Allan Eddy

I filed FOIA with local VA and had the documents back in less that a week. Glad that I did because after reviewing the DBQ's I discovered dozens of errors and omissions. My VSO previously told me that DBQ's from private doctors would not be considered but thanks to a new law passed in December the VA has to accept them. Check out ‘‘Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020’’. I downloaded the entire PDF of the bill and will post the pertinent pages after I do a search.

I called them and they told me the VA "owns" the exam records so I guess Freedom of Information letter will have to do. I am hearing they ignore the 21-4138 and VA3288 forms or wait forever to reply. They can't do that under Freedom of Information Act, hopefully

Thanks! My DBQ's were all current and submitted along with NEXUS and "Buddy Letters". I had to go to a third party company QTC Medical for C&P in September then received 2 "decision" letters, one in late October, the other in early November. When I contacted my VSO she stated this "To recap from our conversation Friday, the DBQs are NOT considered medical evidence by VA. Actual treatment records are what matter. Also, when veterans file for increase, they must submit evidence that supports the higher severity - just saying that something is worse is not enough. My advice to you is to gather all treatment records for your coronary & ischemic heart disease, and be prepared to bring them to the hearing (when that is scheduled). You asked whether I support you in an appeal... our accreditation and position as a State VSO requires that we adhere to the VA's regulations. When a veteran files a claim for increase without supporting medical evidence to justify the higher rating, we are unable to fully support him/her when decisions come down that you disagree with. At the end of the day, this is your claim. We can only advise you to the best of our abilities." This same VSO office incorrectly filed my claims back in 2018 and although this person wasn't there at the time I get the feeling she isn't very interested in supporting me. I see you were at Long Binh. I spent some time there in 67-68 with 525th MI Detachment Welcome home! Al Eddy

Thanks! I don't know what an RO is or how to "call Peggy" but I guess I can google FOIA and see where that takes me. My VSO told me that "DBQs are NOT considered medical evidence by VA" so I am wondering why I spent so much time and effort getting four of those and NEXUS letters from my primary doctors.

After waiting many, many months for C&P exams for several disability rating increases and one new disability I went to a third party exam company, QTC Medical Group. Is there any way for me to get the results and notes from their "exams"? I believe there were omissions and errors that has resulted in the VA planning to cut my ratings and benefits in half. They also completely ignored the new disability filing