VA Raters Preferences
Navigating the process of submitting a VA disability claim can be daunting, but with the right approach, veterans can streamline their submissions to maximize the likelihood of receiving service connection and the appropriate rating. In this article, our contributor shares insights directly from a VA rater, offering a step-by-step guide to submitting a new claim effectively. This guide is part of a broader five-step process, with resources linked for further exploration.
Making It Easy for the VA Rater
Our contributor emphasizes the importance of making the VA rater’s job as straightforward as possible. VA raters are human, just like us, and it’s our responsibility as veterans to present clear, well-organized evidence. By doing so, we help ensure the rater can easily find the relevant information needed to award service connection and the correct disability rating.
Step 1: Obtain and Review Your C-File
The first step, according to the VA rater’s advice, is to obtain your Compensation and Pension (C-File) and thoroughly review it. Highlight any relevant incidents from your service, such as sick call visits, medical profiles, or accidents like motor vehicle incidents. These records form the foundation of your claim, providing evidence of in-service events that may be connected to your current condition.
Step 2: Gather Private Treatment Records
Next, collect any private medical records that support your claim. Combine these with your highlighted C-File records to create a comprehensive evidence package. For example, if you’re claiming a bilateral knee condition, include records of physical therapy, pain medication prescriptions, or other treatments, but avoid irrelevant documents like blood work results.
Step 3: Complete the VA Form 526EZ
Once your evidence is organized, complete the VA Form 526EZ, the standard form for submitting disability claims. This can be done online or through a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Submitting online is often the most efficient method, but the analog 526EZ form is still an option, particularly when working with a VSO.
Step 4: Submit a VA Form 4138 with a Personal Statement
A critical component of the claim is the VA Form 4138, which allows you to include a personal statement. This statement acts as a “treasure map” for the VA rater, guiding them to the exact evidence that supports your claim. In the statement, list specific instances from your service records and current medical evidence that demonstrate continuity of symptoms and a current diagnosis.
For example, if you’re claiming service connection for headaches, your personal statement might include:
- Service Treatment Records: 15 January 1970 – Sick call for allergies and headaches.
- Service Treatment Records: 10 April 1974 – Visited Camp Cooks for allergy testing, received diagnosis.
- Service Treatment Records: 5 August 1972 – Sick call for headaches, prescribed medication.
- Current Medical Evidence: VA-prescribed treatment (e.g., sumatriptan or amitriptyline) for ongoing headaches.
This approach creates a clear path from in-service events to your current condition, making it easier for the rater to establish service connection.
Step 5: Use the Personal Statement at Your C&P Exam
The personal statement isn’t just for the VA rater—it can also be a valuable tool during your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. While C&P examiners may not directly consider your statement, having it on hand allows you to confidently reference specific evidence when asked about your condition’s history. For instance, when discussing headaches, you can point to documented sick call visits from the 1970s and subsequent treatments, reinforcing the chronic nature of your condition.
Why This Matters
Our contributor notes that while veterans shouldn’t have to go to these lengths, taking the time to organize evidence and craft a clear personal statement can make a significant difference. VA disability claims are a “million-dollar deal,” as our contributor puts it, whether you’re seeking a 10% or 100% rating. By presenting your claim in a way that’s easy to navigate, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
This method is particularly effective for new claims, Higher-Level Reviews (HLRs), and supplemental claims. However, for presumptive conditions, the focus should shift to detailing current symptoms rather than proving service connection, as the VA presumes the connection for these conditions.
Final Thoughts
Submitting a VA disability claim doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark. By following the VA rater’s advice—obtaining and reviewing your C-File, gathering private records, completing the 526EZ, and submitting a detailed personal statement—you can create a compelling case for service connection. This approach not only helps the VA rater but also empowers you to advocate for yourself during the claims process.
Disclaimer: Some portions of this article may reflect the opinions of our contributor and the VA rater cited. While the guidance provided is based on direct correspondence with a VA rater, veterans should consult with a Veterans Service Officer or accredited representative to ensure their claim aligns with current VA policies and regulations.
