Posted on Jun 8, 2021
RallyPoint News
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What advice do you have for others going through the same process?
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Responses: 33
LTC Stephen F.
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I am assuming this focused on preparing for a VA disability initial submission, follow-up or appeal to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
1. I highly recommend contacting DAV, VFW, or any other veterans service organization [VSO]. They have offices dedicated to assisting service members by translating the language of [US Code] Title 10 service-connected injuries and illnesses into [US Code] Title 32 VA disability submissions.
2. Ensure you have a copy [hopefully more than one] of all your service medical records and any civilian medical records during your period of active military service. I highly recommend making pdf copies of all records and storing it on a thumb drive.
3. Start the process no later than six months before your retirement/ETS. Your personnel office should be able to help you by providing information and perhaps contact info for VSO folks who are available to help you navigate the process and follow-up.
Thank you my friend SSG Carlos Madden for alerting me.
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
SPC(P) Jay Heenan
>1 y
Great advice, I would add a caveat to your number 3. If you are still active and broken, you can talk to your primary doc and see if you can start a Med board. Most docs are awesome at saying that you are jacked and need to be med boarded, but some aren’t as willing to suggest it to you. It all depends on how broken you are obviously.
Your posts are always on point…thanks for being a wealth of information!
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SGT Herbert Bollum
SGT Herbert Bollum
>1 y
After getting copy of both personnel (201 file) and medical records from records center, I uploaded all forms to Goggle Drive for safekeeping and easy access. I also have my education records, CCW, drivers license, auto insurance and many more items filed there in separate file folders.
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SrA Jason Thompson
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Get and keep copies of everything you send or upload to the VA. I can’t tell you how many times I have faxed papers with confirmed receipt and they still don’t know where it went. Never send small bundles of papers. Make sure that each is numbered with a breakdown of the numbering on the second or third page. This will give them quick access to notes on specific things being provided or contested. Summarize all your doctors appointments and test results for everything claimed. Get letters from doctors if they will not file a DBQ or ask for all documents from the office of the doctor. There are notes that will be there that you are unaware of. And get this book. It’s not cheap but it is the resource of champions!
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PV2 Violet Case
PV2 Violet Case
>1 y
Do you have the places address where we can get the book. I've never seen or heard of one. My CSO is not very good. Tks
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SrA Jason Thompson
SrA Jason Thompson
>1 y
PV2 Violet Case

I bought mine on Amazon .

Veterans Benefits Manual 2021-2022 Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/ [login to see] /ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_SCWHEDZT3CAVATB8Y3K7
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SSgt Jessica Bridges
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Get access to all your medical records, get advice from others that have been through the process, and don’t wait until after you have officially separated to start the claim process if possible.
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