decreased productivity, or the need for accommodations. Include any feedback or observations from supervisors or coworkers.
8. Include Emotional and Social Impact: Address how migraines affect the veteran’s emotional well-being and social interactions. Describe any noticeable changes in their ability to engage in social activities or maintain relationships.
9. Follow a Clear Structure: Organize the letter clearly and structurefully. Start with an introduction, followed by specific observations and examples, and conclude with a summary of the overall impact of the migraines on the veteran’s life.
10. Proofread and Edit: Review the letter for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Ensure all relevant information is included and the letter effectively communicates the veteran’s experiences and challenges. Proofreading helps avoid errors that could undermine the letter’s effectiveness.

Following the tips in this article can help ensure that your buddy letters are effective and contribute positively to your claim for a migraine disability rating. A VA disability lawyer experienced in migraine claims can provide further assistance. To learn more about VA migraine ratings—including migraine nexus letters, migraine VA rating scales, and migraine secondary-service connection—read our free eBook, VA Disability Ratings for Migraines: An Essential Guide for U.S. Veterans.