When filing a veterans disability claim with the VA, finding ways to strengthen your claim is always a priority, and your Ohio veterans disability attorney can help with the process. The goal is for the VA to accurately assess your disability and assign you the appropriate disability rating so you can get the compensation and ongoing support that you deserve. However, there’s more to filing a claim than simply filing out some simple paperwork. You also need to submit supporting documentation to make your claim as strong as possible. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Request All of Your Records
You’re entitled to copies of all of your medical records, even those held by other federal agencies. As you prepare your claim, request copies of all of your records ahead of time if possible. There are several ways to do this:
- Ask the VA to request records from all appropriate agencies.
- Submit VA Form 3288 to get copies of any records the VA already has.
- Ask your VA doctors and medical care team for copies of all treatment records on file.
The more information you can provide with your claim, the harder it will be for the VA to downplay your condition.
Collect Statements
Medical records and documents of the treatments you received aren’t the only way to strengthen your claim. You can also submit statements from people who know you and can attest to the way your disability is impacting life. Ask your family members, friends, fellow service members and anyone else who can attest to your disability. Your Ohio veterans disability attorney can help you identify the best questions to ask and help you compile these statements if needed.
Get a Second Opinion
You’re allowed to see doctors outside of the VA and use their exams and medical opinions to further strengthen your claim. If you can, take advantage of this. Get a second opinion by asking for an independent medical examination from a medical care provider who is familiar with cases like yours and understands the types of disabilities that veterans can experience as a result of their service. If you have a doctor you prefer to work with, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you don’t have a doctor you trust outside of the VA, speak with your veterans disability attorney and ask them for a referral. They’ll be able to provide you with a recommendation.
Research Your Condition and Disability
Though relying on medical experts and doctors to assess your condition is always a good idea, it’s worthwhile to research your condition and your disability on your own. Sites run by the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and Merk are reputable and provide clear explanations of different conditions that can highlight certain symptoms and long-term effects. You can submit articles like these as well as medical studies with your claim.
Work With an Ohio Veterans Disability Attorney
Compiling enough supporting documentation for your disability and your condition can be stressful, especially if you’re focusing on figuring out your next steps. That’s why working with an experienced veterans disability attorney is such a good idea. They can help you identify the right types of supporting documents to help your claim and may be able to help you compile them. This can save you time and, even better, you’ll have an expert on hand to answer questions and give advice.
Let Veterans Law Attorneys Help
Supporting documentation can strengthen your disability claim. But you’ll still need to go through the claims process and effectively convince the VA that you deserve the disability rating you know you’re entitled to. Working with an experienced Ohio veterans disability attorney can take some of the stress out of the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
