Which Form To Use?

[Bravo6]

I'm already SC'd for other conditions but my right ankle was fractured while I was in and was never rated by the VA. I guess they overlooked it when I rec'd my initial rating back in 2001.

What form do I use to make a claim on my right ankle. I've when through my SMR and copied all related documents (33 pages) about my fractured right ankle.

I would like to do this claim myself as the local VSO is worthless!

I will be hand carrying this claim to my local VARO and getting it stamped!

Thanks again!

B6

[brokensoldier244th]

A 21-4138 will do it, either the old one or the new one (I think its called 21-4138b). There is even a PDF that you can type on if you google 'fillable 21-4138', or you can go through VONAPP and type it up there, but you probably won't be able to attach 33 documents. I did my 21-4138 via VONAPP to get it in the system, then amended and fleshed out my claim with the PDF fillable 21-4138. Printed it all out, organized my papers in chrono order with the newest at the top (along with anything I requested from VA Records office for recent treatment) just so its on top in there. Highlighted the whole mess for the finer points. My top form was my "statement of claim" where I called attention to the various highlights on the documents by citing them like a term paper.

It allowed me to organize my thoughts and I write like crap (illegibly) so being able to type helped. I dropped the whole mess off at the RO on the way to work the other day. I checked Ebenefits 2 days later and they list all my supporting docs that I included as being part of my claim, now.

Good luck.

CAS

'

[LarryJ]

Okay, do you want to fill out a NEW claim form (no, I really mean it IS a new claim form) VA form 21-526EZ...........this is supposed to be for claims that you have all the documentation necessary to file and win your claim.......SMR's........DD214...........service records........

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZ-ARE.pdf VA's NEW "Fully Developed Claim" Form.

Go for it, no guarantees from ME, but they say it is light-years faster (well, "light-years" in VA terms only).

[Bravo6]

Looking through my SMR, I found the permanent profile (P3) for my right ankle from Aug 1993. The medical condition stated on the top of the form is "Traumatic Arthritis Right Ankle". I hope this will help the VARO in granting SC for my ankle. I guess it won't hurt!

Thanks LarryJ and CAS for the advice, as I truly appreciate it!

Now....to fill out the form......wish me luck!

B6

[brokensoldier244th]

I forgot about that -526 EZ. Thats pretty slick and pretty much removes the 21-4238 from circulation over all, since it looks to cover both new claims AND increases?

[pacmanx1]

I'm already SC'd for other conditions but my right ankle was fractured while I was in and was never rated by the VA. I guess they overlooked it when I rec'd my initial rating back in 2001.

What form do I use to make a claim on my right ankle. I've when through my SMR and copied all related documents (33 pages) about my fractured right ankle.

I would like to do this claim myself as the local VSO is worthless!

I will be hand carrying this claim to my local VARO and getting it stamped!

Thanks again!

B6

Are you saying that you filed a claim and the VA never processed/rated it and now you are trying to file another claim for the same condition? The correct form is the VA form 21-4138: http://www.vba.va.go...21-4138-ARE.pdf.

I am not familiar with the form LarryJ is referring to but if you send in any form make sure you send in current treatment records and diagnosis.

Hope the Best

[LarryJ]

I forgot about that -526 EZ. Thats pretty slick and pretty much removes the 21-4238 from circulation over all, since it looks to cover both new claims AND increases?

YUP!

I like the "concept" in that, they will give it a quick look to see if what you have is what they need (no need for them to do any work gathering up your loose ends, no development work in other words) and they can just send it on to the raters, if I understand it correctly. Of course, IF you do not send them all that they need, then they will have to revert your claim back to the "INCOMING" pile by the front door and treat it as a regular new claim. There are very explicit instructions that come with this new form and if you will fill it out completely, then you and they don't have to do nearly as much "leg-work". I do think that if you have never filed a claim, or if your dependents have changed since your last claim, that you do have to file a new "dependents claim form" (I have no idea what that particular claim form is numbered, but, it tells you in the instructions). They also do not have to go through the "do you have any more information.......etc" form-filling-out-mailing-yada-yada, for, when you send in the 21-526EZ you also fill out an affirmation form that you have done all that you can do........sort of...