Disclaimer: In this article Salute Strong will detail the process one individual undertook to organize medical records, a crucial step in obtaining a disability rating from the VA. While this account is anecdotal and may not encompass every scenario, it sheds light on the importance of meticulous record-keeping and the journey of navigating VA claims. By sharing this experience, Salute Strong will aim to offer insights and tips to fellow veterans embarking on a similar path, empowering them to streamline their documentation process and navigate the VA system with confidence.
Numerous companies offer services to assist service members in reviewing medical records and submitting claims for a fee. While this option may suit some individuals, it’s important to recognize that tackling the VA Disability Claims Process independently is feasible and less daunting than it appears.
Salute Strong advocates for the following steps to optimize your VA disability claims process.
What is VA Disability ?
VA Disability refers to compensation provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans who have disabilities or injuries that are connected to their military service. This compensation aims to provide financial support to veterans who experience physical or mental impairments resulting from their time in the military. VA Disability benefits are typically awarded based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the veteran’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
The VA uses a rating system to determine the level of disability for each veteran, ranging from 0% to 100%. Veterans with a higher disability rating receive greater compensation. These benefits may include monthly disability payments, access to healthcare services through the VA, vocational rehabilitation assistance, and other support programs.
To qualify for VA Disability benefits, veterans must provide evidence that their disabilities are service-connected, meaning they occurred or were aggravated during their military service. However, any diagnosis incurred during military service will be considered service connected. This evidence may include medical records, service records, and statements from healthcare providers. The VA evaluates each claim individually to determine eligibility and the appropriate level of compensation.
Records Review Process
- Gather Documents: Collect all of your military medical documents. You should be able to have your current Military Treatment Facility provide you will a full record digitally. If there is a situation that your records are not available from the MTF you may be required to request the records from an archival unit. The MTF nearest you should be able to help you if that is the case.
- If your medical records are not accessible from an MTF they may be in the National Archives
- Medical Records List:
- Medical Treatment Record
- Mental Health Record
- Dental Record
- Radiological Record
- Surgical record
- Deployment Record
- Ensure you register on the Burn Pit Registry
- Record of Mishap/Combat Injury
- Private Medical Record
- Organize Records : Sort your documents chronologically to create a clear timeline of your medical history during service.
- Review Entries : Carefully read through each entry in your medical records, paying close attention to diagnosis, treatments, surgeries, medications prescribed, and any documented symptoms or complaints.
- Understanding Terminology: Familiarize yourself with military medical terminology and abbreviations used in the records. This will help you accurately interpret the information contained within. Google will be your best friend.
- Note Service-Connected Conditions: Identify any medical conditions or injuries that occurred or were aggravated during your military service. Look for evidence linking these conditions to specific incidents or periods of service.
- The list of service connected disabilities and the ratings associated are available here.
Evidence Gathering
Gathering evidence by highlighting relevant information and reviewing entries in your military medical records is the essential step in building a strong case for VA disability benefits. These actions empower you to advocate for yourself effectively and maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
- Salute Strong recommends the following process to build your evidence for each Service-Connected Condition.
- Corroboration of Claims: For each Condition/Diagnosis complete the following table.
- Each Condition/Diagnosis will require its own review by the VA. Gathering evidence on each condition is vital to receiving the rating you deserve.
- Copy/print the documentation and compile for each Condition/Diagnosis.
- This process allows you to corroborate your claims with documented medical evidence. By identifying records that align with your reported medical history and symptoms, you provide additional credibility to your disability claims.
Separation Health Assessment (SHA)
The VA requires a medical exam to be performed on all service members prior to separation. The exam is normally conducted by the Medical Treatment Facility by a General Practitioner. Information on the exam can be found here. Salute Strong recommends you do not write the exam off. Do your due diligence, and voice your medical concerns. However, it is not required to report all of your medical conditions that you plan to file for Disability Compensation at this exam.
Submitting A claim
All VA Disability Claims are submitted digitally through the VA.gov website.
You will need access to VA.gov and ebenefits.va.gov. This will require access and the best way is to sign up for a DS Login.
There are several different types of VA Disability Claims – Salute Strong will focus on those who are separating or retiring from service. If you would like information on filing a claim please contact us.
- Benefits Delivery at Discharge If you have 180-90 days left on active duty, you may be able to file a pre-discharge claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner.
- Fully Developed Claim (Recommended by Salute Strong) If you have less than 90 days left on active duty, you can’t file your claim through the BDD program. But you can still file before you’re discharged, and your claim will be processed after separation as a fully developed or standard claim.
- Standard claim process:(Not Recommended by Salute Strong) With a standard claim, you’ll give th VA permission to gather evidence or records for you. You’ll need to give the VA enough information about the evidence so they can request it from the right person or agency.
- You can also file a claim for a disability that appears after discharge: This is called a postservice claim. There’s no time limit on filing a postservice claim. But you should know that the process may become more complex the longer you wait.
If you prefer to have a Veteran Service Officer file your claim for you , then you can find one here – VSO. Salute Strong highly recommends that you oversee the process, and document everything. A VSO is a great resource if the process seems daunting. Many separating service members utilize the VSO for the claims process and they are very knowledgeable as well.
If you are willing to tackle the claims process yourself then here is where you will file.
Once you start your claim ensure you upload all your medical records that support your claim via the claims status tool.
Preparing for your Appointment
Eventually the VA will review your claim and schedule you for a Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P). It will occur at either a VA medical facility or a contracted medical facility. Salute Strong recommends that you review each of your claimed conditions prior to attending the exam. Make sure you understand how each medical condition was observed, what symptoms you had in the past, how many times the condition was present. You are the best advocate for your medical condition. Salute Strong would recommend that you review the Disability Benefits Questionnaires for each of the claimed conditions. These will be the questions that are asked at the exam, and if you already have a thorough response planned then it will go smoothly.
The VA has several videos that explain the medical exam process.