Has anyone had problems filing supplemental claims to VA?

SFC Clifford Brewer — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 09:40:02 -0500

Has anyone had problems filing supplement claims to VA?
I filed numerous of supplemental claim because condition worsen all was documented in my in medical record, 2 of the claim VA sent me out to get evaluated by VA doctor..one doctor said to help your claim sent a documented copy from your medical records it help with your claim. WRONG answer all claim got DENIED. “Hint” I was a little shock because I believe the advice the doctor gave me..that’s my story and I am sticking to it..

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 27 at 2019 5:59 PM

SGT Robert Pryor — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 17:59:56 -0500

Take anything a clinician tells you about your VA disability claim with a grain of salt. They are either an employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or they are a private physician working on a fee basis for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The problem is that your claim will be adjudicated by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), who are not bound by anything the clinician has told you. The VBA adjudicator will apply the applicable diagnostic codes and well documented symptoms to the Schedule for Rating Disabilities and that's it. If the appropriate symptoms are not well documented, your claim will be denied, regardless of the BS the clinician was trying to feed you so you would leave their office happy. If the symptoms are not documented to the appropriate severity, your rating will be lower than you might have otherwise expected.

So for any claim, Google Title 38 schedule for rating disabilities, plus the diagnosis or claimed condition. Then look at what symptoms are required for the various percentages. From there, insure that your medical records accurately document those symptoms. Give the adjudicator something to work with -- language that matches the regulation. And forget about what the Compensation Exam and Pension clinician tells you, other than make sure they accurately write down all your symptoms. Do your homework, try to move beyond "subjective" or stated symptoms to things that can accurately measured by medical science -- when possible.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 27 at 2019 6:41 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 18:41:41 -0500

Look asking a Dr is like asking him how to fix your car. Best advice, get an advocate- I use the DAV, doesn't cost anything, they are subject matter experts, and they will fight for you.

Response by SrA John Monette made Dec 31 at 2019 12:21 PM

SrA John Monette — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:21:30 -0500

don't file a supplemental claim. file a new claim because your condition has worsened. supplemental claims should be used for ratings secondary to the primary

Response by PFC Joe McCallister made Jan 1 at 2020 2:49 PM

PFC Joe McCallister — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 14:49:51 -0500

Sorry if this is in the wrong place or to thread Jack you but have you tried VA Claims Insider? With Brian Reese? I’ve listened to the podcast and they sound like the know what they’re doing. I also went to the DAV and he found 9 claims in the first 20 pages of my medical records.