Whether or not particular lay statements are credible is a legal determination made on a fact-specific basis. There may be times when the RVSR or BVA specifically directs the examiner to consider a specific assertion to be credible.

Lay statements generally appear in the "Subjective" or "Reported history" sections of medical evaluations. Lay statements from family or friends are generally found in a claimant's eFolder. Regardless of whether specific direction concerning credibility is provided or not, the examiner must consider and address lay statements when providing a clinical opinion.