Buddy / Witness Statement
Written by: A fellow service member, family member, friend, or colleague writes this.Related forms: D2141
This is a guide onlyWe do not collect or store anything you write. Have your statements reviewed by an advocate before submitting to DVA.
When you need thisWhen you need someone else to confirm what happened during your service, or to describe how your condition has affected you. Particularly useful when formal incident reports are missing.
A buddy statement (also called a witness statement) is written by someone who can support your claim. This might be a fellow ADF member who witnessed the event, a family member who has seen how your condition has changed you, or a colleague who has noticed the impact on your work.These statements are especially valuable when there are no formal incident reports on file. DVA considers them as part of the overall evidence.The person writing the statement should use their own words — not copy yours.
What DVA assessors generally look for
- DVA generally considers buddy statements that include specific details (dates, locations, events) more useful than general character references.
- Statements from people who were present during the incident or served in the same unit carry particular weight.
- Family member statements about observed changes in behaviour, mood, or ability are valuable for conditions like PTSD and mental health.
- DVA generally considers multiple buddy statements from different people helpful for your preparation.
Section-by-Section Guide
Work through each section. Answer each prompt in your own words.1
About the witness
Why this section mattersDVA needs to know who is writing and how they know you.
Questions to answer in this section- What is the witness's full name?
- What is their relationship to you? (Served together, family member, friend, colleague.)
- If they served in the ADF, what was their PMKeyS / Service Number, rank, unit, and dates of service?
- How long have they known you?
- What are their contact details? (DVA may wish to verify the statement.)
2
What they witnessed
Why this section mattersThis is the main value of a buddy statement — firsthand or direct observation.
Questions to answer in this section- If they witnessed the incident or exposure: What did they see? When and where did it happen?
- Were they present at the same time and place, or did they learn about it shortly after?
- What specific details do they remember? (The more specific, the better.)
- If they are a family member or friend: What changes have they noticed in you since service?
- Can they describe specific examples of how your behaviour, mood, or abilities have changed?
Writing tipThe witness should describe what they personally saw or experienced. "I was in the vehicle behind when the IED detonated" or "Since John came home from deployment, he wakes up most nights shouting and has stopped going to family events."
3
Dates and details
Why this section mattersSpecific details help DVA match the statement to service records and other evidence.
Questions to answer in this section- What dates or time periods are they describing?
- What unit, base, or location were they at?
- Who else was present or involved?
- Were there any reports filed at the time that they are aware of?
4
How they have seen the condition affect you
Why this section mattersObservations from people close to you add another perspective to your functional impact.
Questions to answer in this section- What changes have they noticed in your daily life?
- Have they seen you struggle with activities you used to handle easily?
- How has your condition affected your relationship with them or with others they have observed?
- Is there anything specific they have witnessed that shows the impact — a particular event, a conversation, a change in routine?
Tips
- The witness should write in their own words — not copy your statement.
- Ask them to be as specific as possible with dates, locations, and details.
- If they served with you, ask them to include their service details (number, rank, unit).
- They should include their contact details so DVA can verify if needed.
- They should sign and date their statement.
- Multiple buddy statements from different people are stronger than one.
- Family members can write about changes they have observed — they do not need to have witnessed the original event.
- Form D2141 (Statement in Support of Claim) can be used for this purpose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Statements that are too vague — "He is a good bloke who served well" does not help DVA assess a specific claim.
- The witness writing what the veteran told them rather than what they personally witnessed or observed.
- No dates or locations — without specifics, DVA cannot verify or match the statement to records.
- Not having the witness sign and date the statement.
- The witness not including their contact details.
- Multiple witnesses submitting identical wording — this looks coached and reduces credibility.
What to do next
This is a guide only. We do not collect or store any information. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate.