The Veterans Affairs Process

- Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. – Louis Pasteur

Many veterans wonder what the VA does after they have received their claim, here you have summarized the process for you.

After the Veterans Affairs (VA) receives your Application for Compensation, it will send you a letter. This letter will explains exactly what the VA needs in order to help grant your claim. It states how VA assists in getting records to support your claim. The letter may also include documents for you to complete, such as medical releases. They help VA obtain pertinent medical records from your doctor or hospital. You should try to complete and return all forms VA sends within a month. Your claim can often be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records. This letter is often referred to as the “Duty to Assist” letter.

IMPORTANT TIP:

Before signing any documents – make several copies to keep in your files just in case the ones you send to the VA are lost. This will save you time and effort as you will just have to resign the document and send it.

What Records Veterans Affairs (VA) Obtains to Support Your Claim 

VA then attempts to get all the records relevant to your claimed medical conditions from the military, private hospitals or doctors, or any other place you tell them. The person who decides your claim (called a Rating Veterans Service Representative) may order a medical examination. This is referred to as a compensation and pension exam. This examination is free of charge. It is extremely important that you report for your examination at the scheduled time to avoid delaying your claim. Click here to learn more about the compensation and pension exam.