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

[John Purser]

PAY DIRT! Okay, this I can use. But how do I use it? When the VFW filed my claim they pretty much just said "his back hurts" and sent it in. There was no mention of specific medical records, just a line about the examiner needing to get all my medical records. Now that I found what I'm looking for how do I use it? For example, I had an EMG (electromyography) done to verify the nerve damage in my leg. This directly relates to the disability I'm claiming. How do I use this medical record in my claim?

Stop asking questions? When that happens just shovel the dirt back in the hole cause I'm done!

Thanks,

John

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!!!

[purple]

When did the VFW file your claim? And what all did they file for?

This is precisely why I highly encourage all vets to file their own claims and not bother with the middleman. The middleman doesn't give a crap about your claim and wont invest the time and patience needed to make sure it gets approved the first time. Sorry, one of my pet peeves.

If you have a claim pending, you need to wait and see what happens with it. If it's approved then yippie! If not, then your work begins.....step one...fire the VFW guy. Just my opinion mind you.

Here's a link to a "how to" guide for filing a claim written by Jim Strickland. This guy is extremely knowlegeable!!

http://knol.google.com/k/jim-strickland/a-...i4hm0dxfnnzs/2#

Edited December 28, 2008 by purple

[John Purser]

Love the link. I'll need that next. Cool.

I'll have to get a copy of my C file in order to be sure what the VFW filed for. My memory really is so bad these days I don't trust myself to remember to brush my teeth most days. Apparently it's a symptom of depression. Fun stuff. This is all related to the claim I'm going to file for nerve damage to my leg and depression. Okay, you've given me a big chunk to chew with that link. I'll dig into that and no doubt post again with more questions.

I'd still like a clear example of how to use (for instance) the medical record of my EMG in my claim for disability for nerve damage in that leg. Do I specifically reference that medical record when I file for the claim? IE: RE my EMG of MM/DD/YYYY the results support my position that my disability rating needs to be adjusted to reflect a NN% rating for nerve damage to the leg." or do I just show up for the exam with a hard copy in my hand? How do I USE what I find?

Please.

And Thank you!

Sincerely,

John

When did the VFW file your claim? And what all did they file for?

This is precisely why I highly encourage all vets to file their own claims and not bother with the middleman. The middleman doesn't give a crap about your claim and wont invest the time and patience needed to make sure it gets approved the first time. Sorry, one of my pet peeves.

If you have a claim pending, you need to wait and see what happens with it. If it's approved then yippie! If not, then your work begins.....step one...fire the VFW guy. Just my opinion mind you.

Here's a link to a "how to" guide for filing a claim written by Jim Strickland. This guy is extremely knowlegeable!!

http://knol.google.com/k/jim-strickland/a-...i4hm0dxfnnzs/2#

[purple]

As far as the EMG....do both. Take a copy of the test result with you to your C&P and show it to the doc (the doc may or may not look at it)....and when you are ready to file your claim, you will include a copy (tabbed and highlighted...more on that later).

Anything you find in your records...you can take to your exam...the examing doc just may or may not look at it so be prepared for that. But those same documents should be used later as attachments for your claim after your exam.

I hope this info is helpful...I realize it can be overwhelming at first.

And trust me, I completely understand about the teeth-brushing thing....I have many of those days also!!

[John Purser]

Brilliantly helpful. Thanks again.

I am however confused, I thought I had to file a claim in order to get a C & P exam. Your line about taking the records to the C & P and then filing the claim later has me confused. Have a messed up my vocabulary or read you wrong?

John

As far as the EMG....do both. Take a copy of the test result with you to your C&P and show it to the doc (the doc may or may not look at it)....and when you are ready to file your claim, you will include a copy (tabbed and highlighted...more on that later).

Anything you find in your records...you can take to your exam...the examing doc just may or may not look at it so be prepared for that. But those same documents should be used later as attachments for your claim after your exam.

I hope this info is helpful...I realize it can be overwhelming at first.

And trust me, I completely understand about the teeth-brushing thing....I have many of those days also!!

[Philip Rogers]

John, sorry but I'm dropping out here. Purple suggested you wait before filing another claim. I so disagree w/that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You need to file for an increase, tomorrow. Waiting is stupid, period. jmo

pr

When did the VFW file your claim? And what all did they file for?

This is precisely why I highly encourage all vets to file their own claims and not bother with the middleman. The middleman doesn't give a crap about your claim and wont invest the time and patience needed to make sure it gets approved the first time. Sorry, one of my pet peeves.

If you have a claim pending, you need to wait and see what happens with it. If it's approved then yippie! If not, then your work begins.....step one...fire the VFW guy. Just my opinion mind you.

Here's a link to a "how to" guide for filing a claim written by Jim Strickland. This guy is extremely knowlegeable!!

http://knol.google.com/k/jim-strickland/a-...i4hm0dxfnnzs/2#