Holding Out On Your Claim

I have spoken with a handful of veterans recently that shared their frustrations with the VA claims process. The process can be long and drawn out if you do not know what to do or who to turn to. Quite a few of the vets I spoke to that are having issues did not bother to file their claims when they got out. They let it go for years and now that they are aging and starting to have issues, they now are seeking to file claims for compensation.

If there is one thing I can share from my transition and the last couple years of mentoring vets in regards to VA claims is this. DO NOT, not file a VA claim if you legitimately have issues, no matter how minor they are. Just because maybe you did not go to the doctor that much does not mean that you have nothing to file. Even if you file items that get a 0% rating, you have established service connection for that item. This is crucial because if you develop issues later on, you can submit new docs to have your percentage increased and the service connection is already on record. The service connection is something that the longer you are out, the harder the connection is to prove.

The VA site and the 38 CFR outlines the different diagnosis' you can submit for and what the symptom thresholds are. I would highly recommend studying this if you are going to file a claim.

38 CFR

If you are seeking VSOs in your area, I recommend the Disabled Veterans of America (DAV). This organization exists to aid veterans with this inconvenient process. The VA is a very difficult organization to interact with and you need someone that knows and understands the processes and how to move forward successfully.

https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/veteran-topics-resources/understanding-va-claims-process/

If you are looking for a helpful podcast to follow on this subject, check out https://combatcraig.com/

If you are looking to get out of the service, the BDD is a great program, use it to your advantage.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for BDD, service members must:

• Know their separation date
• File their claim between 180 and 90 days prior to separation
• Provide a copy of their STRs for the current period of service
• Provide a completed Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment
• Be available for 45 days from the date the claim is submitted to attend VA exams

The following issues and conditions are excluded from BDD claims:

• Service members who do not meet the requirements above, or who: Are seriously ill or injured Lost a body part Are terminally ill
• Claims requiring a VA exam in a foreign country, except those that can be processed through Landstuhl, Germany or Camp Humphreys, Korea
• Claims for Service members awaiting discharge while hospitalized in a VA or one military treatment facility
• Claims that require a character of discharge determination

How Do You Get Started?

The best way to get started is to create an account and apply online at va.gov. Go tohttps://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/?to access the How to file a VA disability claim portal. By filing your BDD Claim on VA.gov, your claim will be processed faster.

Include the following in your claim:

• A Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment that can be downloaded from https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp
• A copy of your STRs from the current period of service. Note: If you have electronic STRs and are not filing your claim on VA.gov, contact your local BDD intake site to receive instructions on how to send them securely. Refer to the What Else Should You Know? section below for more information about STRs
• Any other records, personnel or other, documenting the injuries, illnesses or events that contributed to your service-related disability
• Dental records
• Mental health records, if applicable
• Birth certificate (for spouse and dependent children, if applicable)
• Direct Deposit Information (account number, name of financial institution androuting or transit number are required for direct deposit)
• DD Form 214 Member-4 or Service-2 Copy, for all periods of service to include current period of service once issued You can also fill out and mail in a VA Form 21-526EZ, “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.”
• Find VA forms at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/

Submit your complete application and the relevant items listed above, plus any additional paper records and evidence to:

Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center PO Box 4444 Janesville, WI 53547-4444

If you need further assistance, visit your local VA Regional Office or BDD Intake Site. You can find the closest location on the VA locator directory athttps://www.va.gov/find-locations?or call 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411).

What Else Should You Know?

Service members who do not meet the BDD requirements can submit a claim through the Fully Developed Claim program or the Standard Claim Process. When preparing to transition you want a complete set of your STRs for your own records, in addition to submitting to VA as part of your BDD claim.

As applicable, copies of STRs should include:

• Military entrance physical and all periodic health assessments
• Inpatient and outpatient records
• Military and private medical documents
• Traumatic Brain Injury records
• Behavior Health records
• Dental records

If you are determined ineligible to participate in the BDD program, consult with your nearest military treatment facility who will complete your separation/retirement physical.?

How Can You Get More Information?

Use the following resources for more information:

• Contact your local Transition Assistance Program office on your military installation to attend VA benefits briefings and learn how to initiate your claim
• Call VA’s toll-free number: 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411)
• Visit the BDD website at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/?
• Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/?