What steps do you take to get approved for veteran benefits?

Question

I served in the A.F from 94-05. I served in several combat zones during this time (PSAB Turkey Quatar and Diego Garcia) annually. I applied for disability benefits in 05 and was denied on all counts. The VA was unable to locate my medical records. What steps do I need to take to get approved? I have a copy of my medical records. I don't know what to do or who to talk to. Can someone please give me some direction please. I live in Columbia SC. Are there any special organizations I can get with to help out? I don't have money to give to a lawyer.

Answer 1

You don't need a lawyer!

Go to Ft. Jackson and seek help from the Military retiree assistance office.

or any of the military organizations such as VFW, American Legion,DAV, or the Military Order of the Purple Heart can assist you in putting in your disability claim to the VA.

make sure that you have your DD-214 and COPIES of your Medical records.

Be patient because the whole proces might take up to a year to get your disability rating.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You need to submit a dd214,plus any copies of any orders or paperwork

from the a. f. , make sure your ss.number is correct.call dept. of vet.

Daily if its necessary try to deal with the same one all the time.copy everything and keep records.also if you have an income it counts against you ,try a veterans service officer. never give up it takes time and pray.

Answer 3

Appeal.  Always appeal.  If its too late for that, re-apply.  Don't try to do anything by phone either.  Those guys on the phone hate life and they're not going to help you.  Paper everything.  If they "lost" your medical records, thats not your fault.  Besides, you have physical evidence within your own skin.  The only reason they want to see your records is to establish service connection.  If you have copies of your medical file, submit that with your application.  You can download forms from www.va.gov.  Don't miss any of their appointments if you can help it.  Eventually it will resolve.  Keep copies of everything they send you.  If you can't get satisfaction, use your Congressman.  Just don't let up.  It took me over 2 years to get VA benefits.  I had been out almost 10 years.

Answer 4

Contact your local DVA rep. Disabled Veterans of America.

They have service representatives that will do all the work for you. An appeal is your answer. Keep appealing it and appealing it and appealing it until you get what you deserve!

Meanwhile, go to myhealthyvet.va.gov and register. And if you need medical help in any way shape or form, just go to your local VA hospital. They will get what you need and help you.

Follow this link https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-w...

Advice - apply for NON SERVICE CONNECTED at the same time you appeal!!!! It takes much less time and you will begin getting benefits right away if approved.

Answer 5

Make another copy of your medical records and fidn the nearest VA hosbital and in the VA hosbital they will have a representative that will be able to dirst you to where you need to go or do to get your benefits started or to file for disability and if you need to, you can file for them again and you can use civilian records if it is an on going, reaccuring problem or problems. Thats where I started, you can get a VA ID card as well. You may need to go get a military ID card to get on any military installation to.

Answer 6

Hopefully, you are getting treatment at a Veterans Center. If not, how is the VA going to determine that you have a disability?  I suggest you contact a VFW and I am sure they will direct you to another Veteran who will assist you. Good Luck and God Bless YOU for serving our GReat Country.

Answer 7

Contact your local VA office, search it on the web, and get a representative to take you through the process.  But understand that benefits are based on very strict criteria.  If the issue is your medical records, then get those records into the record.