What do I need to do and what evidence do I need to present to file a claim for increased disability?

2022-04-07T09:14:27-04:00

I was awarded a 40% Service Connected Disability when I retired in 1996. 20% of that award was for Degenerative disc disease, s/p disc removal, with radiculopathy. I had had back surgery in a military hospital in 1992. After the surgery I had permanent numbness in the right leg. I had to have another surgery for the same problem in 2012, which was conducted in a civilian hospital. For a little over a year, I have experienced more back issues, with the numbness moving to my left leg. I mentioned that to the VA doctor on my last visit and I believe he documented it in my VA health record. What do I need to do and what evidence do I need to present to file a claim for increased disability?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 7 at 2022 10:34 AM

2022-04-07T10:34:48-04:00

Did you deal with one of the VSO's originally? If not, I would highly recommend that route. I used the DAV, give your local office a call and they should be able to walk you through the process.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 7 at 2022 3:28 PM

2022-04-07T15:28:30-04:00

I would recommend seeing the patient advocate at the VA hospital. Although the disability determination is not done by the clinical personnel, the advocate can arrange all possible treatment to relieve your symptoms, and if you get no relief, the VA medical records will substantiate your claim and it's permanence.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Apr 8 at 2022 2:17 AM

2022-04-08T02:17:40-04:00

I Live in PA. Here we have Representative of the State Department of Veterans Affairs in Each County, They are Paid by the State to Help Veterans Get Every Benefits Coming to Them, My Local Rep Helped Me Go From 30% to 100% , Also Helped get Disability License Plate for my Car and Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption For Property Tax , Your State May Have The Same Representative?