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I Got A Copy Of My Va Medical Records

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John Purser

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John Purser

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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.

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John Purser Enthusiast

John Purser

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Thanks Phillip. I have been confused about that as well. I've received advice to wait and to act right away. Perhaps that's worth starting another thread.

Appreciate the help.

John

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

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John Purser Enthusiast

John Purser

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Good Point. That makes sense.

Thanks!

John Purser

I only suggest to wait if it's a claim for the exact same thing and you haven't heard a decision on the 1st one yet. No need to double up if you have no idea what's going on with the first one....it only serves to confuse the raters.
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mags1023 Proficient

mags1023

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John: As far as depression goes, see if there are any GAF scores in your records. I would review all of my records and highlight the key medical terms.....chronic back pain, GAF score, anxiety, flattened affect, range of motion, medications (NSAIDS) ect.., Then go to the 38 CFR rating criteria and see if any of your highlighted terms fall under the conditions you are looking to claim for increase. I would also file as soon as possible. Put down the conditions you feel should be increased and why. Then don't stop and wait for their reply. Get your facts together and dot every i and cross every t and send in an addendum to your original letter. This way you get your date of injury going ASAP.

Good luck,

Mags

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.

s/ Mags

We kept our promise and served honorably. Now it is time for the VA to keep their's!

I am not an attorney or VSO and offer my opinions free of charge. Any advice I provide in my posts is from experiences I have had with the VA or I have the knowledge that others have encoutered. I accept no liability for this advice should you chose to follow it.

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