Lay Evidence
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
Non-medical evidence from you or others about your symptoms and how they affect you. This includes your own statements and buddy statements.
Why This Matters
The VA must consider lay evidence. You are competent to describe your own symptoms, pain, and limitations. Don't think only medical evidence matters - your own statements are evidence too.
Example
A statement describing how your PTSD symptoms have changed over time, how often you have nightmares, and how your marriage has suffered.