Record Keeping

[jecsb4]

Just a simple question on how long we should keep copies of our claim statements, Dr. notes, award letters, appeals, SOC, NOD’s, etc.

I assuming we should keep every piece of paper we and the VARO has generated to include any VA med stuff indefinitely.

Thanks

[rentalguy1]

concerning all SMR's, VA med records, private med records, correspondence with the VAMC, VARO, service organization, etc., anything that has anything to do with your medical treatment and history....

Till Death Do You Part...and then it gets turned over to the next of kin so they can continue the fight after you're gone.

[jbasser]

Here is what I did, I took each document and scanned it into a PDF file into the computer giving spacific filename for each. I then saved 2 copies on a CD Rom and keep one in a safe deposit box and the other one I keep in another location. My file had close to 4000 pages and it makes it easier. I started this project in 2005 and I have scanned everything I received.

This is also helpful SSD and other disability avenues like LTD/STD.

[rentalguy1]

that's a good idea...just remember that a CD has a life span of about 8-10 years (I think)

[danang_1969]

If we don't keep it and they lose it, we are snookered. I have experience instances where they said we don't have it, can you send us copy if you have retained it. So copy all, keep all in a safe place and the better organized you are, the better you can build your case with much less frustration.

[cowgirl]

Probably a good idea to keep most things, considering how many times my scanner and printer(s) go out, let alone the computer sensitivities (shh!). I have copies of SMRs, cfile copy, VA Med File copy, a few Hadit printouts of CFR,and other regs, military orders for PCS, TDY,promotions, performance reports, some old leave slips (?) and a military order type form used instead of passport in europe. Not sure if I'd use the term 'award letter' to label my SC compensation (will get inventive am sure).

Got bout half my stuff in document protectors, avoids the 'out of sight out of mind' syndrome. I can flip thru binders and clearly find what I need. Put the binders and files in wheely type cart, just kick and go (lumbar issues here!) I file 'bout every other month; if not, paper stays in the cart so I can enjoy procrastinating. Speaking of, I got my lights up on the tree, 7 days to go, whew! cg

Just a simple question on how long we should keep copies of our claim statements, Dr. notes, award letters, appeals, SOC, NOD's, etc.

I assuming we should keep every piece of paper we and the VARO has generated to include any VA med stuff indefinitely.

Thanks

[william n]

Probably a good idea to keep most things, considering how many times my scanner and printer(s) go out, let alone the computer sensitivities (shh!). I have copies of SMRs, cfile copy, VA Med File copy, a few Hadit printouts of CFR,and other regs, military orders for PCS, TDY,promotions, performance reports, some old leave slips (?) and a military order type form used instead of passport in europe. Not sure if I'd use the term 'award letter' to label my SC compensation (will get inventive am sure).

Got bout half my stuff in document protectors, avoids the 'out of sight out of mind' syndrome. I can flip thru binders and clearly find what I need. Put the binders and files in wheely type cart, just kick and go (lumbar issues here!) I file 'bout every other month; if not, paper stays in the cart so I can enjoy procrastinating. Speaking of, I got my lights up on the tree, 7 days to go, whew! cg

when your done filing there...you can come here..im terrible,one day i'll slow down and do the filing. right now, everything is push,push push. merry christmas, william n