Adkins

Hi Everyone, Quick question. I am getting my evidence together in support of my NOD claim, but I have realized one thing that could cause problems. All of the evidence that I will get from my Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, as well as my general practioner will all be in German. I was thinking that I could get these documents translated and submit both copies, but I am not sure what kind of translation it needs to be. Does it have to be certified somehow, or are there certified translators that the VA will want me to use? Any advice, or tips, will be greatly appreciated!

For the original claim I had to get examined by a VA certified Psychologist and that was in Frankfurt (Germany). The VA has said that they have certified professionals for all medical examinations. I was more wondering if I would have to go the the PA office to talk to a VA member directly or not. As for VA hospital/clinic, I have never been to one. All the medical care that I receive is through the local medical system. Honestly, the only reason that I am appealing is because they only used the opinion of their professional, who spoke with me for about 2 hours, and never contacted my Psycho therapist, Psychiatrist, regular doctor, or anyone else who is familiar with my history or my treatment so far. I would like to submit the opinions of those doctors as well. In the decision that they sent they listed what qualifies someone for 50% rating and I have all of those symptoms without a question. I know that since I don't use VA facilities for medical treatment, my rating may seem a bit pointless, but it is something that will help me get the disability rating that I need in the German system to help me out with some insurance issues that I have and will have later as well. Also worth mentioning is that I have until November to submit my NOD, but I really have no idea what I am doing so I am really just trying to gather info to see if I am going to go it alone or get a VSO to help out.

Hi everyone. I was recently working on my appeal with the VFW but we didn't even get a NOD submitted before I decided to discontinue their services. I am now trying to decide if I should try appealing on my own or look a VSO. The main reason I am not just going it alone is because I live in Germany and the VA Regional office that looked at my claim is in Pennsylvania. If I do pursue this on my own will I have to fly to PA for any kind of hearings, or are there ways to get around this? Thanks for your help!