Rich W

How do I request it from the VARO and when is it usually available? Does it slow down the processing of the claim to request the results?

I had my C & P exam the 15th and an upper GI today (18th). When can I ask the VA Regional Office for my C & P exam results? My exam was performed through QTC. Also, how do I ask for my results?

I am claiming an increase in compensation for migraine headaches, increase in compensation for patellofemoral syndrome, a new claim for IBS, GERD, and sinusitus. I would have claimed IBS, GERD, and sinusitus when I first separated but I did my claim on my own and didn't realize they were a claimable condition. Each of the conditions have questions like how long has the condition existed, describe the characters of the problem, what medication (what dosage and any side affects), and how the condition impairs my ability to perform daily functions.

I finally got the date for my C&P Exam. I got a packet with a set of questionaires for each condition that I need to fill out before the exam. Does anone have any suggestions on filling these out and the C&P exam?

Sorry if my post was unclear, my earlier claim was for thing other than GERD but I'm thinking they must have pulled all of my service medical records for the earlier claim.

I sent in a new claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease. I included my service medical records and current treatment medical records. I got a reply back from the VA stating “We need evidence showing that the condition existed from military service to the present.” I specifically sent them service medicial records showing “GERD” and current medical records also showing “GERD” in the initial claim. I did get back the service medical records showing “GERD” stating it was duplicate service treatment medical records but they did keep the current medical records showing “GERD”. I think they must have gotten the same service treatment medical records from an earlier claim a couple of years ago. I was wondering if this is a standard thing for them to do, to send another letter asking for more information as part their “assisting the veteran”. Should I just send back a letter stating I sent service treatment medical records showing I had “GERD”while in service, site the date and location, and say they should have a copy of them because I sent a copy in my claim dated 16 Oct and it was returned as duplicate evidence? I was also going to site the date and location of my current diagnosis of GERD and say I sent them those records in my claim dated 16 Oct. I was going to sign the VCAA Notice Response and check the box stating “Please decide my claim as soon as possible”. I'm still new to a lot of this but I'm just concerned that something may have gotten messed up. I find it strange that they would send me a letter asking for medical evidence when I sent them medical evidence with the initial claim. I'm thinking this is just standard practice to show they assisted the veteran. Should I be worried? Should I handle it as outlined above?

I know I'm probably impatient but I sent my SMRs and civilian medical records requested by the VA Regional office about a month ago in support of my claims. I also checked the box on the VA form stating to not wait for any further records to be sent and to go ahead and process my claim. In the past it seemed like I received a confirmation letter or a form letter of some sort within a few weeks after sending them something. I sent the records requiring a signature and got proof they received them but I'm still a little paranoid. Is there a number I can call to make sure they have them?

I was told by someone to NOT include medical records in a claim. I was told I should just provide a medical release for the VA Regional office to get the medical records (VA hospital and private doctor medical records). Does this make sense? I thought providing any and all medical records can speed up the process because it takes time for the VA Regional office to get all the medical records and some doctors offices may not even release them (you may wait months before finding this out).

Dr. King? I'm trying to think if it's the same doctor I went to for my C&P. Does his office have little device with a screen that you go up to and say your name and his office is kind of a modern theme?

When I states "an increase in compensation for x" I meant the condition has worsened not that I want to appeal the original decision. I guess I should have stated the condition has worsened. I was going to put that in my formal claim. I'm outside the 1 year anyways.

Thanks everyone, When I filed my Request for Reconsideration, I stated the following: I would like to also take this opportunity to notify you that I will be submitting a request for an increase in compensation for x , an initial request for y, an initial request for z. Will this hold up my Request for Reconsideration in any way by not stating "Once my reconsideration is completed"? I know how things are stated can be very important. Also, if I end up not wanting to submit an increase in compensation for x but still go with the initial request for y and z when I submit the formal claim do I need to state that I will not be pursuing an increase in x? I just don't want them to assume they have to wait to process the claim until I send in information for x.

I sent a request for reconsideration to the VRO and got a confirmation letter, at least I think it's a confirmation letter. I'm a little concerned or maybe it's paranoia. The letter stated the following: "We have received your application for benefits. It is our sincere desire to decide your claim promptly.However, as we have a great number of claims, action on yours may be delayed. We are now in the process of deciding whether additional evidence or information is needed." The rest goes on with the normal stuff. The concerning part of the letter is the first part and no where did they state this being a request for reconsideration. Should I be concerned or is this just an automated letter sent? I guess if they process this as a new claim and get the effective date wrong I can appeal.

I read something in another post that I'm concerned about. I send in a request for reconsideration about a month ago. I'm going to be sending in another claim. Will they work the new claim or will they have to wait until the request for reconsideration in resolved before working the new claim. I read a post that said something to the affect that your records can be in only one place at one time so they will work the first claim and work the other claim after it's resolved. Is this true? I'm going to send in the new claim no matter what so I can get the effective date set.

sgmdae, what do you mean by stressors? I'm not claiming PTSD, it's two medical conditions.

Thanks for all the tips. This is not my first claim. So I should provide a copy of my DD214 even though I send them one with my first claim with the 21-526. I heard about a certified copy. Do I need to send them a certified copy or will a photocopy of my original DD214 suffice?