Does the VA request outside medical records for claims?

[jdelta]

I was able to get a hold of some medical records from a clinic that i went to a few years ago. Is this something the VA normally request or would i be better off submitting? Like i said before, i'm new to this so i want to cover all grounds.

[brokensoldier244th]

They can request if you tell them to but it’s faster if you get it on your own and submit.

[Carl the Engineer]

Well, both.

If, and I would, you send them with, they will verify or get there own copies.

The more info you can give them the better.  Unless it goes against what you're trying to accomplish, but that's a whole other deal.

Yes,

Hamslice

 

[Buck52]

I just got this in email

VA announces new process for responding to Privacy Act requests

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5338

Edited October 21, 2019 by Buck52

[Vync]

4 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

I just got this in email

VA announces new process for responding to Privacy Act requests

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5338

I think this link goes the other direction like when information held by the VA is to be released.

When sending non-VA claim-related medical records to the VA, I prefer to be proactive and submit the correct form along with my claim. If you don't, then it can cause delays because the VA will have to send you the form for you to fill out and send back. By doing this initially, you take out those extra steps and speed things up a bit.

https://www.va.gov/vaforms/form_detail.asp?FormNo=21-4142

[brokensoldier244th]

55 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

I just got this in email

VA announces new process for responding to Privacy Act requests

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5338

I don’t care who’s information is in there, if it’s in my file, it’s mine. Third party PII... like what? Names of doctors? Clinicians? I deserve to know all that, including any other parties that may have been consulted. I don’t like the idea of selective deletion. That can’t be automated very well at all so it means someone’s are going to be doing it- a fallible process, and once it’s gone, then what? Or are they just redacting the file that is sent and leaving the original alone?

[Buck52]

Well this was just implemented on Oct 1st 2019...I tell all veterans to request an updated C-FILE.

Now with this ''new process for responding to Privacy Act requests'' I am not sure to say updated? If they start deleting 3rd party's from the C-file  they should contact the Veteran and advise before they delete anything from his  C-file   (JMO)

I notice they must put a security code on that link they put up  I can't get into it on my computer?

'VA has amended its process for those requesting their own information while respecting the privacy rights of third-parties by redacting third-party personally identifiable information (PII) from the claims files.''

They start deleting things from a veterans C-File he needs to be notified before they do.