Multiple Applications Filed For Same Claim On Same Night Ebenifits

[marine0816]

I served in the Marine Corps from 200-2004, was in servere cold weather for over six months and received frostbite on my hands, feet, ears and nose..when I left the USMC I was unaware that I could recieve benifits for frostbite.. I have frostbite on both hands but is more pronounced on my right hand (right handed)and do to fact that I use it more, I just claimed my right hand not knowing I should of claimed all extretimites.

So last year I put in a claim for my right hand and about a year later got awarded 20% for obvious color discoloration and cold sensitivity.. So after getting more educated with the VA I decided to claim my other extremities. Being unfamiliar with ebenifits I filled four FDC claims in one night for my feet and nose ears as "secondary" claim linking them to my service connected right hand. After research on secondary claims I decided to make them all "new" claims and filed my feet, ears and nose as a separate "new" claim. So as a result I have multiple applications for the same claim. How does VA treat this and will this delay my decision time? thank you

Semper Fi

Edited November 29, 2013 by marine0816

[marine0816]

Are your other extremities and facial features efected by the frostbit listed in your STR's if so you should have no problem showing SC if not you are going to have to get buddy statements from friends that served with you and seen the frostbite when it was being treated in service

How does buddy satements work?

[Vync]

I had something like this happen when IO

I served in the Marine Corps from 200-2004, was in servere cold weather for over six months and received frostbite on my hands, feet, ears and nose..when I left the USMC I was unaware that I could recieve benifits for frostbite.. I have frostbite on both hands but is more pronounced on my right hand (right handed)and do to fact that I use it more, I just claimed my right hand not knowing I should of claimed all extretimites.

So last year I put in a claim for my right hand and about a year later got awarded 20% for obvious color discoloration and cold sensitivity.. So after getting more educated with the VA I decided to claim my other extremities. Being unfamiliar with ebenifits I filled four FDC claims in one night for my feet and nose ears as "secondary" claim linking them to my service connected right hand. After research on secondary claims I decided to make them all "new" claims and filed my feet, ears and nose as a separate "new" claim. So as a result I have multiple applications for the same claim. How does VA treat this and will this delay my decision time? thank you

Semper Fi

I had something like this happen when I submitted a claim and my VSO also submitted a claim on my behalf. The VA resolved the claim I filed, but I kept getting those "we're working on it, but please wait" letters about the other claim. I called 1-800 and they said that the duplicate claim could only be cancelled in writing, not over the phone.

[marine0816]

I had something like this happen when IO

I had something like this happen when I submitted a claim and my VSO also submitted a claim on my behalf. The VA resolved the claim I filed, but I kept getting those "we're working on it, but please wait" letters about the other claim. I called 1-800 and they said that the duplicate claim could only be cancelled in writing, not over the phone.

What if I just did nothing and let things play out, do you think that would make the process the same time no matter what?

[Philip Rogers]

How does buddy satements work?

They are just statements/affidavits from friends/witnesses/family members that verify your injury(s) and can be valuable evidence. If you had a witness to your injury or someone was there w/you and got it also, it could help. jmo

pr

[marine0816]

They are just statements/affidavits from friends/witnesses/family members that verify your injury(s) and can be valuable evidence. If you had a witness to your injury or someone was there w/you and got it also, it could help. jmo

pr

Thank you does it have to be notarized or anything special? Thanks

[meghp0405]

as soon as you send in the VA FM 21-4138 asking the VA to consolidate your claim(s), it/they will be removed from the fully developed claim status to the regular claim status.

When you submit a FDC, you must provide all medical documentation, buddy statements or any other documents to support your claim, MUST be submitted together to remain as an FDC. The minute VA receives additional documentation for your claim, again it loses the FDC status.

I recommend and strongly suggest to each and every veteran that I come in contact with, to never submit a claim using the e-benefit site. This site still has a lot of discrepancies to it and until those are fixed, stay away.

Once you complete your forms, obtain all documentation and submit them to the VARO in your state. Keep a copy for your records.

Now, this being fairly new claim and this time of the year, I would suggest that you submit a VA FM 21-4138 and tell VA that you want to withdraw your claim. Once this action is taken, the VA will send you a letter stating that the claim has been terminated or withdrawn. Once you have that letter, then submit a new claim, with all medical documentation. Remember, a VA FM 21-526ez is required for a FDC.

If you are unsure as to the forms, contact a veterans service officer , normally located at the veterans hospital or the veterans administration regional office in your state. Again, that's what I would recommend you doing, because right now, you have a 100% cluster sitting at the VA. Not a good way to start your claim.