Medical Records Question

[johnjjr]

After my 2/25 hearing, the DRO told me that the way my VSO had written my PN NOD was incorrect. That he should have filed the NOD for upper extremeties and a claim for increase due to increase in severity for lower extremeties.(My fault. I signed without reading thoroughly.) It was suggested that I separate the lower extremeties from the NOD to be worked as a new claim. I did. Got a quick decision on the NOD and my retro is in the bank. Monday, I got another envelope in the mail. The "We are working on you claim" envelope. It had the VCAA Notice Response letter requesting medical records to support my claim. I have 2 return receipts for the records and I hand delivered a copy to the DRO at the hearing. Also the DRO referenced the records in the decision on my upper extremeties. Can I allow myself the luxury of assuming that the VA actually

has the records or should I resubmit them with the VCAA letter?

[*Bergie*]

After my 2/25 hearing, the DRO told me that the way my VSO had written my PN NOD was incorrect. That he should have filed the NOD for upper extremeties and a claim for increase due to increase in severity for lower extremeties.(My fault. I signed without reading thoroughly.) It was suggested that I separate the lower extremeties from the NOD to be worked as a new claim. I did. Got a quick decision on the NOD and my retro is in the bank. Monday, I got another envelope in the mail. The "We are working on you claim" envelope. It had the VCAA Notice Response letter requesting medical records to support my claim. I have 2 return receipts for the records and I hand delivered a copy to the DRO at the hearing. Also the DRO referenced the records in the decision on my upper extremeties. Can I allow myself the luxury of assuming that the VA actually

has the records or should I resubmit them with the VCAA letter?

I never assume anything with the VARO. So I always submit the pertinent medical documents with each claim. I have come to believe the easier you make their job the easier it is for you in the long run. I also bring copies to any C&P exam, for quick reference if the doctor has questions or I need to point things out to them. So I would submit the documents again if I were you

JMO,

Bergie