ptsd Private Medical Records - Send Parts To Va Or Let Them Collect?

[Brew]

Hi, am wondering if someone can advise me (or just share thoughts/opinions) on how to best handle submission of private medical records for my initial claim for disability compensation. I have copies of my private medical records but have some specific questions:

1. I really don't want the VA seeing ALL of my records - do you think it would be good/bad/indifferent to include only records pertaining to my conditions claimed or will that make them think that I have omitted information? I heard a rumor that if they have to request medical records that it will take a lot longer to process my application AND there are a few things that I feel are not too my benefit (like me claiming to a physician that I didn't have sleep disturbances when the truth was that I didn't want to admit that I had problems - typical for a PTSD sufferer apparently when undiagnosed).

2. I found two errors in my medical records that could be material. One is a statement that I had a condition since childhood when in actuality, I said "when I was younger" meaning in my early 20's. The other is a reference to chronic right hip pain when it has always been my left hip. I have requested amendments, but am curious if I should wait to submit or submit with a copy of my amendment request to the medical provider.

Thanks for the input.

-Brew

[Brew]

Thanks to everyone who provided input, this has been very helpful. I have another topic to ask about that I will post as a separate topic. Hopefully my questions are helpful for other Vets as well.

Edited March 17, 2012 by Brew

[Teac]

1. I recommend that all veterans submit their medical records with their claim for a couple of reasons, a. you know exactly what they have b. submitting the medical records with the claim could actually speed the claim up a little. You should hand carry or mail all items to the va regional office certified return receipt requested.

2. you should only submit the medical records that pertain to the spcific issues in question. You should submit only those medical records that actually support the claim.

3. If you had medical issues before military service, and if these issues were not addressed on entry into service any entries in the medical record about such issues should not be of concern, since by law at the time of entry those conditons where not know to exist and you were found fit for service. However even in cases were the military is aware of issues when you entered service, service connected can still be awarded if it is determined that military service aggravated the condition.

4. Since the claim is still pending I recommend sending in the medical records when you receive them. The records you hold back, could be the difference between a 30% vrs a 60% rating....

5. If the va does not review all the medical records, and decides a claim, you can request a de novo review or appeal and submit the medical evidence at that time for consideration...

Best of luck......

Edited March 19, 2012 by Teac

[Pete53]

Anything you fax to VA send a copy with dates and fax number it is amazing how many faxes the VA loses.

[Capt.]

Hello Pete,,,,,, I am with you on this one....been there and done that. Anytime I faxed something they did not receive on several occasions . So after lost time , I just started to mail certified. NEVER GIVE UP . God Bless, C.C.

[Brew]

I am making copies for myself and hand-carrying next week to the Public Contact office. They seem pretty good to work with so far and if they lose stuff, I will cheerfully go give them another copy. Cheerfully the first time anyway.

Also, my VSO also recommended "relevant records only" and I also spoke to a VA Benefits Counselor who said to submit only relevant records and attach to form 21-4142. Of course, that form makes it possible for them to request records from the provider, so if they want the complete file, they can get it. If they do, fine.

My challenge though still is figuring out WHICH pages to include. For example, I went to counseling for about 6 months (6 or 7 visits) about a year after I was discharged. Some of the provider notes are kind of dumb and there was a definite obsession about my childhood by the provider so most of the conversation was on that despite it not being very exciting or notable. Only my first visit with her did I express anything about my service. I had signed a "do not discuss" form when I was discharged due to the nature of my assignment and I think at that time that I was obsessed with honoring that promise. In my opinion, the only relevant notes are from that first visit - I discussed my service related injuries and a vague description of my emotional issues with my service and clearly stated anger, anxiety, depression, sleep issues as my main concerns. I was prescribed medication on that visit as well.

So my question now is - do I submit all pages or just the intake paperwork that is relevant in my opinion?

Edited March 25, 2012 by Brew