To succeed with your VA disability claim, providing the right medical evidence is essential. The VA uses medical records to assess your condition’s severity and its impact on your daily life. Knowing what evidence strengthens your claim increases your chances of approval.
Types of medical evidence needed
Service medical records are the most important. These documents show treatment or diagnoses from your time in the military, proving that your condition started or worsened during service. Private medical records also help. If you’ve seen any doctors outside the VA, their reports on diagnoses, test results, and treatment plans offer crucial evidence. VA medical records are equally important if you’ve received care at a VA facility. These documents provide up-to-date details on your diagnosis, treatment, and management of your condition.
How to present the evidence
Submitting clear, organized medical documents is vital. Your records should show a clear diagnosis and demonstrate the link between your condition and military service, referred to as the “nexus.” Also, document the severity of your disability and how it impacts your daily activities.
If you lack certain records, such as service medical files, you can request them through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or the VA. A complete set of records can speed up your claim.
What to do if your evidence isn’t enough
If your evidence is insufficient, the VA might require you to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. A VA doctor will assess the severity of your condition and its connection to military service. This exam can influence the outcome of your claim.
Gathering and submitting the right medical evidence is crucial for your VA disability claim. By ensuring you provide all necessary documentation, you improve your chances of success.
Oklahoma offers many resources to help veterans collect medical records, so be sure to use them.