Is DBQ Needed During Presumptive Period?

[glashutte]

Hi All,

 

I recently separated and am in my presumptive period. 

Do I need a DBQ form to confirm the diagnosis that were made after separation? Or will the medical record indicating diagnosis from the civilian doctor suffice and be more than enough?

 

[glashutte]

10 hours ago, pwrslm said:

If you can get the C&P done before you file, it make it faster. Seeing your own MD to get it done helps you so the VA hacks dont screw it up. I know the PTSD has to be done by a VA Psych, so that one is out, but the feet and ENT are open.

Presumptive means that if you are diagnosed and put in the claim, you dont need an IMO. The only exception would be if you were diagnosed prior to service, then you would have to claim aggravation. Basic's - if its not on your entrance physical, you are assumed fit without any prior existing issues that are not on that exam. The exam should be a permanent part of the service medical record.

Save your money, but dont take your time and miss the deadline. Claim everything. If you scratched your knee, and its in the record, claim it. That way years down the road, you have evidence that you tried. Shoulder pain, back pain, knee and hip pain all can be rated at 0% now and included as service connected. Claim increase later if you need it. In 20 years it will be a royal pain to document it and win the claim when these things get worse and sideline you.

Great advice. I'll claim all the pain issues incase something worsens down the road. I had no idea we could get a C&P exam before we file..

What about conditions diagnosed during service such as Shin Splints, GERD, and Hemorrhoids? Do I need to get a DBQ from a civilian doctor, or will these be addressed during my C&P Exam?

[glashutte]

1 hour ago, Buck52 said:

 Just to Add, Not sure you know about the ITF (Intent to File?)

you can file the INT  and it gives you time to gather up all your evidence  that you may not have at the time you file, you have a year to file your claim and the ITF Saves your earliest effective date to your claims.

After you file your claims  the VA sends out a letter, the

 letter explains what VA needs in order to help grant your claim.

It states how VA assists in getting records to support your claim. The letter may include forms for you to complete, such as medical releases. They help VA obtain pertinent medical records from your doctor or hospital. You should try to complete and return all forms VA sends within a month. Your claim can often be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records.

What Records VA Obtains to Support Your Claim

VA then attempts to get all the records relevant to your claimed medical conditions from the military, private hospitals or doctors, or any other place you tell us. The person who decides your claim (called a Rating Veterans Service Representative) may order a medical examination. This examination is free of charge. It is extremely important that you report for your examination at the scheduled time to avoid delaying your claim.

Compensation and Pension Examinations

According to VA, “The purpose of C&P examinations is to provide the medical information needed to reach a legal decision about a veteran’s entitlement to VA monetary benefits based on disability” (Brown, 2003). Obtaining a C&P medical examination is part of VA’s duty to assist the applicant. An examination is required

when a veteran files a claim for service connection and submits evidence of disability;

when a service-connected veteran asserts a worsened condition;

to provide medical nexus;

to reconcile diagnoses;

as directed by BVA. 

I had no idea about the Intent to File option. Because it gives me a year to collect all the data AND keep my earliest effective date, this will be my first big step. 

 

Thanks! I'm getting so many golden applicable pieces of advice on here

[Buck52]

Correct!!

Mark your ITF Calendar.

And remember after about 11 months you need to go ahead and file your claim or claims, as I agree with pwrslm it's better to file on ALL your claim at once . 

Just  be expected to be denied on a few  unless you have medical records to back you up....but filing on all your claims will and does start your EED clock incase later on you get some of them Service Connected at 0% or higher someday or years down the road.

There's no limits on THE # of claims you can file .

Anything that was caused from your military service including traumatization to yourself.

you can file  Combat PTSD  or MST (Military Sexual Trauma) or anything that traumatized you during your military service, same for Injuries.

Mental Health such as PTSD /MST Has to be Diagnosed by the VA.

[MikeHunt]

On 3/18/2018 at 10:41 AM, glashutte said:

What about conditions diagnosed during service such as Shin Splints, GERD, and Hemorrhoids? Do I need to get a DBQ from a civilian doctor, or will these be addressed during my C&P Exam?

Yes. You should claim them. What happens is the VSR goes through your medical records and annotates the document and page number in the exam request.

You can certainly get an IME (Fills out DBQ) for them.

I'm not sure why Its repeated that PTSD can only be diagnosed by the VA. This is totally false, yet is repeated in every thread.

The VA is doing less and less C&P exams, they're 'farming them out' to private contractors.