Is it smart to upload any documents to the VA while your claim is under reviewed? Was told since my DBQs basically said “no issues” that it would be wise to highlight my records that show injuries from medical records and upload to the VA. Was also advised that having an MFR that can show all related conditions would be wise to have in case I have to submit docs to an impartial medical review. Anyone else do this or have experience with this?
Uploading Documents to VA site?
- Thread starter 3E3Cripple
- Start date
It never hurts to upload information up until they give you a proposed rating! I would do it. Its much easier to upload info and for them to rate it correctly. That's especially true since if the condition ins't unfitting you want be able to appeal until after you get out. If its for an unfitting condition at least you tried and got one bite at the apple to start. Then later on in the process you can request a VARR which is your 2nd bite at the apple to try to get your condition rated properly.
As Mr. Provis stated, yes. VES was unable to see several of my claimed issues documents even though my unit and I verified they were submitted. The doc rated the issues anyways but stated they could not see the military connection. I upload the documents via the VA system and then called the VA 800 number to ensure they could see them and add a note for the rater.
It fixed everything. The narsum came back with the correction eliminating the need for a board/appeal.
Did you upload everything or just what the main issue was for the MEB? Like, I claimed 29 things on top of the back issue I am getting boarded for, my Narsum said same as yours “no military connection” so would I upload all medical records connected to my 29 claims?
It would depend on the details.
To clarify my narsum was not out yet when I realized this issue. Issue was presented on my DBQ. I then got on top of the issue ahead of time to ensure my narsum was correct.
Where are you in the process? It sounds like you need a lawyer and an appeal.
Are you saying that your entire packet of 29 items were all denied military connection?
Did your DBQ state that documents were missing or lead you to believe documents were missing?
Did your DBQs agree with the diagnosis for each item but then state no military connection?
Or where all/some of the claimed items denied medically as well as not being connected to the military?
Reasoning being one would need to focus on the most important point. If all the medical looks in your favor, but you are only missing the military connection, that would be what I would focus on. Consider adding any evidence showing the connection such as military treatment records and a personal statement making the connection easier for the rater.
While all evidence should be submitted, one needs to help the rater to filter and focus on the paperwork. I'm old and my medical file was large. So I helped to aim the raters attention to the most pertinent areas. Make their job of helping you easier.
Again, if you received your completed packet from the MEB, then meet with your lawyer ASAP before the 5 day period passes to respond.
To clarify my narsum was not out yet when I realized this issue. Issue was presented on my DBQ. I then got on top of the issue ahead of time to ensure my narsum was correct.
Where are you in the process? It sounds like you need a lawyer and an appeal.
Are you saying that your entire packet of 29 items were all denied military connection?
Did your DBQ state that documents were missing or lead you to believe documents were missing?
Did your DBQs agree with the diagnosis for each item but then state no military connection?
Or where all/some of the claimed items denied medically as well as not being connected to the military?
Reasoning being one would need to focus on the most important point. If all the medical looks in your favor, but you are only missing the military connection, that would be what I would focus on. Consider adding any evidence showing the connection such as military treatment records and a personal statement making the connection easier for the rater.
While all evidence should be submitted, one needs to help the rater to filter and focus on the paperwork. I'm old and my medical file was large. So I helped to aim the raters attention to the most pertinent areas. Make their job of helping you easier.
Again, if you received your completed packet from the MEB, then meet with your lawyer ASAP before the 5 day period passes to respond.
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Where are you in the process? It sounds like you need a lawyer and an appeal: NARSUM was sent up on Monday of this week. All claims are “in review” with the VA. NARSUM notes “None of these conditions, individually, collectively, are unfitting etc etc”
Are you saying that your entire packet of 29 items were all denied military connection? Yes
Did your DBQ state that documents were missing or lead you to believe documents were missing? Yes
Did your DBQs agree with the diagnosis for each item but then state no military connection? Most but not all
Or where all/some of the claimed items denied medically as well as not being connected to the military: All conditions including the one I am being boarded for were denied on NARSUM. Head to toe C&P exams all show no evidence in records or no evidence of injury, minus like one item which I had major surgery for and there is no way the can deny that claim.
Did you catch any heat from your VSO or PEBLO when you submitted documents to your VA claim? Although my NARSUM said none of these conditions etc etc, my PEBLO tried to reassure me that the VA will have all my records and will rate the conditions accurately.
Are you saying that your entire packet of 29 items were all denied military connection? Yes
Did your DBQ state that documents were missing or lead you to believe documents were missing? Yes
Did your DBQs agree with the diagnosis for each item but then state no military connection? Most but not all
Or where all/some of the claimed items denied medically as well as not being connected to the military: All conditions including the one I am being boarded for were denied on NARSUM. Head to toe C&P exams all show no evidence in records or no evidence of injury, minus like one item which I had major surgery for and there is no way the can deny that claim.
Did you catch any heat from your VSO or PEBLO when you submitted documents to your VA claim? Although my NARSUM said none of these conditions etc etc, my PEBLO tried to reassure me that the VA will have all my records and will rate the conditions accurately.
So then did you sign and return your 3947? Did you agree/concur or disagree?
I signed it under the notion that I would be able to challenge the NARSUM once it returns from AfPC with their decision…now I realize my PEBLO explained that whole process wrong after I talked with a disability counsel lawyer tonight. I will still be able to challenge it, but I need to get letters from off base providers and a range of motion test from one of my civilian providers
Yes, essentially you agreed to the findings of the medical exams which you stated say no military connection. By signing you then agreed to let the PEB provide the DoD percentage ratings of those findings. Which if there is no military connection could mean separation vs medical retirement.
Please keep in mind this is separate from the VA ratings. The VA ratings may also have a problem if there is no military connection (Nexus). DoD and VA ratings at this stage move parallel but are separate processes.
Continue to speak with legal counsel and read on this forum till you gain a clear understanding of the process. Definitely build your case. If not already suggested, I would consider writing as brief as possible of a personal statement and separate but also brief explanation of each condition. Explain how each condition occured and is related to the military.