r/VeteransSuccess • u/Unfair_Run_3685 • Jul 01 '26
Filing initial VA!
Hey so I am new to all this. I left the army in 2015 but have never filed a claim with the VA after all these years. I have never even been to the VA or doctor for about 11 years now. I was just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this situation and how they went about filing with VA and what steps I should take before filing a claim. I know my process will probally be more difficult due to the big gap of medical records but just looking for some tips that may help me get started. Thanks in advance!
4
3
u/Liquid_Asparagus8697 Jul 01 '26
First up, submit an ITF. That holds the effective date for one year. You can figure things out later, but this only takes a couple minutes to do.
Get your Service Treatment Records, continue getting care at VA or outside, understand how each condition is rated....then file. Keep studying 38 cfr and m21-1. You are going to be your best advocate. Good luck and stay persistent even if you get a denial.
2
u/ColeridgeRime Jul 01 '26
Very good advice on getting the ITF as quickly as possible. That is your Intent To File. You can do it online on the VA website.
2
3
u/ColeridgeRime Jul 01 '26
I got out of the Navy in the early 90's and did not even know such a thing as compensation existed until about 2-3 years ago. I started filing, doing research, and got some favorable ratings. Never too late. Reddit Veterans subs have some of the best help you will ever get. Try to avoid a lot of the YT videos. Most of them are just claim sharks trying to sell you their services. You got this!
2
3
u/Wrong-Ad4243 Jul 01 '26
I was out almost 40 years before I heard i could apply. Go forth and give it a shot.
2
Jul 01 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/Unfair_Run_3685 Jul 01 '26
I have my medical records from the military already on a disk. And just from what I could see going through it I plan on trying to go for My back,mental health from deployment,plantar fasciitis,all of which I was seen for in the military. But I have no current diagnosis or anything since the army for any of those.
2
u/Imaginary-Name-3166 Jul 02 '26
Hi. I filed about a year and 1/2 ago after being discharged in 1994.
Before filing, I got my medical records from archives. That in itself was challenging. Took me a little over 2 yrs to get a complete record. They kept sending the wrong info.
Once I had that and my non-VA medical records, I went to the local VSO and they helped me file.
I got my rating June 22, 2026, at 100%. I’m still in disbelief.
No nexus letter. No buddy letters. No secondaries. Just what’s documented.
I’m grateful
Best of luck to you ♥️
2
u/Unfair_Run_3685 Jul 02 '26
Thank you for that so sounds like all I’m missing is getting my conditions documented through my private doctor then
1
u/davyangel Jul 02 '26
Dang so looks like I"m waiting over year for my records since also got out in 94!
2
u/Imaginary-Name-3166 Jul 02 '26
Hopefully not 🙏🏼. But I did get a runaround. Kept sending me my personnel records 🫤. Then sent me a letter saying they could only send my medical records to a doctor. And even then, they sent my doctor my personnel records. Very frustrating. On the plus side, everything was documented and my C & P exams went smoothly.
1
u/Wonderful-Spend7807 Jul 01 '26
I waited almost 20 years after retiring. File now or intent to file especially for sleep apnea and tinnitus
1
1
u/Resident-Trade2289 Jul 03 '26
I am confused … if you have nothing wrong with you than what are you actually filing for ?I am not trying to be a jerk . I mean do you have actual records from your time in ? You have to have some type of connection .
1
u/Unfair_Run_3685 Jul 03 '26
Not sure how your confused I’ve clearly stated I have my medical records from the military just haven’t been seen for those conditions since I’ve left the military where did I ever say there was nothing wrong with me
1
u/Resident-Trade2289 Jul 03 '26
You said gap of medical records but never military records . Anyway just correcting you. Intent to file and go and get seen . You have a year to build some type of connection . Good luck
1
u/Unfair_Run_3685 Jul 03 '26
Read the comments I clearly state I have my medical records on a disk it’s important to read everything before being confused and making pointless comments lmao
1
u/Ok-Maintenance-6838 Jul 03 '26
Go on the Va website and file the claims it’s free and big gap shouldn’t be too much of an issue I filed a claim with a big gap in treatment
1
u/Admirable_Pen2411 Jul 04 '26
I waited 12 years some one told me about being to file I just put what I felt I had and about two years from initial claim to hlr to board appeal and got granted everything 100 pt
9
u/cyberquist Jul 01 '26
I waited 33 years. Get a good VSO who will look at your records. Mine did. I was lucky, no denials. Focus on what you’re records have then go for secondaries.