Mastering Effective Written Statements for Veteran Services
Explore key principles and techniques for crafting impactful written statements in the context of veterans' services. Covering topics like statement types, evaluation criteria, authorship impact, and essential considerations for clear and concise communication.
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Good Written Statements 16 April 2024 County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin Spring Training Conference Bill Rosenau, CVA, Waushara County, WI (920) 787-0446 william.rosenau@wausharacountywi.gov
INTRODUCTION Who am I?
What are we talking about? Statements and Forms Evaluation and Selection Target Audience Applicable Considerations Discussion on structure
The BASICS (a run through)
Statements and Forms Personal Statement Family or Friend Buddy Statement Coworker/Supervisor VSO s Statement VA Form 21-4138 VA Form 21-10210 VA Form 21-0781 & 0781a Professional letter format(?) Purple Crayon on a Bar Napkin(?)
Authorship & Audience The original testimony is the foundation for ALL following claims actions and will affect the outcome at every level of adjudication. AOJ -Agency of Original Jurisdiction BVA - Board of Veterans Appeals The Courts (CAVC, FCC, SC)
The MEAT (a philosophical rambling by Bill Rosenau)
Key Considerations The Three C s Be clear and concise Pay attention to details Stay on topic Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
The Three Cs Competent Credible Consistent
Effective Statements Name the Disability The In-Service Event Onset of Symptoms Current Treatment Current affects
Lets pick apart an examples We are submitting a fully developed claim for service-connected disability compensation for the contentions of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to military noise exposure, diabetes mellitus type II as a presumptive of herbicide exposure, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus type II. The veteran served on Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1966-1969. He performed the duties of a rifleman in combat in the Republic of Vietnam with the 2nd Bn, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division from approximately 1968-1969, where he was exposed to the noises normally associated with combat. Additionally, being boots on the ground in RVN, he was exposed to weaponized herbicides (Agent Orange). This service is readily supported by his DD214 and OMPF on file in VBMS.
The veteran has testified to his in-service noise exposure, the decline of his hearing while on and following active duty and the chronic nature of the ringing in his ears. He was diagnosed with a disability level of hearing loss and tinnitus through the VA Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids, WI in approximately 2023. He has had no treatment for either of these conditions outside of the VA. His wife, whom he married in 1971, has offered testimony supporting that he had a hard time hearing her when they first met in 1970. He was diagnosed with Diabetes (an AO presumptive condition) in approximately 2010 through ThedaCare, Waupaca, WI where he was treated until 2021. We are supplying copies of those records with this claim. He transferred his Diabetic care to VA Clinic Wisconsin Rapids WI in approximately 2021. He currently controls his diabetes with daily injections of insulin and a restricted diet. He was diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities earlier this year and was recently prescribed gabapentin for the painful symptoms. We have no further records to introduce and ask that VA move to decision upon gaining VA treatment records, and completion of the appropriate compensation and pension examinations.
DISCUSSION? Give me a call or drop me an email (920) 787-0446 william.rosenau@wausharacountywi.gov
