Stupid Question Regarding Form 21-525

[81150 CAFB]

Sorry for the length of this post. Stupid questin that I should know after spending countless hours on Hadit...I might have even asked it before but can't find it. I finally have most (99%) of my civilian medical records and have all of my service medical records along with 4 nexus letters. I am filing out form 21-526 using the PDF version on my computer where you can enter and save the data. I am filing out the section of the form ( section III) where it asks you to explain how you think your disabilities listed in question above are related to your service. The space is very small and I used the section X part of the form to continue my response regarding all of my issues. I soon ran out of space in this section also. I started to continue my response (all new pages listed as continuation of previous section etc...) on form 4138-support of claim since it is also easy to use as a PDF and has all of the correct wording as everthing is true to best of my ability or something like that.

My first question is can I use this form for my initial claim? I know 526 has the help section and tells you to attach additional comments on a sheet of paper, but 4138 seems nicely set up. I see during a search that it us mainly used in communications with the VA after the initial claim is filed. I am currently doing everything on my own but will turn in my completed forms to the Texas Vetrans Commission (TVC). I will also call them for advice on how to file my claim (if they call back) but I trust the folks here a lot better.

My second question is regarding what to put in this section. Should I keep it short and just mention that I had discectomy in 1989 in Air Force and now have had two surguries at this same site in 2009 (with dates) and reference them to my smr's, private medical records and nexus letters? Then follow with the next issue in the same fashion. I am then planning to use 4138 to give a descrption of each issue (one 4138 per issue) and how it is related to my service or how it is related secondary to my primary condition. I will use this part for pretty much writing/listing everything possible I can about the disability. Or should I just write really long statements about each issue as part of my response to section III? I would then place the 4138 in front of the records I have for that issue or do you think it would be better to put after the completed 526 and the have the records follow? I am also planning on using the 4138 for statments from my wife on how the disabilities have effected me and maybe one from my boss who has seen me in severe pain at work and how much time I've missed.

All responses are welcome... I am seeking your advice on what to put in the section and If using 4138 is a good idea but be nice: ). I want to make this as easy as I can on the VA and I know some on here have worked with them on claims for a long time. I want to have them look at the most relevant part and easily see that it is a no brainer and be happy to get my claim as it would be quick and easy for them to meet their quota : ).

Jbasser- I remember asking you about the 4138 when the VA sent my 526 and also form 4138 with no mention of the forms use. You told me the 4138 is like picking up all of the spares... is this what you were referring to? Using the form to list out my issues?

Fanatic- I have seen your site and will do some of the formating the same.

Also - a lot of people say to put you name, social security number and page numbers on each page. Thus sounds great but dies anyone know how to do this quickly and easily? I have a lot of records and manually doing this seems very painful to me? Any one have any tricks?

Thanks to all!!! I need this advice to finish my filing...honestly I have been procrastinating and feeling exhausted by all of the pain, oxycodone, depression and sometimes feeling what is the point (getting denied, lowballed, all of the misdeeds of the VA etc...) . I just need to do it!! At least I filed informally in September 2009.

81150

Edited June 8, 2010 by 81150 CAFB

[Commander Bob]

Commander Bob - thanks for the research. It doesn't seem to say anthing about using the for to supplement the the filing of 21-526. I can just start a word document template and use that for my additional comments and responses. I would just add the correct verbiage to the header and footer. This leave the question of doing each claim as one big document in response to the "how does this relate to your service " nor do I do a short answer for each one regarding that question and do a seperate document for each claim that has all of the details. I am just trying to see if there is a preferred method for my filing-something that is easy for the VA to review.

Thank you all!!!

81150

I just read this reply in my stack of HADIT emails. I know I am being redundant here, and I truly think it is cool that you can

"just start a word document template and use that for additional comments and responses. I would just add the correct verbiage to the header and footer."

[81150 CAFB]

Good morning to you. Hope you are well-my sciatic and oxycodone is kicking together nicely this morning. Thanks for all of your help Commander! I can't beleive you called someone regarding this question. This is what is so cool. So many good people on this site. Ibreally don't know what I would do with out it! I think I will definately stick to hard copies and it seems like I can use the 4138. I just need to determine how to word my responses to each issue - as one big one per or short response and then detail.

FYI - I am filing for spinal fusion, IVDS (post-op), sciatic neuritis, depression and anexity, scar(s) and hemorroids. I might also add bruxism (grinding of teeth) since I have several cracked teeth and fillings possibly due to the chronic pain.

By the way- anyone else just seeing boxes with question marks for all of the options. I just had to guess which was the response button.

81150

[carlie]

81150.

I never even heard anything about stop loss being almost 20 years ago, but it's probably possible.

You've been a veteran for almost 20 years now and are filing an original 21-526 for service connection.

This is only my opinion, but if you can't fit what is needed on the 21-526, you are putting TMI on it.

I would keep in mind that more doesn't necessarily mean better and sometimes more helps provide

VA with reasons to deny an issue.

I personally see no reason what so ever to combine submitting information for an original claim on

both a 21-526 combined with a 21-4138 - Statement In Support of Claim.

I personally would stick with the 21-526 - there is plenty of room for what needs to be of record.

In my opinion by submitting both you are going to confuse things from the get go.

Also, when you contacted VA by phone and a VA employee wrote a 119 - Report of Contact,

in my opinion, if you did not list and they did not write on the 119, specifically what issues you are requesting

SC for - then the date of the 21-526 will be used as the effective date of your clam, not what you are saying

is an informal claim date for SC, date of 119 - Report of Contact.

Example -if you called VA and stated I have medical issues that I feel are related to active duty and I

want to file a claim for service connection of these issues -

your issues for service connection needs to be specified and this alone will not be used for an effective date.

Again, this is all, only my opinion.

carlie

[Commander Bob]

81150.

This is only my opinion, but if you can't fit what is needed on the 21-526, you are putting TMI on it.

I would keep in mind that more doesn't necessarily mean better and sometimes more helps provide

VA with reasons to deny an issue.

I personally see no reason what so ever to combine submitting information for an original claim on

both a 21-526 combined with a 21-4138 - Statement In Support of Claim.

I personally would stick with the 21-526 - there is plenty of room for what needs to be of record.

In my opinion by submitting both you are going to confuse things from the get go.

carlie

ditto... however, after looking at the 21-526, I can see why one would want to add to some of those small boxes.

[carlie]

Comm Bob,

He posted he's working on Part III - all subject of Part III is Active Duty Service Info.

carlie

[Commander Bob]

81150.

TMI

I had to look it up ... TMI - LOL.