Can I submit medical documentation to the VA about something that happened during my first enlistment?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 11:40:24 -0500

So this is my second contract due to me getting out Honorably (non medical) but I had some medical stuff happen in my first contract and I have Documentation from the Health Clinic which I didn’t claim because I knew I was coming back into service . Now once I finish my second contract or when I decide to get out , can I still submit those documents into VA , (along with when I do ?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 15 at 2021 12:13 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:13:29 -0500

Yes, you can.
I am not a VA Rep or a patient advocate or have any other official capacity where my statements have any real weight, so keep that in mind, but....

It seems to me that the longer you wait to submit, the more difficult it is to get it accepted. So submitting something from your first enlistment may be harder to get through, especially if there was a long break in service. That doesn't mean you can't get it through, just that it will take more work.

Again, that is just anecdotal observation, take it for what it is worth (which is honestly not a whole lot).

I think Sgt Private RallyPoint Member may be able to give a bit better counsel.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 15 at 2021 12:19 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:19:45 -0500

I am tagging Sgt Private RallyPoint Member and SSG Stephen Rogerson for their views on this

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2021 12:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:22:52 -0500

Yes.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Feb 15 at 2021 12:59 PM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:59:25 -0500

You may apply for benefits from 180 to 91 days prior to separation for benefits due at discharge. Contact your representative before the VA and have them get the ball rolling for you. Anything you were treated for while on active duty can be presumed to be service connected.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Feb 15 at 2021 6:17 PM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 18:17:01 -0500

You should be able too as long as you can prove it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 16 at 2021 4:33 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:33:34 -0500

Yes.