Reopened Claim & sent my Medical Records as evidence.

[USMC_JC]

So I've been poking around here for a couple months, but just now wanted to ask the forum a question. I served in the USMC from Dec '95-Dec'99.  I don't wanna make it too long, so here's a short summary of what happened. In 2010 I had issues at work with many of the ailments I know were brought upon due to service (ankle/shoulder/back) - I have documents in my medical files which I personally had in my possession. So I filed 'online' for disability concerning those issues. Actually went to I guess a C&P exam. I never received anything from them regarding the need of medical records, because I "assumed" they had copies of them in their possession. Well, 9 months later a decision was made that none of them were service connected???

How is it possible with medical records that none of my claims were related to the military service, but I was looking right at them myself?? I was very discouraged by this for many years and just left it alone....until meeting a guy that helps veterans with claims at no charge. He took a look at my medical records and couldn't understand why they didn't even rate me 0% SC. He had me re-open the claims on those ailments and also found several others I was unaware of that I sent through. Is it possible that they don't even have copies of my medical records on file? And if so, even after the exam, they didn't find anything wrong with me and sent me on my way.

I mailed them copies of my medical records that even show from the first week at boot camp, I rolled my ankle and was on crutches for 2 weeks! Ever since then, my ankle (which is on the same flat-foot) has given me issues. I'm not familiar with ebenefits, as far as uploading documents, but maybe I should also do that. I have been the stubborn veteran that didn't seek medical attention on things that I could treat at home...

 

[waccamawwild]

The best thing to do is to send the evidence in US Postal Mail Certified Receipt (Green Card returned to you) and then when they acknowledge that they have received it (Green Card) keep it with a copy of what you sent. Make sure that your letter that details your evidence has your return address, phone number, SSN# and or VA File# on it. I have sent stuff through ebenefits and later they claimed they didn't receive it. Send it to your VA Regional Office. A short summary sheet that outlines your evidence wouldn't hurt either. About two weeks later start sending periodically (once twice month) iris inquiries on the status receipt of your disability claim (save iris response on paper or flash drive). To do the iris inquiries go to www.va.gov look for button top right of page where you can ask a question. Fill out the iris inquiry completely with your question. Faster response if you ask them to respond through email than phone call.

[waccamawwild]

You can also send it FEDEX but they are costly. With the VA being so slow don't worry about it send it USPS certified mail. Then this is the important part: FIND A HOBBY THAT TAKES YOUR MIND OFF IT!!! It doesn't matter what it is because the VA is slower than a snail!!!

[waccamawwild]

You can also call peggy(nickname 18008271000 and hit zero after each prompt four maybe five times and they set up a call to call you back and you ask about your claim. You will need to give them your ssn#, va file number, name, branch of service...they will tell you if the regional office has received your info...wait 4 to 6 weeks after you send evidence to call them. Good Luck and we all go through this crap!

[waccamawwild]

In order to get service connection you need the following:

1) An injury or disease that was incurred during military service.

2) A current injury or disease that is result of the injury or disease incurred in service.

3) A Nexus statement that links one and two above. This has to be from a medical doctor or specialist that treats that kind of injury or disease. It must indicate that 1) and 2) are linked and it must be presented as evidence in your claim.

 

[USMC_JC]

Thanks for the response(s) wacamawwild. I've already sent the medical documents overnight w/signature and they were signed for. The medical records that show these injuries are from the naval doctors and all injuries were while in service, so I don't think I would need much more evidence than that would I? I will try to call that number this coming week. I've tried using the 'chat with va', but I'm either 30+ people waiting or it says it's down for the day (several days in a row). I have nothing but time, but just want to make sure I do this the best way possible this time since the first claim wasn't. 

[pwrslm]

Normally it takes them a couple weeks to scan it, and a few more to get acknowledgement that the files are there.  Once you see that the info has been submitted in E Benefits, you can be sure that they have the records.  (Chat on the EB website is not for discussions about your claim. Use the 800 number you get in the "contact" section of EB)

 

Not sure what else you sent before, but the  basic info Wacca provided are all needed. The nexus is a big one, you need a medical opinion that the condition identified in your service treatment records is related/directly or secondary to...a current condition.  If you don't provide the nexus, the VA will send you to a C&P examination.  The examiner at the C&P is like a crap shoot, some folks get good exam's with positive comments on their conditions, but most of the time it is not going to get the results that you should get.  If you can afford it, find an independent medical provider that is willing to give you an IMO/IME for the nexus.  The link between the current condition and your service history is the big hump so to speak, and having someone on your side before the show begins protects your rights and interests.

Edited December 25, 2015 by pwrslm