Are you ready to file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)? When you file your VA disability claim, you need to have the documents and evidence to support your claim and receive the compensation that you deserve. We want to help you file a successful disability claim here at QRF Legal Services and it is important that you know how to gather the right evidence for your VA disability claim — and we hope that this overview will help answer your questions.
What Evidence Do You Need for Your VA Disability Claim?
The success or failure of your VA disability claim depends largely on the evidence and documentation that you submit with your claim. These documents will determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation or if your claim needs additional evidence and support. Here is a better look at the basic documents and evidence you need when you submit your VA disability claim.
- DD214 Form or Additional Separation Documents
- Medical Service Treatment Records
- Additional Medical Evidence
- Lay Evidence and Testimonies
DD214 and Separation Documents
When you file a VA disability claim, you will need to submit a copy of your DD214 form or provide permission for the Department of Veterans Affairs to access your DD214. This document details your military service — where you served, when you served, your medical history while you served in the military, relevant awards, the type of separation, and discharge records. Additional documents you may need include a DD217 Discharge Certificate, DD256A Honorable Discharge certificate, National Guard form NGB22 (the National Guard equivalent of the DD214), and more.
Medical Service and Treatment Records
Your military medical service and treatment records play an integral part in the success of your VA disability claim. Medical service records include a complete medical history, records of physical exams, a history of medical care in theater of operations, outpatient care records, inpatient care records, and more. The necessary documents you need can be found in your Service Treatment Record, online on the Military Health System GENESIS, and via the National Personnel Records Service.
Medical Evidence
Not all of the medical evidence you need for your VA disability claim is included in your military records. Many veterans with service-connected injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions receive treatment from civilian doctors when they have left the military and that treatment requires documentation. This evidence may include doctors’ reports from your healthcare providers, x-rays, diagnostic test results, an Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) Exam, and more. Additional evidence may be needed for conditions that include PTSD, anxiety, depression, presumptive conditions, and more.
Lay Evidence and Testimonies
Veterans who have filed a disability claim with the VA may want to consider including lay evidence and testimonies with their claim. Lay evidence includes written testimonies by friends, family, doctors, employers, and more that can support your disability claim. Anyone can provide this evidence to support your claim and it will be reviewed alongside your records. These testimonies can be submitted by a simple written statement, a downloaded Lay or Witness Statement (VA Form 21-10210), or a downloaded Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138).
READ MORE: Key Deadlines and Timelines in the VA Claims and Appeals Process
Do you need to gather the right evidence for your VA disability claim? We hope that this quick breakdown of the evidence, documents, and records you will need to file your disability claim has helped answer some of your questions. Contact QRF Legal Services for more help with your disability claim!
