What should I do if MEPS is requesting treatment documents for my service-connected disability from the VA?

2019-03-11T19:47:19-04:00

So I EAS’d in 2015 and received a 50% disability from the VA for my shoulder, knee, ankles and tinnitus. I am trying to re-enlist into the Army. I submitted my entire medical records from the VA to MEPS.
My recruiter contacted me today that MEPS is requesting more documents. Documents about all treatment received that has to do with what I am claiming disability for. I do not have any documents about treatment for my disability because I never went. I figured my injuries will just be with forever.
My recruiter told me that I will have to go to the VA and get something in writing that these issues are resolved in order for me to continue through the medical process at MEPS. I am worried that if I get signed off from not having any treatment for these 4 years that the VA will consider my disability claims cured and remove my disability rating. I know that enlistment is not guaranteed, but for now, my disability checks are. And I need those to support my family. Can anyone give me any advice on this issue?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2019 8:47 PM

2019-03-11T20:47:53-04:00

Yes, that is how it works. The conditions have resolved, in which case, you may be able to reenlist, or they have not resolved.
Even without seeking reenlistment, and unless the VA has rated you as permanent and total, the conditions can be reevaluated at any time. The VA caseload, and possibly the conditions themselves, may be the only reason you haven't been reevaluated already.
You'll have to decide.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 11 at 2019 11:30 PM

2019-03-11T23:30:36-04:00

Have you tried getting a copy of your military medical records? They’re part of your BA claim
When you initially filed it! Also, without knowing the detenla of your disabilities-and not wanting to know them- it seem like you are opening a can of worms. If you enlist and you are. It considered total and permanent you could say goodbye to your VA checks.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 12 at 2019 11:37 AM

2019-03-12T11:37:08-04:00

When you go on active duty your disability checks will stop for the duration you are on active duty. When you leave active duty they will start again. As a soldier serving with a disability rating, you really should have gone for treatment for two reasons. First, you could show that your disability won't be duty limiting based on evidence. Second, you would not be in danger of losing your benefits for not participating in treatment. My recommendation, go to treatment even at this late date. Who knows, maybe it will improve the quality of your life. Good luck.

Response by Sgt Will Colby made Mar 12 at 2019 1:17 PM

2019-03-12T13:17:50-04:00

This may have been answered, if you were never treated then you do have anything to submit. If I remember correctly what I had to do in the same situation was write a brief statement saying I was never treated and the symptoms were resolved. I did submit my rating paperwork that explained why I was awarded the rating(you should be able to locate it on ebenefits). In my case that’s all I had to give seeing how I was never seen or treated after my initial exam. I also had to call the VA facility that seen me to get the names of the doctors that examined me. The VA would only give me their last names. That was enough to get me to MEPS and I passed everything no problem. In the end I provided them with all the documentation about my rating, a statement saying I was never seen and the symptoms were resolved, name of VA facility and the names of the doctors that examined me with the accompanying dates. Hope it works out for you.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Mar 12 at 2019 8:15 PM

2019-03-12T20:15:26-04:00

Luis,,
The VA should have your records, It apparently it is faster than if you request a copy.