Service Medical Records

[david walker]

I am retired Army National Guard, served in ODS. I filled a claim for an accident that happened while on training. What gets my goat is "my letter stated no record of Cervical Radiculopathy in SMR. This claim was denied. WEll, of course there is no record, the guard keeps only military records in there files. Any goof ball can tell even my civilian doctors stated: Cervical Radiculopathy due to neck injury from MVA. The guard is at a disadvantage when it comes to medical records. I just had to vent cause I'm sick of hearing no record of (whatever) in SMR. Looks like the VA would realize most medical care for the guard is civilian!!! Thanks for listening.

[john999]

David

The regular Army screwed me on records as well. I was diagnosed with TMJ in the service , but the doctor carefully avoided putting that in writing in my SMR's. He severely discouraged me from seeking more treatment for this disorder. This was in 1969 and I was on my way to RVN. I think the old bastard just wanted to make sure I got on board my flight to RVN. When I asked for the records years later I saw where he had just said something like " Consultation" instead of "Diagnosis and evaluation of TMJ". So my records are "silent" on the subject of TMJ. I wonder since there is a record of a consultation if I would have the benefit of the doubt.

[Berta]

David- have you sent them copies of your civilian records?

They should have sent you a VCAA Notification and told you right in this letter to supply them with any private records you have or tell the VA where they can get them.

By the way- I live near a Navy Reserves place-

Is there anyone at all at these Reserve centers who can advise a returning reservist of their potential benefits?

I asked a local minister who is still in the Navy Reserves - almost 30 years -who at the Reserve place helps these returnees?

He had been describing a new Iraq reservist who I immediately realised needed counselling for PTSD-

You would think being a minister he would have given the guy some good help or direction but he doesn't "counsel'

and cannot relate to combat vets-oh yeah- he is a VA Chaplain-duh-

It has bothered me every since- that the reserve center must be the only place a reservist can get some comradery when he or she gets back but very few other reservists can relate to them if they are all non-combat and he or she is returning from a combat zone.

[Guest jstacy]

Folks, Please ve very careful and read the records yourseld. DO not trust anyone especially the VARO. They send me a ssoc saying my service records were negative for any complaints, treatment for Migraine headaches and hypertension.

I had a C@P exam last year and the Examiner found it, Went right to it. I immediatly got a copy and filed a cue claim. Do not let these people who are too lazy to read the service medical record do that to you.

Get a copy and study it. I scanned mine in the computer, Now if there is a question, I just pull it up.

[carlie]

I hope that was a final unappealed decision you cued.

I'd love to hear someone tore them up !!!

carlie

[Guest jstacy]

It was a final unappealed decision originally opened in 1994. I reopened it again in 1998 and they had the records then. I am seeking retro back at least 1998 if not 1994 when the VA diagnosed it themselves.