What type of evidence is typically needed to support a disability claim?

Official medical records are a crucial component of supporting a disability claim. They provide documented evidence of a veteran's medical diagnosis, treatment history, and the severity of their condition. These records typically include comprehensive details from healthcare professionals, such as doctors and specialists, who have evaluated and treated the veteran's disability. This information is vital in establishing the existence and extent of the disability, which is essential for the claims process.

In contrast, while signed witness statements can provide supplementary evidence, they do not carry the same weight as formal medical documentation. Police reports might be relevant in specific cases, such as those involving injuries related to military service, but they don’t typically address ongoing medical conditions. Personal diaries, although potentially useful in reflecting a veteran's experiences and challenges, lack the formal recognition and objective assessment provided by medical records, which are necessary for substantiating a disability claim.