Competent Lay Evidence
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
Things you can personally observe and report about your condition - pain, symptoms, limitations - that the VA must consider as evidence.
Why This Matters
You don't need to be a doctor to describe your own symptoms. The VA must consider lay evidence about observable symptoms like pain, sleep problems, and functional limitations.
Example
You're competent to state: 'I have nightmares 4-5 times per week' or 'My knee gives out when I walk down stairs.' You're NOT competent to diagnose yourself with a specific medical condition.