Getting Private Dr Records

[Scott D]

I am pretty much starting over with all my claims and need to file for an increase for conditions that have become worse. The last two years or private treatment is going to cost about 300.00 for copies. I wanted to get these documents and organize them with each claim. The cost is quite substantial. Do I need to fork over the cash, or just have them send the documents directly to the VA? I am kind of leery of doing the direct route.

Also, if there are increases granted, can you then try for an EED based of evidence?

Thanks

Scott

[*Bergie*]

I am pretty much starting over with all my claims and need to file for an increase for conditions that have become worse. The last two years or private treatment is going to cost about 300.00 for copies. I wanted to get these documents and organize them with each claim. The cost is quite substantial. Do I need to fork over the cash, or just have them send the documents directly to the VA? I am kind of leery of doing the direct route.

Also, if there are increases granted, can you then try for an EED based of evidence?

Thanks

Scott

You should be able to request the records under the pretense that it is for your VA claims and ask that you be allowed to "hand carry" the records personally, I did this and it was not a problem. I explained that in the past the VA had stated they requested my records but did not receive them. It worked for me, so it might work foir you if you are convincing.

JMO,

Bergie

[Gulfvet45]

Have your VSO get the copies for you. He will fill out the paperwork and the VA will get them at their expense.

I am pretty much starting over with all my claims and need to file for an increase for conditions that have become worse. The last two years or private treatment is going to cost about 300.00 for copies. I wanted to get these documents and organize them with each claim. The cost is quite substantial. Do I need to fork over the cash, or just have them send the documents directly to the VA? I am kind of leery of doing the direct route.

Also, if there are increases granted, can you then try for an EED based of evidence?

Thanks

Scott

[john999]

I would try and get the records myself since the VA will not organize them. They may very well get them all mixed up. If you did not file a NOD and appeal your old claim there is not much chance of gettting an EED. If you have more than one claim the VA will need to be hand fed the evidence so they don't make a mess. Do as Bergie has said and maybe you can skip the fee.

[Scott D]

I ended up just paying for them as to speed the process along. I would have included my VSO in the request if I didn't feel like he would messed it up somehow. I have a few conditions to file with the VA.

On a second note as conditions have worsened should I make appotinments through the VA clinic, or schedule appotintments with my PCP?

[rpowell01]

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/medicalrecords.html

Charges

A provider cannot deny you a copy of your records because you have not paid for the services you have received. Even so, a provider may charge for the reasonable costs for copying and mailing the records. The provider cannot charge you a fee for searching for or retrieving your records.

You might want to check into the "reasonable charges" because you paid way too much IMO. Also look carefully at the word RETRIEVING.

Hope this helps...

[rpowell01]

Also not everyone has a good VSO. The one in my county is just plain lazy. I really feel bad for him because nobody is referred to him that much anymore.