What is Lay Evidence?

Lay evidence is defined as statements offered by a person without specialized education, training, or experience. In other words, this is a statement provided by someone who does not have a medical background or training as, for example, a clinician. Generally, this evidence is provided by a person who has the knowledge of facts or circumstances and conveys matters that can be observed through the senses or via firsthand knowledge. Such statements from the claimant, family, and friends are lay evidence.

How is Lay Evidence Used?

Lay evidence can be used to provide evidence of an event, injury, or symptoms of a disease during service or evidence of a current disability. It can be used to describe the onset, severity, frequency, and length of time any findings have persisted, for example, limping of the right leg and intermittent swelling of the right ankle since service.