If you lost your records, and NRC records were lost in fire or flood, why is it that buddy statements are worthless to the VA?

Units have Operational records of all action on deployment or in Combat. They may be archived but should be salvageable. There is also the fact that records went digital in Kentucky. I was able to get a copy of mine three years after I retired. In any case Command level letters and letters by medics or Docs or PAs would serve you better. Dig and don’t quit.

Because your buddies could make up whatever they wanted to make up.