tdiu I Got A Copy Of My Va Medical Records

[John Purser]

Okay, this sounds like a stupid question but personally I've got nothing against a good stupid question. Better to look foolish than live in ignorance.

Per the advice I received here I asked for and received about 2 years of records from my current VA medical center. I've still got to ask for my records from 3 other VA medical centers. Now that I have these latest records what do I use them for?

My situation is I've got a back rated at 40% from a jump accident and receiving disability for that. I've also got nerve damage and depression, both diagnosed by the VA and with varying support for their being caused by the back injury. (trying not to go into too much detail here) My goal is TDIU as I've been bed ridden for nearly 3 years now by back pain. I'm about to apply for increased disability, I'm waiting for a copy of my C file (9 month backlog in Seattle for copies).

Thanks, and type slowly when you reply. I'm may well be just as dim as the question implies.

Edited December 28, 2008 by John Purser

[Philip Rogers]

Hey John - Airborne, all the way!!! They might make interesting bathroom reading? Seriously, you should review them, checking for errors and omissions. Also, always keep them in the original order you received them in. Number the pages, if you have to. This is especially important in the c-file records. I'd file for the increase, tomorrow, as there's no reason to wait. If you wait until the following week, it could cost you a month of increased benefit, when you win. JMO! As for the failure to file the NOD, I'm afraid the only way around that that I know of is if a CUE was made, in that last decision. You may be able to sue your SO but only if he or she committed, basically a malpractice, in failing to file it when you requested them to do it. Personally, I have no use for most SO's.

pr

Okay, this sounds like a stupid question but personally I've got nothing against a good stupid question. Better to look foolish than live in ignorance.

Per the advice I received here I asked for and received about 2 years of records from my current VA medical center. I've still got to ask for my records from 3 other VA medical centers. Now that I have these latest records what do I use them for?

My situation is I've got a back rated at 40% from a jump accident and receiving disability for that. I've also got nerve damage and depression, both diagnosed by the VA and with varying support for being caused by the back injury. (trying not to go into too much detail here) My goal is TDIU as I've been bed ridden for nearly 3 years now by back pain. I'm about to apply for increased disability, I'm waiting for a copy of my C file (9 month backlog in Seattle for copies).

Thanks, and type slowly when you reply. I'm may well be just as dim as the question implies.

[Pete53]

YYour medical records can be invaluable in establishing your claim or getting a better rating. Now that you have them you need to review them carefully.

[John Purser]

Thanks for getting back to me guys. I know I should review my medical records but what are some specific examples of what I'm looking for? I've generated over 2" of records in the last 2 years. I need to know what I'm looking for.

Thanks,

John

[purple]

Yup, just what the others have said...review your records. Get a (or some) 3-ring binders and a 3-hole punch and start organizing. It's a mundane project at best but comes in very handy at claim time!! If you have too (and I recommend it) use the small sticky notes to highlight the important pages you will need to copy for your claim. I'm a HUGE advocate of do it yourself claims.....but that's a whole other topic.

Have fun organizing! Be sure now to get a copy of your records at least quarterly.

[John Purser]

That's funny. I just ran across some binders in the basement. Guess I know what I'll be doing with them.

Okay, got a technique and tools. Now what am I looking for in my records? Typos? Snide comments? Honestly, I don't have a clue about what I'm seeking here and how that relates to my claim. Please don't underestimate the depth of my ignorance.

Yup, just what the others have said...review your records. Get a (or some) 3-ring binders and a 3-hole punch and start organizing. It's a mundane project at best but comes in very handy at claim time!! If you have too (and I recommend it) use the small sticky notes to highlight the important pages you will need to copy for your claim. I'm a HUGE advocate of do it yourself claims.....but that's a whole other topic.

Have fun organizing! Be sure now to get a copy of your records at least quarterly.

Edited December 28, 2008 by John Purser

[purple]

What you are looking for are any and all medical & mental health appts that will potentially relate to your claim. This includes test results, visits to the ER, Urgent Care...all of that. Anywhere in your records where any of your docs mention how your claim-related issues negatively affect your quality of life....that's what you want.

If there are things that should be there that aren't....this could be especially true of tests and test results...don't hesitate to ask for those. Sometimes you have to go to the specific department (i.e. cardiology for EKG results and the actual EKG readout).

Please feel free to keep asking questions!!!