Throughout the VBN site, questions have been asked by service personnel concerning filing before leaving the service.
Here are some suggestions put forth by the many members of VBN from multiple topics. If there seems to be overlap, that is because they are taken from these various topics and might have just a little different advice that might help.
ROUGETET:
Four suggestions:
1) On those yearly 'Reports of Medical History' you are filling out (used to be called Standard Form 89) be sure to indicate ALL issues that are affecting your health. Claims later in life have been won based upon/helped by showing that you didn't have those problems when you first entered service (your first SF 89 or the initial entry SF 88 form - Report of Medical Examination).
2) Endeavor to be seen NOW at your dispensary/clinic for the problems that affect your health the most AND MOST IMPORTANT INSIST ON A DIAGNOSIS TO BE PLACED IN YOUR SERVICE MEDICAL NOTES FOR THOSE. These are the ones that probably will come back later in life to haunt you.
3) When it comes time to separate, be sure to request the VA to perform a service exit C&P (request used to be done through a 21-526 Form for Army). Better yet, take advantage of the Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program (BDD) around six months or so prior to service separation to get the VA to agree to service-connected conditions. I believe there is a time limit to separation before you can start the BDD program but have forgotten what it is (seem to remember either 2 or 6 months - check with your CO).
4) Make a COMPLETE copy of your service medical records at time of separation and treat those records as you would a $1,000,000 diamond necklace. Even consider keeping that in a safety deposit box at a bank to prevent losing those records if a home disaster occurs.
ILYANIR:
make sure "ALL" of your medical conditions / problems are well documented in your Service Medical Records. Now is the time to be going to Personnel, Medical, etc. and getting at least one "CERTIFIED TRUE COPY" of everything in you personnel file and SMR. Also, since you have Tri-care and it hopefully won't be too much if anything out of pocket expense I would have what they call an "EXECUTIVE PHYSICAL" done before you get out. It will hopefully find any hidden medical issues that might pop up along with clarifying and providing further proof/ evidence to back up your claims for service connected disabilities.
Here's a link about the Executive Physicals, there are many places that do them. This is just an example: http://www.mayoclinic.org/executive-health/
Also
Get two "CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES" from a notary or from JAG of your medical records and your personnel file. Go ahead and place one set in a safe deposit box at a bank somewhere in case the set you will be using ever gets lost, burned in a fire, etc. Never give up your original set, if the VA needs anything you can go in and let the claims representative make copies in your presence and then give back your original.
Last but not least, BE VERY THOROUGH on your exit physical. If it has ever caused you problems claim it and claim if for VA compensation then let the medical evidence support your claim. Don't wait until years later and then be sorry that you hadn't spent the time to be more thorough. Good preparation and planning right now will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
USNDW:
Once you have a seperation date established, you can file a Pre-seperation claim, or BDD claim 6 months prior to retirement. You can do the things mentioned here, get a copy of your record, make sure all your stuff is documented, make a copy for yourself, and a working copy you can highlight, or underline. Talk to a VSO if you think you are going to use one.
They will not complete your claim until you are retired. They can gather all your information, send you to any required exams, pretty much everything except rate it. I was awarded my findings within 30 days of retirement, and if you get them any sooner than that, be very happy.
Also
BDD, Benefits Delivery at Discharge is an opportunity to start your VA claim processing now. The VA and your base, if it is offered will do 1 exit exam, vice doing several C&P exams, and a seperation physical. This does not mean you will get paid for VA benefits the day you retire, but soon after.
You may have to go the way of a pre-seperation claim (180) prior to discharge if your base does not offer BDD. Same thing rhey just do C&P exams at the local VAMC or contract doctor. I would recommend you call the 800-827-1000 tomorrow and talk to the representatives on the line about filing your claim. You can start it on line, over the phone, or fill out your claim paperwork and send it in. Don't wait until your TAP class to get started, you can't really screw anything up, and if there is a VSO on the base, go see them tomorrow and get started. The sooner you get started, the sooner your claim will be done. And like everyone else said, demand a copy of your medical records, or two, you are going to need them.
Also
If you are considered GWOT OIF/OEF you will get priority processing on your claim.
DEAN9908:
Have you applied for retirement orders yet? And please follow all the above advise in regards to your records. As soon as you have your orders you will/could see a distinct difference in the way your command treats you. As you will no longer be an asset to them for long range projects and deployments. Also secure yourself a qualified VSO in the state you will be retiring. Im sure you will have access to a VA rep at your retirement briefings/ACAP. If so sit down with that person and go over all your medical documents from start to finish. Leave no leaf unturned. At your retirement physical ensure the Doc writes down every medical issue you have aquired from your service. Do not accept a laid back retirement physical. Make every section of it as complete as you can. Do not accept poor evaluations from your head to your toes. Remember everything after you retire is a cost to you at a civilian Doc. And it is undeniable if it is on your retirement physical as service connected/occured on active duty. That doesnt mean it is a rateable medical issue it is just justification to VA it occurred as a result of your service.
Keep in mind you know your body but you are not a doctor. Do not exclude any issue because you feel it is not important. Do not make up anything all im am advising is do not leave anything out.
NCCSCOP:
Start getting copies of everything in your medical record. Make sure all items are there, if not you may have to go back to the different hospitals to get them. It will be much easier to get them while you are active duty and can use your rank.
SPECTREBOY:
Get all of your records...to include civilian referrals. If they are NOT in your SMR's then get them placed in them but make sure you have the originals if they will allow you to do so. If these are placed in your SMR then there is no debate as to whether or not something happened during your military career. Our base will NOT allow us to sign out our medical records unless there is a provider away from the clinic that requires the records. Even at that point, they would only forward certain applicable information to the provider. BDD is Benefits Delivery at Discharge and they will talk about this in TAP. At your base they may have DTAP which is separate from TAP at our base. GO TO THAT CLASS and learn what they have to tell you and ask questions (They will probably tell you about BDD then). I am in NM and our stuff is done through the ABQ VA center.
Also
What is your retirement date? Have you attended the TAP classes yet? Have you ordered a copy of all of your medical/dental records?
I finished up my vets benefits class, DTAP, and three days of TAP classes on Friday. I have to say that it was ALL very well laid out and informative. I have elected to go with one of the VSO in the area to scrub my records and help with the claims form in the next couple of weeks. Depending on how long you are until retirement AND if your local VA has the BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) program you should SERIOUSLY consider it. In our area the claims that are done AFTER the service member leaves are now taking about 9 months to complete according to our local VA rep who does this (great guy btw). The BDD program is taking around 6 weeks!!!! That in itself is enough to get my butt in gear to start the process.
As far as the retirement physical. The way it was explained to us is that you get with your PCM and discuss ALL of the problems you have and will be looking to claim on your form to the VA. It was also suggested that if you are using a VSO to assist, that you get with them PRIOR to the retirement physical so that you have their information as well. They stated that once this is done, within a couple of weeks to a month, you will be scheduled for your C&P exam(s) to help in determining your rating. If you have civilian medical records you should probably bring them with you as well. I was told to bring EVERYTHING (to include films...mine are on CD for the most part) to the exam in case the person conducting the evaluation inquires about any information you may have. Our C&P exams are done at the local VAMC that is colocated with the base clinic.
Some people are in favor of using a VSO organization while others are not. In my case, I spoke with two of the VA reps (both of whom are vets the same age as myself) and got recommendations from them. It was AMAZING to see that there are some people who they feel are not quite up to par and others who are simply amazing. They recommended to "interview/chat with" the local VSO reps and see who would be the best fit for me. I spoke with a couple of the VSO reps and have a good feeling on who I will have assist me. This route is DEFINITELY not necessary as you can do your own claim...the DTAP class went over it in detail with us and the VA rep who spoke with us does the actual "processing" here in our area.
PS....if you have not looked into the TAP classes and were planning on NOT going....take my advice and GO! There are MANY benefits to veterans that a good deal of veterans overlook. One area that I am going to be utilizing is the VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) program that is available to vets with a 10% service connection or higher.
AND FINALLY
FANATICBOOKS
My website can help you look up the Code of Federal Regulations to find your various disabilities in the Schedule of Ratings.
It will also guide you in organizing and assembling a report to submit with your claim.
It is:
http://www.howtoassemblevaclaims.com/index.html
LINKS:
The Pre-Discharge Website
http://www.vba.va.gov/predischarge/index.htm
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program's Home Page
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm
Executive Health Program – Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/executive-health/
My website
http://www.howtoassemblevaclaims.com/index.html
Hope this information is helpful to you as you begin your journey into the “undiscover’d country.”
fanaticbooks
8/29/2010 - Found Some Medical Forms that might be helpful. See the post of them on page 2 of this topic.
10/25/2010 - Posted 2nd page, this topic, Finding Medical Records--includes two links explaining (from witchdoctor)
Here are some suggestions put forth by the many members of VBN from multiple topics. If there seems to be overlap, that is because they are taken from these various topics and might have just a little different advice that might help.
ROUGETET:
Four suggestions:
1) On those yearly 'Reports of Medical History' you are filling out (used to be called Standard Form 89) be sure to indicate ALL issues that are affecting your health. Claims later in life have been won based upon/helped by showing that you didn't have those problems when you first entered service (your first SF 89 or the initial entry SF 88 form - Report of Medical Examination).
2) Endeavor to be seen NOW at your dispensary/clinic for the problems that affect your health the most AND MOST IMPORTANT INSIST ON A DIAGNOSIS TO BE PLACED IN YOUR SERVICE MEDICAL NOTES FOR THOSE. These are the ones that probably will come back later in life to haunt you.
3) When it comes time to separate, be sure to request the VA to perform a service exit C&P (request used to be done through a 21-526 Form for Army). Better yet, take advantage of the Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program (BDD) around six months or so prior to service separation to get the VA to agree to service-connected conditions. I believe there is a time limit to separation before you can start the BDD program but have forgotten what it is (seem to remember either 2 or 6 months - check with your CO).
4) Make a COMPLETE copy of your service medical records at time of separation and treat those records as you would a $1,000,000 diamond necklace. Even consider keeping that in a safety deposit box at a bank to prevent losing those records if a home disaster occurs.
ILYANIR:
make sure "ALL" of your medical conditions / problems are well documented in your Service Medical Records. Now is the time to be going to Personnel, Medical, etc. and getting at least one "CERTIFIED TRUE COPY" of everything in you personnel file and SMR. Also, since you have Tri-care and it hopefully won't be too much if anything out of pocket expense I would have what they call an "EXECUTIVE PHYSICAL" done before you get out. It will hopefully find any hidden medical issues that might pop up along with clarifying and providing further proof/ evidence to back up your claims for service connected disabilities.
Here's a link about the Executive Physicals, there are many places that do them. This is just an example: http://www.mayoclinic.org/executive-health/
Also
Get two "CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES" from a notary or from JAG of your medical records and your personnel file. Go ahead and place one set in a safe deposit box at a bank somewhere in case the set you will be using ever gets lost, burned in a fire, etc. Never give up your original set, if the VA needs anything you can go in and let the claims representative make copies in your presence and then give back your original.
Last but not least, BE VERY THOROUGH on your exit physical. If it has ever caused you problems claim it and claim if for VA compensation then let the medical evidence support your claim. Don't wait until years later and then be sorry that you hadn't spent the time to be more thorough. Good preparation and planning right now will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
USNDW:
Once you have a seperation date established, you can file a Pre-seperation claim, or BDD claim 6 months prior to retirement. You can do the things mentioned here, get a copy of your record, make sure all your stuff is documented, make a copy for yourself, and a working copy you can highlight, or underline. Talk to a VSO if you think you are going to use one.
They will not complete your claim until you are retired. They can gather all your information, send you to any required exams, pretty much everything except rate it. I was awarded my findings within 30 days of retirement, and if you get them any sooner than that, be very happy.
Also
BDD, Benefits Delivery at Discharge is an opportunity to start your VA claim processing now. The VA and your base, if it is offered will do 1 exit exam, vice doing several C&P exams, and a seperation physical. This does not mean you will get paid for VA benefits the day you retire, but soon after.
You may have to go the way of a pre-seperation claim (180) prior to discharge if your base does not offer BDD. Same thing rhey just do C&P exams at the local VAMC or contract doctor. I would recommend you call the 800-827-1000 tomorrow and talk to the representatives on the line about filing your claim. You can start it on line, over the phone, or fill out your claim paperwork and send it in. Don't wait until your TAP class to get started, you can't really screw anything up, and if there is a VSO on the base, go see them tomorrow and get started. The sooner you get started, the sooner your claim will be done. And like everyone else said, demand a copy of your medical records, or two, you are going to need them.
Also
If you are considered GWOT OIF/OEF you will get priority processing on your claim.
DEAN9908:
Have you applied for retirement orders yet? And please follow all the above advise in regards to your records. As soon as you have your orders you will/could see a distinct difference in the way your command treats you. As you will no longer be an asset to them for long range projects and deployments. Also secure yourself a qualified VSO in the state you will be retiring. Im sure you will have access to a VA rep at your retirement briefings/ACAP. If so sit down with that person and go over all your medical documents from start to finish. Leave no leaf unturned. At your retirement physical ensure the Doc writes down every medical issue you have aquired from your service. Do not accept a laid back retirement physical. Make every section of it as complete as you can. Do not accept poor evaluations from your head to your toes. Remember everything after you retire is a cost to you at a civilian Doc. And it is undeniable if it is on your retirement physical as service connected/occured on active duty. That doesnt mean it is a rateable medical issue it is just justification to VA it occurred as a result of your service.
Keep in mind you know your body but you are not a doctor. Do not exclude any issue because you feel it is not important. Do not make up anything all im am advising is do not leave anything out.
NCCSCOP:
Start getting copies of everything in your medical record. Make sure all items are there, if not you may have to go back to the different hospitals to get them. It will be much easier to get them while you are active duty and can use your rank.
SPECTREBOY:
Get all of your records...to include civilian referrals. If they are NOT in your SMR's then get them placed in them but make sure you have the originals if they will allow you to do so. If these are placed in your SMR then there is no debate as to whether or not something happened during your military career. Our base will NOT allow us to sign out our medical records unless there is a provider away from the clinic that requires the records. Even at that point, they would only forward certain applicable information to the provider. BDD is Benefits Delivery at Discharge and they will talk about this in TAP. At your base they may have DTAP which is separate from TAP at our base. GO TO THAT CLASS and learn what they have to tell you and ask questions (They will probably tell you about BDD then). I am in NM and our stuff is done through the ABQ VA center.
Also
What is your retirement date? Have you attended the TAP classes yet? Have you ordered a copy of all of your medical/dental records?
I finished up my vets benefits class, DTAP, and three days of TAP classes on Friday. I have to say that it was ALL very well laid out and informative. I have elected to go with one of the VSO in the area to scrub my records and help with the claims form in the next couple of weeks. Depending on how long you are until retirement AND if your local VA has the BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) program you should SERIOUSLY consider it. In our area the claims that are done AFTER the service member leaves are now taking about 9 months to complete according to our local VA rep who does this (great guy btw). The BDD program is taking around 6 weeks!!!! That in itself is enough to get my butt in gear to start the process.
As far as the retirement physical. The way it was explained to us is that you get with your PCM and discuss ALL of the problems you have and will be looking to claim on your form to the VA. It was also suggested that if you are using a VSO to assist, that you get with them PRIOR to the retirement physical so that you have their information as well. They stated that once this is done, within a couple of weeks to a month, you will be scheduled for your C&P exam(s) to help in determining your rating. If you have civilian medical records you should probably bring them with you as well. I was told to bring EVERYTHING (to include films...mine are on CD for the most part) to the exam in case the person conducting the evaluation inquires about any information you may have. Our C&P exams are done at the local VAMC that is colocated with the base clinic.
Some people are in favor of using a VSO organization while others are not. In my case, I spoke with two of the VA reps (both of whom are vets the same age as myself) and got recommendations from them. It was AMAZING to see that there are some people who they feel are not quite up to par and others who are simply amazing. They recommended to "interview/chat with" the local VSO reps and see who would be the best fit for me. I spoke with a couple of the VSO reps and have a good feeling on who I will have assist me. This route is DEFINITELY not necessary as you can do your own claim...the DTAP class went over it in detail with us and the VA rep who spoke with us does the actual "processing" here in our area.
PS....if you have not looked into the TAP classes and were planning on NOT going....take my advice and GO! There are MANY benefits to veterans that a good deal of veterans overlook. One area that I am going to be utilizing is the VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) program that is available to vets with a 10% service connection or higher.
AND FINALLY
FANATICBOOKS
My website can help you look up the Code of Federal Regulations to find your various disabilities in the Schedule of Ratings.
It will also guide you in organizing and assembling a report to submit with your claim.
It is:
http://www.howtoassemblevaclaims.com/index.html
LINKS:
The Pre-Discharge Website
http://www.vba.va.gov/predischarge/index.htm
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program's Home Page
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm
Executive Health Program – Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/executive-health/
My website
http://www.howtoassemblevaclaims.com/index.html
Hope this information is helpful to you as you begin your journey into the “undiscover’d country.”
fanaticbooks
8/29/2010 - Found Some Medical Forms that might be helpful. See the post of them on page 2 of this topic.
10/25/2010 - Posted 2nd page, this topic, Finding Medical Records--includes two links explaining (from witchdoctor)
