Previously, I covered working with a VSO volunteer Service Officer (SO) to begin filing a claim with the VA. Each claim is different, just like every veteran, so there is no set chain of actions to take.

There are, however, two immediate steps to take once you’ve submitted the Intent to File:

• First, ensure you have a complete copy of your Service and Post-Service Medical Records – Go through both yourself to see if anything is missing. Then, bring in a SO to review them again (if you are comfortable with that). If you do not have a complete copy of your Service Medical Records, you and your SO can request one from the VA by submitting a VHA 10-5345a, Individuals’ Request for A Copy Of Their Own Health Information.
• Second, have a complete copy of your service record. You can accomplish this simultaneously while researching your medical record. Again, a SO can help with this. You can request a copy of your records, including a DD214, from the National Archives. To use the PACT Act as an example, your service record can show you were in an area known for exposure to chemical weapons such as Agent Orange, radiation, burn pits, and more. This is supporting information for your claim.

Don’t wait to accomplish these steps first. As a reminder, you have a year to submit a claim after submitting the Intent to File. If you want a SO to provide information to the VA for you or receive it for you, then you both must complete a VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative. This limited power of attorney applies only to your VA claim.

Once approved, your disability rating is measured from zero to one hundred percent. It is based strictly on your records and other information you provided that you felt was important for your claim. If you think your rating is low, the VA allows you to contest it and ask for a re-evaluation at any time.

Now that you are in the VA’s system, remember that you must get a recommendation from your Primary Care Physician to see a specialist. This includes many areas within your local VA, such as Dermatology, Occupational Therapy, and Podiatry. A trained SO in your area can help find clinic hours and phone numbers.

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