What Now?

[usmc0599]

hey guys,

i wrote a letter to the va a while back requesting an increase for my sc cervical arthritis.

i recieved a package stating that i should send any evidence i have to the va. i clearly explained to them in the letter that i had no evidence because i have no insurance and i wasnt aware that i could go to the va hospital since im 50% disabled. was this a bad move on my part, to send a claim with no evidence? the package also state that they've asked my local va hospital to provide me with an exam, but it also says if they dont hear from me in the next thirty days, they would be forced to make a decision. what do i do now and what does that mean? do i write them to explain that i have no evidence or do i just wait for the exam? im a little confused. also is there a difference between cervical arthritis and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine?

thanks lots and God bless.

[Pete53]

You should enroll and go to the VA for treatment. No treatment at all hurts your claim although they should arrange a C&P exam or exams anyway. At 50% there are no copays and the VA has to treat you for any and all problems.

Good Luck

[Bonzai]

... they've asked my local va hospital to provide me with an exam, but it also says if they dont hear from me in the next thirty days, they would be forced to make a decision. what do i do now and what does that mean? ...

#1. You must write them back within 30 days! For a fillable VA Form 21-4138 click HERE, type in your response and print off two copies.

#2. Send your response by certified mail, if you cannot deliver it in person to the VA Regional Office.

Since you have no medical evidence, you will want to gather up additional evidence from employers, family, and friends. Once you have your appointment with the VA, your medical evidence will start to build. If you are rated at 50%, you already have a claims file, so you can request your c-file using the VA Form 21-4138 (it's like VA duck Tape, used for most things).

By the way, personally, I don't think it was a bad move to send a claim in without any evidence, because you will have an earlier effective date for your increase. From what I have learned, the most important thing is to get the claims process rolling, and evidence can catch-up later (which is where you are now).

Hope this helps,

Louis

[Philip Rogers]

Since you are already SC, for your cervical arthritis, the VA is required to schedule a new C&P exam for that condition, when you request an increase. It is assumed to have gotten worse, just by your request, and now they must evaluate your present condition. If you have been being seen by the VAMC, you should advise the claims people or they won't request that evidence. The VAMC and the VBA don't usually share records unless told about them. You have a yr to gather and submit your evidence, which you should gather, if you expect to receive an increase. They generally make a decision earlier based on any evidence of record, a new C&P and any that you've submitted. Their general feeling is that if you are not being treated, you are either better or your condition has stabilized.

If you are not being treated by the VAMC you should enroll.

pr

hey guys,

i wrote a letter to the va a while back requesting an increase for my sc cervical arthritis.

i recieved a package stating that i should send any evidence i have to the va. i clearly explained to them in the letter that i had no evidence because i have no insurance and i wasnt aware that i could go to the va hospital since im 50% disabled. was this a bad move on my part, to send a claim with no evidence? the package also state that they've asked my local va hospital to provide me with an exam, but it also says if they dont hear from me in the next thirty days, they would be forced to make a decision. what do i do now and what does that mean? do i write them to explain that i have no evidence or do i just wait for the exam? im a little confused. also is there a difference between cervical arthritis and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine?

thanks lots and God bless.