Importance of Documentation

Documentation, particularly medical records, is absolutely crucial for disabled veterans seeking VA disability benefits. It serves as the primary evidence to prove the existence, severity, and how your disability is connected to your service.

Be sure to have hard copies of your service records, medical records, and personal statements.

Here’s why documentation is so important:

• Establishing a service connection. There needs to be a clear link between your disability and your military service. This can cover things like PTSD, hearing loss, back issues, etc.
• Documents including diagnostic tests help establish the severity of your disability. This assessment impacts your disability “rating” and therefore the amount of compensation.
• These records could establish a link if your service related disability leads to other medical conditions. That could increase your compensation.
• Having strong documentation can minimize chances of claim denials or a low disability rating and provides a foundation for appeals.

You want copies of your service medical records, private medical records, diagnostic test results, Physicians statements, and your own personal account of how your disability affects your daily life. And keep these records up to date, especially if conditions worsen.

Questions about Veteran Directed Care?

Call Spokane 509-434-7000

Or Walla Walla 509-525-5200