We can help streamline your claim for VA benefits

Are you aware that you can help speed up the processing of your claim? The Department of Veterans Affairs has attempted to assist veterans in getting claims processed faster through the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) process (which was discussed in two columns previously on Feb. 5, 2013 and Aug. 20, 2013, which you can find at http://www.tchhsa.org/hhsa/index.cfm/seniors/veterans-services-office/veterans-corner).

Along with filing the FDC claim on the appropriate form, the veteran needs to submit all required evidence for the VA to adjudicate (decide) the claim. If all the supportive evidence is submitted at the time of filing, the veteran can make a statement to that effect, and the VA will review the claim. You can sign the statement as part of your filing.

If the VA’s healthcare system provides all of your disability treatment, just notify the VA of the fact. If an outside provider has treated you, notify the VA of the fact and complete a form authorizing them to develop your claim by requesting medical records from this provider. (Note: If you select this option, your claim will no longer be considered fully developed and will be processed as such). If you want, you can submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) with your claim.

The VA developed DBQs to evaluate the processing of your disability. They can be downloaded, or we can help you get it. DBQs allow veterans more control over the process; instead of waiting for the VA to schedule and perform a compensation and pension exam, the veteran’s own healthcare provider can perform a complete exam.

DBQs enable private health care providers to capture information that the VA needs in order to accurately evaluate your disability. Most veterans who have outside providers have seen their providers for a significant amount of time, and can be more aware of the veterans’ condition and can evaluate it more effectively.

The VA has more than 70 DBQs covering a wide range of disabilities; averaging about seven pages in length, they utilize checkboxes and standardized language to streamline the process. Any cost involved in the completion of a DBQ falls to the veteran – the VA will not pay for it.

Before submitting your claim, have your DBQ completed; although not mandatory, a DBQ can significantly speed up the process of a claim decision.

If you need assistance in locating a DBQ, contact your local Veterans Services Office and we can print one out for you to take to your primary care physician for completion.

Ken Cruickshank, the Veterans Services Officer for Tulare County, is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. Contact him at the Veterans Services Office at 3350 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia; by phone at 559-713-2880 or by email at KCruicks@tularehhsa.org.