Better to report medical conditions while still in military!

[Buck52]

I just wanted to let active military personal know that its a lot better to have any and all medical conditions reported or Documented while your still in the military.

Do not Put off going to the Docs while your still in the military, a lot of us older Nam Vets  put off going to the dispensary or sick call for aches and pains  for  (proud reasons or that it was just something we chalk up not to seek medical help .

  and THAT is a BIG MISTAKE

...for compensation claims purposes later on down the road after your out  if you had any of your conditions documented while in military no matter what it is..   it makes it a lot easier  for service connection to be established.  if you ever come down with something that you had while in the military or it gets a lot worse

so while your still active in military  if you have any medical condition that you get while serving  go see the Dr's   you maybe glad you did in the future and it sure could help your life for the better.

JMO

My 24 year old grandson gets tired of me preaching this to him .''.as he says ok grandpa I will'', he is a combat medic station in Z Africa under special operations for his deployment to?? he don't know  he sent us a Christmas video and he look so tired out and bored. he said he was in weapons trainning at the moment...and is locked and loaded when the time comes.

 

Edited January 17, 2018 by Buck52

[USMCScorpio]

Just reading Buck's original post makes my stomach all twisted! I clearly recall being told "if you have all your limbs, both eye's, and your hearts not purple then stay out of the true DAV's way! "  

And so I did - and here I am 20 years later awaiting my Medical Records in preparation to file my very 1st claim.  I discharged in '91 smh... 

I stared my intent to file on Nov 1st in e-benefits. 

[paulstrgn]

It is never to late to file (it just cost you money is all). I retired in 6/1995 and I filed my first claim with the VA in 7/2015. I kept procrastinating filing. But once I filed I kept after it, yes I made mistakes when I filed but that did not stop me. Long story short I am now 100% P&T, I did not get discouraged (yes frustrated) when they denied me, I would simply submit better evidence and either file an HLR or a new claim.

So never think it's too late to file. Unfortunately (and I try not to dwell on it) I lost thousands of dollars by waiting to file. 

So keep filing your claims and asking questions on this site, there is a lot of good information available here if you will ask the questions.

[Hucast21]

I want to bump this because I think it is very important for new users.

Some background info on my claim - I was diagnosed and treated in the military for migraines and severe depression. I also received treatment post-separation which are documented in my VA records.

In 2018, I filed a claim for migraines and depression and was denied. Filed a NOD along with an IME w/IMO from a board-certified specialist and denied once again.

I have representation now, and my attorney faxed VA form 9 to intake to have my claim go before the BVA. 

Documenting your injuries/illnesses while in the military does not guarantee a grant for service-connection, but makes it a lot easier if your claim goes before BVA/CAVC.

Also, my separation physical exam from my provider (M.D.) handwritten migraine headaches. How the VA dropped the ball on my claim is a head scratcher.

I do not think too fondly of St. Petersburg VARO.

We as vets have to keep fighting. When we quit, they win.

 

Edited April 11, 2020 by Hucast21

[GBArmy]

When I am talking to a parent of an active serviceman, I always ask them if they want some A #1 advise to pass on to their loved one. Tell them to promise that IF they go to medical for any reason, that they will request a copy of what happened. It is hands down one of the most valuable advise they will ever receive. I had one lady said well this is 2020 now, everything is digital,, they have everything now filed digitally. I said, Lady, we are talking about the VA and the DOD here; they were losing records back in George Washington's time, and are pretty good at it. If you have the record in hand, they have it no matter what.

[Hucast21]

28 minutes ago, GBArmy said:

When I am talking to a parent of an active serviceman, I always ask them if they want some A #1 advise to pass on to their loved one. Tell them to promise that IF they go to medical for any reason, that they will request a copy of what happened. It is hands down one of the most valuable advise they will ever receive. I had one lady said well this is 2020 now, everything is digital,, they have everything now filed digitally. I said, Lady, we are talking about the VA and the DOD here; they were losing records back in George Washington's time, and are pretty good at it. If you have the record in hand, they have it no matter what.

I agree. I also have digital copies of my SMRs, VA records, C&P exams, and denial letters stored on my Google drive.

My physical copies are stored in a fire proof vault.

 

[Hucast21]

Here is proof of my separation physical stating “migraine headaches, severe” and just one of many sick calls about my migraines stating my only relief is by sleeping in a dark room.

Always have your injuries/illnesses documented in the military because if your claim goes before a BVA judge, it will be easier to win your claim.

Everyone can see how the VA screws most veterans out of their benefits even if it was documented in the military.

It’s why I got representation quickly because the law firm looked at my SMRs and VA treatment records and realized the VA rubber stamped denial at the VARO level.

 

Edited April 12, 2020 by Hucast21