The process of managing disability claims can be intricate and challenging. It is not uncommon for veterans to overlook key details. This was evident in my initial 10% designation.
Many years later, with guidance from an experienced former VA employee, my rating escalated to 80%; however, this was after a delay of nearly ten years. Proactive and regular reassessment requests are crucial.
Recently, due to deteriorating back conditions, a reevaluation was necessitated. This led to the development of a structured procedure to prepare for the request, which was highly commended by former VA employees for its detail and completeness. While there is no guarantee of desired outcomes, employing this method could be beneficial.
Below is a step-by-step guide of how I prepared my latest claim which was lauded by former VA employees as the most detailed and complete submission they have ever seen. I make no claim that this will guarantee the result you hope for, but it might just help.
- Comprehensive review of medical records, marking each appointment and diagnosis with colored sticky tabs, each distinct to a specific issue. It is advisable to have another person cross-check for any missed details.
- Create duplicates of each highlighted record.
- Sort the duplicated records by the respective issue, then arrange the records within that issue in chronological order.
- Prepare a cover page for each issue, listing all relevant appointments and diagnoses in chronological order. This should encompass the date, diagnosis/comments, and the involved medical professional.
- Each packet should include a cover sheet and corresponding supporting documents. Be sure to include post-retirement consultations to demonstrate any persistent medical complications.
This process ensures a thorough record of medical interactions for each problem, simplifying the review process.
As an example, I am providing an image of one of my actual Cover Sheets used.
I hope you find this useful. If you have questions about this process, you can contact me thru FireWatch.
