Private Medical Evidence for Your VA Claim
If you are a veteran applying for compensation via the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs), you know that solid evidence is essential. Including private medical evidence is one way to strengthen your case.
This article will discuss why private medical evidence is crucial to your VA claim, how to get it, and what impact it may have.
What is Private Medical Evidence?
Evidence from non-VA healthcare professionals, such as medical records and reports, is considered "private medical evidence." Your medical history contains essential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis information. They are an important part of the VA claims process.
Why is Private Medical Evidence Important?
There are several ways in which private medical evidence might help your VA claim:
- Objectivity: A reasonable diagnosis can be made with the help of objective opinions from independent medical professionals.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Your private medical records may include extensive information about your health, including past diagnoses, current treatments, and future prognosis.
- Specialist Opinions: Private medical professionals may give authoritative second views if your situation requires specialist treatment.
How to Obtain Private Medical Evidence?
Here's how to include private medical evidence in your VA claim:
- Consult Non-VA Providers: If you need specialized treatment for your disease, it's best to see a doctor who isn't affiliated with the VA.
- Request Medical Records: Have your non-VA healthcare providers provide copies of your medical records, tests, and pertinent paperwork.
- Secure Expert Opinions: Expert opinions from private specialists who can give in-depth evaluations should be sought out if your disease is complicated.
Organize Your Private Medical Evidence
The success of your VA claim depends on your ability to organize your private medical evidence properly:
- Create a File: Securely save your private medical records in one easily accessible location.
- Summarize: If you want reviewers to grasp your situation quickly, provide a short overview of your diagnosis, treatment, and any relevant expert comments.
- Date Everything: Please keep track of the dates you acquired the various pieces of evidence by ensuring they are all dated.
Submitting Private Medical Evidence to the VA
Include any relevant private medical evidence with your VA claim:
- Form VA 21-526EZ: Fill out your application to receive compensation ratings from the VA. Please include any private medical evidence that supports your claim.
- Use VA's Secure Portal: The VA's online portal is a simple way for many veterans to submit documents.
- Keep Copies: Certified postal receipts and copies of submitted documents should be kept as records.
Be Prepared for an Examination
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may still schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination even if private medical evidence is provided. It would help if you tried attending this exam since the information gained there may shed more light on your problem.
Private medical evidence is crucial to your VA claim. It helps you gain compensation by providing objective, detailed, and expert-backed proof of your illness. By obtaining, organizing, and submitting your private medical evidence, you may streamline the VA claims process and boost your chances of success.
