There are Three Reasons You Must Monitor Your VA Medical Records
Keeping track of your VA medical records is crucial for successfully managing your VA disability claims. Monitoring your records helps you ensure accuracy, maintain comprehensive documentation, and catch any issues that could negatively impact your claim. Below are three essential reasons why you need to regularly check your VA medical records.
1. Confirming Your Diagnosis
The first reason to monitor your VA medical records is to verify that you actually have a diagnosis for the disability you plan to claim. Many veterans make the mistake of assuming that a problem listed in their records automatically means a diagnosis. However, the “Problem List” in your records does not necessarily translate to a diagnostic code that the VA will recognize for rating purposes.
To verify your diagnosis:
-
Access your records via your My HealtheVet premium account.
-
Download your medical records by selecting the date range and reviewing the entries.
-
Use the Ctrl + F or Command + F feature to search for specific terms (e.g., “PTSD”).
If you cannot find a clear diagnosis, it may not exist. A current diagnosis is crucial and should ideally be within the last 6 months. If you cannot find the diagnosis for your condition, that is your first red flag, and you must address it immediately. Without a valid diagnosis, your claim will almost certainly be denied.
2. Ensuring Accurate Symptom Reporting
The second reason to review your medical records is to ensure that your symptoms are accurately documented. Even if your diagnosis is correct, inaccurate or incomplete symptom reporting can harm your claim.
Take these steps to verify accuracy:
-
Regularly check your records after appointments to confirm that your reported symptoms are accurately recorded.
-
Use secure messaging to communicate symptoms and concerns to your healthcare provider. This serves as subjective medical evidence and should be documented in your medical file.
-
If you notice inaccuracies or omissions, address them with your healthcare provider immediately.
Unfortunately, errors and discrepancies are not uncommon in VA medical records. Healthcare professionals sometimes document information that does not reflect your actual condition, either by mistake or because they are not held accountable. If your records contain inaccuracies, consider seeking a second opinion from a private physician to establish an accurate medical history.
3. Verifying Your Nexus Statement
A nexus statement is critical for establishing a connection between your disability and your military service. This statement is essentially a medical opinion that links your current medical condition to an in-service event, injury, or illness.
Here’s how to verify your nexus statement:
-
Review your medical records to see if a doctor has noted a direct or secondary connection between your service and your condition.
-
If the nexus statement is absent or unclear, seek a private medical opinion to strengthen your case.
-
Keep your records up to date, especially if you receive new treatments or diagnoses from private doctors.
For example, I once struggled with plantar fasciitis in both feet. My private podiatrist documented that my right foot pain was caused by overcompensation from my left foot injury. This written nexus was invaluable in supporting my secondary service connection claim.
Why Staying Vigilant Matters
Monitoring your VA medical records is not just a precaution—it is essential for protecting your benefits. A single error or missing statement can lead to a denied claim or a rating reduction. To avoid unnecessary setbacks, regularly patrol your records for diagnosis accuracy, symptom documentation, and nexus verification.
If you find weaknesses or inconsistencies in your records, take action by seeking private medical opinions and updating your VA records. Doing so can mean the difference between securing your deserved benefits and facing a lengthy appeals process.
Disclaimer
This article is an opinionated piece and reflects the personal experiences and perspectives of the author. It is not intended to serve as professional legal or medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your specific situation.
