They could replace the entire VA claim information portion of any Branches TAP process by just making people watch your channel man. Hands down the best source for all my VA questions man. 🤝
Dude, I appreciate this! I actually want to create a TAP Course online for free with resume building, job search, planning for civilian life, and of course VA Disability and Healthcare. I’ll add this to my list 😂 - Clay
@@TheCivDiv I credit you for the percentage I got and the first thing I recommend to anyone who asks me about the claim process/increases, I immediately send them to your channel. I’m in an online class right now with a large Vet community and after I sent your channel out, I got a handful of thank You’s and such. I’ve noticed most of the friends that I have that’ve gotten out of the USMC didn’t get any level of education about the claim process so when they see your videos they’re mind-blown! Clay, you’re doing amazing work keep it up 🙌🏼
Clay, you are awesome! Thank you for providing this invaluable information to the community. There are many people/organizations out there who prey on those who are unfamiliar with these things and are seriously taken advantage of. You are seriously appreciated!
That’s right! And thank you. Submitting a claim is super easy but acts as a barrier between Veterans and their benefits. Hopefully this clears that up. - Clay
Thank you so much. Like many other disabled Vets, the process alone is terrifying. When you have anxiety, the littlest of tasks can be overwhelming. You made it look so easy. 😊
Disabilities definitely make the process worse and thank you’re for the kind words!! I try to make everything as ‘barney style’ as possible. My Marine brain can only handle so much. - Clay
You're the only one that gave me the correct form for the Buddy Statement! I ended up submitting the wrong form because the last video I saw just gave a 21-4138 for buddy statements. It didn't feel right but whatever I submit- Then I hear you and realize that's the correct form. Hopefully by submitting the correct one they understand the incorrect one was an accident.
Thanks brother! I'm 51 with some ailments and a worker from the VA told me to apply for benefits. I will be using this video to guide me through. I'm not the most computer savy.😁👍
Extremely helpful video. It's like street view in google maps. you know what you are going to see before you start. no surprises. I started a claim in time for the PACT act retro date. Just subscribed too. thank you, Clay Dan
Thanks a ton! I've been collecting evidence and working on my claim but I didn't know how to organize it, knowing how and when it gets uploaded is a big heads up, thanks!
Aight so ive been out 8 years but was never active duty only national guard 11b. Didnt want to file anything for myself cause i always thought that if it isnt super sever i shouldnt take from the gov if i dont need it. Now here we are 2024 gov so corrupt soending is out of control inflation is so fucking high and i got 2 kids with anither on the way so this is no longer just about me ive decided to file for 10% tinnitus to start and then will go for anxiety/depression. Was gonna work with vetguard but decided to look into how to do it myself and found your channel thanks for the knowledge and guidance my friend ❤
Dang Professor Clay! Ima gonna have to rewatch this video to take my notes. I’m going pass this class with an A+. I’m going to bring an apple for the Professor tomorrow. Brown Nose for that A+
Thanks for the video! You made that easy to do. I have a question though, i have issues revealing now but I dont think I was able to document during my time of service as I thought I was Superman at the time. Its been almost 20 years.But I have a lot going on in my body now. Is that going to be an issue as far as claiming for my disability? Thanks for your help!
I have 2 more scheduled! I know these won't garnish a lot of views but I'll be able to reference and recommend these videos. I get TONS of questions on these so now I can simply link the tutorial. - Clay
Hello - Thanks for this tutorial! I will say that even though my address was correct in the VA system my doctor uses, it was not on the VA.GOV website! Soooo, if you go to "click the link inside a link" and you get a "We're sorry. Something went wrong on our end" message box popped up, update your info and it cleared it for me. I do have a evidence-related question, though. I got my military records on a CD through the VA. Do the records contained in that CD fall under VA Records for evidence? I can extract the single pages referencing my condition and submit those, just don't want to send stuff they already have. Thanks!
My Dr's exam notes in VA medical records say I'm diagnosed with; PTSD, Gen. Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depression. Those same 3 things are now showing up in my official "Problems" list, but they only have an SCT code. There is no official 4-digit diagnostic code to be found anywhere. Should I be concerned before submitting a claim? Thanks.
This is an awesome video, thank you. its good to see the process. I have about 6 months to go to file my BDD claim so I am absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
Thank you very much and you’re welcome. Most important, don’t pay anyone to do this for you, or a membership, or for a ‘premier’ package. This stuff is easy and I’ll be here if you need me. - Clay
After being out for about 20 years, I finally filed a claim for disability about 2 weeks ago. I completely forgot to add tinnitus to my claim before I submitted it. How do I go about adding this? Do I just open up a new claim? My current claim is in step 3. Thanks for all the great videos. I, too, served in the USMC.
Thanks a million!! Thanks to you, I am VERY close to putting my materials together for a FDC for a back injury. Question: Do I need to submit (upload) a DBQ for my back injury with my application in order for it to be considered a FDC?
Hey brother. Love your videos and appreciate all the info. Quick question: Will an intent to file protect you from the upcoming VA changes on tinnitus? I filed an ITF on Feb 1st because I plan on claiming tinitus probably around April or so. It is my understanding that the changes haven't gone into effect yet. Will I fall under the "old rules" if the VA implanted the rules tomorrow?
When is your next live and Q&A sessions? I love the fact that you are taking your time in Hawaii to help other veterans. God bless you and your family!
@@TheCivDiv We love you man! When is your next live session with the C&P examiner? Make sure the voice is altered. So, he or she can stay unanimous. Keep up the good work.
Great video as usual. I am about to submit my claim via BDD as I have just about 180 days left. Question: If I have all my STR’s scanned as a .pdf file, do I still need to check the box for the VA to pull my STR’s? Or should I just check the box for private medical records and upload those myself? Would that save me some time in the process? Thank you.
I want to be clear here and make sure that you’re good to go. Private health records and your STRs are 2 different things. If you used private insurance and saw a private doctor, off base, not through Tricare, then you would need to get those records and upload them with your claim and/or through quick submit. The VA will get your STRs but to double tap I would upload those via Quick Submit. - Clay
Quick Submit video is coming out either tomorrow or Wednesday but…how far along was your claim in the process? I’m assuming this was after evidence gathering. - Clay
I hope you see this, but I have a few questions after watching your video. I am active duty Army and requested my medical records from the MTF that I work at. I recieved a 250+ page PDF with all my information. Do you recommend submitting the entire thing for supporting documents? Also, if I plan on submitting 20+ claims, does it all fall under one application submission? Thank you!
Currently helping my dad file a claim. He has some supporting documents(digitized MRIs) that are not in one of the supported formats. Any recommendations on what to do?
Hey Clay, Today, I went into a planned appointment to file my pact act claims. When I got there, the VSO officer told me that I wouldn't receive compensation for pact act issues. He said, "You're 100% p&t with smc. You're at the highest there is... He said, I can put in a lot of little additional claims for you, but it would only clog up the system.Clay, is this true? I won't receive compensation for pact act claims. None of my previously awarded claims are pact act. I have just been awarded 100% weeks ago. The pact claims were under intent to file...
If submitting an appeal for 20% back and wanting to add secondary radiculopathy stemming from lumbar primary - can I submit a DBQ after submitting the appeal? My one year mark is almost up and not sure I can get my own DBQ before then.
Excellent video! Thanks for making this. I have a question. I'm submitting for 5 conditions via the online 526EZ form.. Im using form 21-4138. Is it ok if I scan and attach the medical records to the 4138 file, or do they want them separate? They way I have it now, I have 5 different pdf files documenting each condition, and the supporting medical documents are in the same attachment. Or, should I scan the 21=4138, and then scan the medical documents in another pdf file? Im trying to make this as easy as possible for the VA person reviewing my file. Thanks in advance!
HEY CLAY- nice videos! Ive submitted in May, had a C&P, now waiting on those results, Examiner said 1-3 months to get rating answer..im at 1 month now, and two weeks ago I submitted a claim for connection to my tinitus, ( with nexus letter) will this delay everything you think?
Your C&P examiner was out of pocket to give you a timeframe. They aren’t privy to the process whatsoever except conducting the exam and fulfilling the VAs request. The tinnitus claim could delay the results. Ideally you would receive a deferred decision on your tinnitus if they needed to gather more information. Tinnitus being so ‘easy’ it could go either way. - Clay
Thank you for this video Clay. Do you know if i signed a power of attorney to the DAV can i still file my own claims without using them anymore? Also, if its a supplemental claim do you just have to upload the additional evidence it was originally denied or all of the evidence again?
1: Even if the DAV is your representative, you can still file your own claim. No harm no foul. They will receive whatever you get in the mail. 2: For a supplemental claim you have to upload ‘relevant’ evidence. What this means is the evidence has to combat the decision for the denial. This is NEW evidence. - Clay
@@TheCivDiv I was hoping you would say that. I had them represent me before I found your UA-cam videos which explain everything so well. I look forward to yout upcoming videos. Thanks Clay
Hi I was trying to finish my claim last night, and the brief description box at 5:35 is not showing up on my home computer, from any browser, or my government computer at work. When I called the VA today, they didn't know and said they would submit a trouble ticket, but it will take at least 7 days and today is my last day to file BDD. Any tips?
i may just be an idiot but I'm stuck on the 'Reserve and National Guard Information' page. I was active duty and didn't do Reserve/Guard time. I have no idea what to put for the unit name and my DD214 doesn't seem to have the answer either.
When it comes to secondary claims, is it important to build the evidence for months and months via appointments or can we just file once we’ve had a couple appointments showing there’s a clear problem? It feels like a never ending loop sometimes, like I can’t file this week because I have another appointment next week..Thanks in advance!
Hey, hopefully you see this! So if I already have an ITF on file (my VSO filed it and I'm getting ready to fire him), when I go through this process, will the VA "see" my current ITF from July of 2023 or does it create a new one?
Hopefully you're still replying to comments.... I filed a claim today following this exact prescription and it voided my previous ITF (July 13, 2023) and said my claim is effective from today and not July 13, 2023. My VSO's assistant said the old one is now void. These claims might get me to 100% making my back pay ridiculous.... is there ANYTHING I can do to rectify this?!?
Quick question Clay. Did C&P exams and they're showing on va page. Went and got nexus letters from Dr's and Vso submitted them. Will rater still use those or is it too late?
For any claim, once you have the evidence, submit. The intent to file is for Veterans to make, then gather the evidence, than submit when ready. - Clay
@@toddeutsey387 if it’s in your VAMRs then they have it and you go through the options while submitting to detail that evidence. If it’s private, same applies but I always recommend you submit your private evidence yourself. - Clay
I just submitted a claim 2 nights ago, it's supposed to be secondary to my mental health, but when they show the options, there are only 3? Absolutely no place to click for secondary. I see the ez form was updated in March 2023, is this something they did to confuse us? I've done a secondary before so I know I'm not crazy.
@TheCivDiv yes I did it online, 21-526ez form. Very strange there was no option for secondary. I've been on the phone with the VA twice today about it. I had them note that it is definitely a secondary claim. But I bet I still end up getting screwed.
At 8:28 talking about submitting supporting evidence you say that Quick Submit is your best route. Can you submit evidence at this Step AND in Quick Submit?
Thank you for this video it was extremely informative! I watched it and filled out as I went. However when it comes to this part @ 9:07 how would I go about filling this portion out? I’m filing as an initial claim?? I haven’t been to a VA health center nor had any of my claims seen by them yet
@@TheCivDiv thank you for replying, this video truly helped. Only issue is that it’s “required” for me to fill out the treatment center and check one of the boxes for my claims
For the submitting evidence portion; if I list the VA hospital ( I go too) , do I need to upload my medical records? …. Or will the VA be able to abstain these records on their own with the name of the VA hospital, name of primary provider, and dates of treatment?
The VA will have those records. Quick Submit is for private records or, specifically identifying VAMRs or STRs of evidence, not the entire file. - Clay
Might be a stupid question but can u add a personal statement after you submit a claim or is it to late ? i didn't realize i passed it when filling out everything
@TheCivDiv I was able to use word and type up my personal statements for a few disability. Claims and your formaps and come back craigs format, All I have to do is just copy and paste to the fillable form. Like you said. I just cannot find one on the my healthvet. I see the downloaded form to print. But I don't see a fillable p d f?????
if i have a past history of insomnia, headaches, anxiety.... and im currently building more medical history on those 3..... should i start a claim for those 3 now or after the 6 weeks of exams
all 3 have progressively gotten worse over the last ten years so i just started a new round of medication's....... i dont have claims on those yet but have been seen for em all since 2010... OIF......im currently rated at 70% (PTSD 50% IBS 30%)
I wouldn’t recommend insomnia/anxiety I’d recommend an increase for PTSD and here is a breakdown of 70% mental health rating: ua-cam.com/video/7zb7UfYHdc0/v-deo.htmlsi=QA-BUrwATCOqtb8X If you have evidence from service of migraine/headache complaints, then would be a direct claim. Here’s some evidence you need to consider to not get a 0% (or combat with HLR): ua-cam.com/video/Vd9uqszmS1Q/v-deo.htmlsi=_JKzHA1M4K9ydunl - Clay
@@TheCivDiv unfortunately I’ve never documented anything. You know the “suck it up butter cup”. And just now seeing that I was WRONG! Am I a lost cause? I’ve done multiple deployments and other active duty orders.
@@malled1989 back dating to when you left the military isn’t possible. You’d have to prove that the VA made a CUE (which is very difficult to do) and in your case that doesn’t seem possible. How you would connect them is first by getting a current diagnosis. Explain what caused your back condition, when you started feeling pain, etc…submit the claim. You would be missing the in-service event and nexus. The C&P examiner can give the opinion that your back is connected (there’s a bit more than that but I’m being brief). If denied, combat the denial directly. - Clay
@@TheCivDiv While following your instructions and completing my VA disability claim. Will this be the start of my personal claim to see if I'll be able to get over 30% of disability and use it to apply for GS jobs?
@@michaell.7106 assuming you’re service-connected and rated, sure. You should definitely check out some of my videos on submitting VA Claims. More so, evidence-based claims. - Clay
@TheCivDiv Thank you for the follow up! Service connected, yes. Rated?? It's my first time submitting for a claim, and I hear it's important to do it right the first time. I will look at the other videos you have put out before I submit. TY
Has any veteran watching this video got an outside MRI or X-Ray 🩻 or similar and submitted it to release of information (ROI) at your local veterans Hospital … Then actually find the images and report in MyHealtheVet? … I submitted an MRI CD 💿 to my ROI and don’t see any images or report there … However an MRI done at the Veterans Hospital 🏥 is uploaded to MyHeatheVet in about 4 days
1-stop-shop for VA Benefits: CivDivonline.com
- Clay
Thank You Lord, Jesus for this Young Man, Protect This Young Man and His Family!
🙏 and we receive!
- Clay
I'm saying
They could replace the entire VA claim information portion of any Branches TAP process by just making people watch your channel man. Hands down the best source for all my VA questions man. 🤝
Dude, I appreciate this! I actually want to create a TAP Course online for free with resume building, job search, planning for civilian life, and of course VA Disability and Healthcare. I’ll add this to my list 😂
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv I credit you for the percentage I got and the first thing I recommend to anyone who asks me about the claim process/increases, I immediately send them to your channel. I’m in an online class right now with a large Vet community and after I sent your channel out, I got a handful of thank You’s and such. I’ve noticed most of the friends that I have that’ve gotten out of the USMC didn’t get any level of education about the claim process so when they see your videos they’re mind-blown! Clay, you’re doing amazing work keep it up 🙌🏼
@@bd_srt you just made my day!!! Thank you!!!!!!
- Clay
“Thank You “, Mr Clay, for you being so Transparent That is Needed, for as Veterans, finally Someone that Has COURAGE to Give Us the Truth!!
Thank YOU! I had to quadruple check to make sure my personal information was protected 😂
- Clay
Clay, you are awesome! Thank you for providing this invaluable information to the community. There are many people/organizations out there who prey on those who are unfamiliar with these things and are seriously taken advantage of. You are seriously appreciated!
That’s right! And thank you. Submitting a claim is super easy but acts as a barrier between Veterans and their benefits. Hopefully this clears that up.
- Clay
Thank you so much. Like many other disabled Vets, the process alone is terrifying. When you have anxiety, the littlest of tasks can be overwhelming. You made it look so easy. 😊
Disabilities definitely make the process worse and thank you’re for the kind words!! I try to make everything as ‘barney style’ as possible. My Marine brain can only handle so much.
- Clay
You're the only one that gave me the correct form for the Buddy Statement! I ended up submitting the wrong form because the last video I saw just gave a 21-4138 for buddy statements. It didn't feel right but whatever I submit- Then I hear you and realize that's the correct form.
Hopefully by submitting the correct one they understand the incorrect one was an accident.
Either the 4138 or the 10210 are good to go. I wouldn’t sweat it too hard. Glad I could help!
- Clay
Thank you for this video. You identified and reviewed the majority of the concerns I had prior to completing this process for my first time.
Solid! I’m glad this helped you.
- Clay
Thanks brother! I'm 51 with some ailments and a worker from the VA told me to apply for benefits. I will be using this video to guide me through. I'm not the most computer savy.😁👍
Extremely helpful video. It's like street view in google maps. you know what you are going to see before you start. no surprises.
I started a claim in time for the PACT act retro date. Just subscribed too. thank you, Clay
Dan
Thank you and nice timing!
- Clay
Clay, when doing the online submission like you just demonstrated is there a pact act option?
Its was this video i did my claim watching this....its really that easy.....i did it last month already got 100%.....thanks dude.......
Great video! I really appreciate you taking the time to make this and show everyone this process.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
- Clay
Nice and easy breakdown for us VETS..
Hey thanks! And thank you for commenting.
- Clay
Thanks a ton! I've been collecting evidence and working on my claim but I didn't know how to organize it, knowing how and when it gets uploaded is a big heads up, thanks!
Aight so ive been out 8 years but was never active duty only national guard 11b. Didnt want to file anything for myself cause i always thought that if it isnt super sever i shouldnt take from the gov if i dont need it. Now here we are 2024 gov so corrupt soending is out of control inflation is so fucking high and i got 2 kids with anither on the way so this is no longer just about me ive decided to file for 10% tinnitus to start and then will go for anxiety/depression. Was gonna work with vetguard but decided to look into how to do it myself and found your channel thanks for the knowledge and guidance my friend ❤
Dang Professor Clay! Ima gonna have to rewatch this video to take my notes. I’m going pass this class with an A+. I’m going to bring an apple for the Professor tomorrow. Brown Nose for that A+
Stay tuned for a video going over the answers and why they are so.
SF
Thanks for the video! You made that easy to do. I have a question though, i have issues revealing now but I dont think I was able to document during my time of service as I thought I was Superman at the time. Its been almost 20 years.But I have a lot going on in my body now. Is that going to be an issue as far as claiming for my disability? Thanks for your help!
Looking forward to this series!!!! Keep it coming 🫡
I have 2 more scheduled! I know these won't garnish a lot of views but I'll be able to reference and recommend these videos.
I get TONS of questions on these so now I can simply link the tutorial.
- Clay
Hello - Thanks for this tutorial! I will say that even though my address was correct in the VA system my doctor uses, it was not on the VA.GOV website! Soooo, if you go to "click the link inside a link" and you get a "We're sorry. Something went wrong on our end" message box popped up, update your info and it cleared it for me. I do have a evidence-related question, though. I got my military records on a CD through the VA. Do the records contained in that CD fall under VA Records for evidence? I can extract the single pages referencing my condition and submit those, just don't want to send stuff they already have. Thanks!
My Dr's exam notes in VA medical records say I'm diagnosed with; PTSD, Gen. Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depression. Those same 3 things are now showing up in my official "Problems" list, but they only have an SCT code. There is no official 4-digit diagnostic code to be found anywhere. Should I be concerned before submitting a claim? Thanks.
No concern as far as diagnosis is concerned. Still need in-service event(s)/nexus.
- Clay
This is an awesome video, thank you. its good to see the process. I have about 6 months to go to file my BDD claim so I am absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
Thank you very much and you’re welcome. Most important, don’t pay anyone to do this for you, or a membership, or for a ‘premier’ package.
This stuff is easy and I’ll be here if you need me.
- Clay
After being out for about 20 years, I finally filed a claim for disability about 2 weeks ago. I completely forgot to add tinnitus to my claim before I submitted it. How do I go about adding this? Do I just open up a new claim? My current claim is in step 3. Thanks for all the great videos. I, too, served in the USMC.
If you have more evidence-based disabilities, submit those claims.
- Clay
Spot on information. Thanks Clay.
Thanks!
- Clay
Clay, outstanding as usual thank you!
Thanks! I plan on using this for almost every 1-on-1 I do 😂
- Clay
Brother you are the man! Thank you so much for the weath of knowledge. Your doing the lords work good Sir. God bless!
Hey thanks! Hope these tutorials help.
- Clay
Thanks a million!! Thanks to you, I am VERY close to putting my materials together for a FDC for a back injury. Question: Do I need to submit (upload) a DBQ for my back injury with my application in order for it to be considered a FDC?
Hey brother. Love your videos and appreciate all the info. Quick question: Will an intent to file protect you from the upcoming VA changes on tinnitus? I filed an ITF on Feb 1st because I plan on claiming tinitus probably around April or so. It is my understanding that the changes haven't gone into effect yet. Will I fall under the "old rules" if the VA implanted the rules tomorrow?
I was going to see a VSO but life's been so busy. Honestly feel like I got a VSO appt in 11 minutes. 👍
When is your next live and Q&A sessions? I love the fact that you are taking your time in Hawaii to help other veterans. God bless you and your family!
Thank you so much! I planned on recording for DKGVF, too, but I forgot my green screen and my polo 🤦🏻♂️
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv We love you man! When is your next live session with the C&P examiner? Make sure the voice is altered. So, he or she can stay unanimous. Keep up the good work.
@@LA-xj3tz June 15th! I’ll be making the stream and thumbnail today.
- Clay
Great video as usual. I am about to submit my claim via BDD as I have just about 180 days left. Question: If I have all my STR’s scanned as a .pdf file, do I still need to check the box for the VA to pull my STR’s? Or should I just check the box for private medical records and upload those myself? Would that save me some time in the process? Thank you.
I want to be clear here and make sure that you’re good to go.
Private health records and your STRs are 2 different things. If you used private insurance and saw a private doctor, off base, not through Tricare, then you would need to get those records and upload them with your claim and/or through quick submit.
The VA will get your STRs but to double tap I would upload those via Quick Submit.
- Clay
Good to go. Thank you.
Thank YOU!
- Clay
I uploaded some docs via Quicksubmit, and they were not associated with my pending claim as I intended, just ingested into the Borg.
Quick Submit video is coming out either tomorrow or Wednesday but…how far along was your claim in the process? I’m assuming this was after evidence gathering.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv My claim was and is the opposite of "fully developed". Lots of loose ends, that I invited the VA, in its duty to assist, to tie up.
I wa snot afforded the box with 400 characters to type a statement and when I filed for my ptsd I could not chose which type it was
I’d submit a 0781 and the VA will most likely request that document from you anyway. Might as well start a little early.
- Clay
I hope you see this, but I have a few questions after watching your video. I am active duty Army and requested my medical records from the MTF that I work at. I recieved a 250+ page PDF with all my information. Do you recommend submitting the entire thing for supporting documents? Also, if I plan on submitting 20+ claims, does it all fall under one application submission? Thank you!
Currently helping my dad file a claim. He has some supporting documents(digitized MRIs) that are not in one of the supported formats. Any recommendations on what to do?
Convert the files
- Clay
Hey Clay,
Today, I went into a planned appointment to file my pact act claims. When I got there, the VSO officer told me that I wouldn't receive compensation for pact act issues. He said, "You're 100% p&t with smc. You're at the highest there is... He said, I can put in a lot of little additional claims for you, but it would only clog up the system.Clay, is this true? I won't receive compensation for pact act claims. None of my previously awarded claims are pact act. I have just been awarded 100% weeks ago. The pact claims were under intent to file...
Yes that is true. You’re already 100%…scrap the appointment and get back to enjoying life.
- Clay
You are awesome brother!
Hey thanks! I made these so Veterans can pause, do what’s needed, then click play and get to standin’ on business.
- Clay
Goodness! VA claims insider charged me 6k to help me walk through this to submit a claim over zoom. Straight robbery
Submitting the claim is EZPZ. It’s more of submitting evidence-based claims that gets people.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv yes now I know
Attorney General Ken Paxton went after VA Claims too btw it's online a major lawsuit against them
If submitting an appeal for 20% back and wanting to add secondary radiculopathy stemming from lumbar primary - can I submit a DBQ after submitting the appeal? My one year mark is almost up and not sure I can get my own DBQ before then.
Should you submit portions of your medical record where it shows your condition under the evidence portion?
Excellent video! Thanks for making this. I have a question. I'm submitting for 5 conditions via the online 526EZ form.. Im using form 21-4138. Is it ok if I scan and attach the medical records to the 4138 file, or do they want them separate? They way I have it now, I have 5 different pdf files documenting each condition, and the supporting medical documents are in the same attachment. Or, should I scan the 21=4138, and then scan the medical documents in another pdf file? Im trying to make this as easy as possible for the VA person reviewing my file. Thanks in advance!
HEY CLAY- nice videos! Ive submitted in May, had a C&P, now waiting on those results, Examiner said 1-3 months to get rating answer..im at 1 month now, and two weeks ago I submitted a claim for connection to my tinitus, ( with nexus letter) will this delay everything you think?
Your C&P examiner was out of pocket to give you a timeframe. They aren’t privy to the process whatsoever except conducting the exam and fulfilling the VAs request.
The tinnitus claim could delay the results. Ideally you would receive a deferred decision on your tinnitus if they needed to gather more information. Tinnitus being so ‘easy’ it could go either way.
- Clay
VA medical records are the blue button records on the VA website right? Or is that something completely different?
Thank you for this video Clay. Do you know if i signed a power of attorney to the DAV can i still file my own claims without using them anymore? Also, if its a supplemental claim do you just have to upload the additional evidence it was originally denied or all of the evidence again?
1: Even if the DAV is your representative, you can still file your own claim. No harm no foul. They will receive whatever you get in the mail.
2: For a supplemental claim you have to upload ‘relevant’ evidence. What this means is the evidence has to combat the decision for the denial. This is NEW evidence.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv I was hoping you would say that. I had them represent me before I found your UA-cam videos which explain everything so well. I look forward to yout upcoming videos. Thanks Clay
Thanks Clay!
What’s the correct way for filing a first time clam for anything for tinnitus Thanks in advance for your help
This video shows you the correct way. If you want to claim tinnitus, simply write tinnitus in the box. That’s it, it’s that easy.
- Clay
Hi I was trying to finish my claim last night, and the brief description box at 5:35 is not showing up on my home computer, from any browser, or my government computer at work. When I called the VA today, they didn't know and said they would submit a trouble ticket, but it will take at least 7 days and today is my last day to file BDD. Any tips?
Question…does it allow you to submit without it? That box is useless.
- Clay
i may just be an idiot but I'm stuck on the 'Reserve and National Guard Information' page. I was active duty and didn't do Reserve/Guard time. I have no idea what to put for the unit name and my DD214 doesn't seem to have the answer either.
Yeah sometimes it’s weird. For unit name just out whatever unit you left. It’s irrelevant as you didn’t do any reserve/guard time.
- Clay
When it comes to secondary claims, is it important to build the evidence for months and months via appointments or can we just file once we’ve had a couple appointments showing there’s a clear problem? It feels like a never ending loop sometimes, like I can’t file this week because I have another appointment next week..Thanks in advance!
When you have the evidence, no matter what the claim is - submit. Use your ITF to your advantage. 1 whole year.
- Clay
Hey, hopefully you see this! So if I already have an ITF on file (my VSO filed it and I'm getting ready to fire him), when I go through this process, will the VA "see" my current ITF from July of 2023 or does it create a new one?
As long as you submit a claim 364 days prior to your ITF date, you’re good to go. Any day after that date, then they will make a new one.
- Clay
Great video !
I went to quicksubmit to download evidence from 2022, but wasn't there ... can u give an insight bout this ?
Quick Submit is to upload evidence, not find evidence.
- Clay
What I meant looking existing evidence that was submitted back in 2022...
Hopefully you're still replying to comments.... I filed a claim today following this exact prescription and it voided my previous ITF (July 13, 2023) and said my claim is effective from today and not July 13, 2023. My VSO's assistant said the old one is now void. These claims might get me to 100% making my back pay ridiculous.... is there ANYTHING I can do to rectify this?!?
Quick question Clay. Did C&P exams and they're showing on va page. Went and got nexus letters from Dr's and Vso submitted them. Will rater still use those or is it too late?
How soon after you get your diagnosis do you recommend filing an initial Va claim?
For any claim, once you have the evidence, submit. The intent to file is for Veterans to make, then gather the evidence, than submit when ready.
- Clay
When filing this increase and using VA evidence do you have to upload that evidence for claim? will they get it through VA? thanks!
@@toddeutsey387 if it’s in your VAMRs then they have it and you go through the options while submitting to detail that evidence. If it’s private, same applies but I always recommend you submit your private evidence yourself.
- Clay
I just submitted a claim 2 nights ago, it's supposed to be secondary to my mental health, but when they show the options, there are only 3? Absolutely no place to click for secondary. I see the ez form was updated in March 2023, is this something they did to confuse us? I've done a secondary before so I know I'm not crazy.
Are you doing this online or using the 526ez?
- Clay
@TheCivDiv yes I did it online, 21-526ez form. Very strange there was no option for secondary. I've been on the phone with the VA twice today about it. I had them note that it is definitely a secondary claim. But I bet I still end up getting screwed.
Does the buddy letter have to be on VA 21-10210, or can it be a memo or letter with affirming their statement as true?
It can be on anything but highly recommend using the 10210
- Clay
Do I have to upload copies of my military medical records or do they already have access?
Are nexus letters uploaded to the tab under "personal/lay statement"?
Uploaded here
ua-cam.com/video/Rtfv6jPEdF4/v-deo.html
- Clay
Sir what would active duty medical records fall under? Would they be under “other evidence”
What if I havnt been seen by a VA facility and had my medical records sent directly to them. What am I supposed to put for the records part
If you never went to a VAMC then you simply don’t check that box and proceed with the claim.
- Clay
On the question that relates to working for the VA. Will it hinder my claim if i put down YES ?
Cuz i do work for the VA
At 8:28 talking about submitting supporting evidence you say that Quick Submit is your best route. Can you submit evidence at this Step AND in Quick Submit?
You can but I wouldn’t submit the same evidence on both.
- Clay
Thank you for sharing
Do you have a video on how to submit a fully developed claim?
I’ll add that specifically here soon
- Clay
Thank you for this video it was extremely informative! I watched it and filled out as I went. However when it comes to this part @ 9:07 how would I go about filling this portion out? I’m filing as an initial claim?? I haven’t been to a VA health center nor had any of my claims seen by them yet
If you haven’t been seen by the VA then don’t click that box.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv thank you for replying, this video truly helped. Only issue is that it’s “required” for me to fill out the treatment center and check one of the boxes for my claims
@@Onyxthefortress-wl7xn nah, there’s an option to skip.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv alright very relieving to hear, I’ll take a another look on that page. Just too dumb too see it lol.
When submitting a claim on-line does my IMO (Nexus letter) go under "Other Correspondence"
If I select fully developed claim, can I still use Quick Submit for additional evidence.
For the submitting evidence portion; if I list the VA hospital ( I go too) , do I need to upload my medical records? …. Or will the VA be able to abstain these records on their own with the name of the VA hospital, name of primary provider, and dates of treatment?
The VA will have those records. Quick Submit is for private records or, specifically identifying VAMRs or STRs of evidence, not the entire file.
- Clay
Thank you 🙏
Might be a stupid question but can u add a personal statement after you submit a claim or is it to late ? i didn't realize i passed it when filling out everything
Yes you can
- Clay
now i just have to figure out where. thanks@@TheCivDiv
Hey, clay so on the layment statement or the personal statement? Where do I put my personal statement? As a specific form that I fill out.?
VA Form 21-10210 or VA Form 21-4138
- Clay
@TheCivDiv okay thank you.
@TheCivDiv One more question and I have lots of them however.
Is there a fillable version of the form 21- 4138 For the personal statement
@TheCivDiv I was able to use word and type up my personal statements for a few disability. Claims and your formaps and come back craigs format, All I have to do is just copy and paste to the fillable form. Like you said. I just cannot find one on the my healthvet. I see the downloaded form to print. But I don't see a fillable p d f?????
"am I on active duty right now? No I am not and thank the Good Lord" lol
Roll Tides, or whatever they say 😂
- Clay
if i have a past history of insomnia, headaches, anxiety.... and im currently building more medical history on those 3..... should i start a claim for those 3 now or after the 6 weeks of exams
all 3 have progressively gotten worse over the last ten years so i just started a new round of medication's....... i dont have claims on those yet but have been seen for em all since 2010... OIF......im currently rated at 70% (PTSD 50% IBS 30%)
I wouldn’t recommend insomnia/anxiety I’d recommend an increase for PTSD and here is a breakdown of 70% mental health rating: ua-cam.com/video/7zb7UfYHdc0/v-deo.htmlsi=QA-BUrwATCOqtb8X
If you have evidence from service of migraine/headache complaints, then would be a direct claim. Here’s some evidence you need to consider to not get a 0% (or combat with HLR): ua-cam.com/video/Vd9uqszmS1Q/v-deo.htmlsi=_JKzHA1M4K9ydunl
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv ok thank you!
Is the process the same for a secondary claim? Thank you
Almost exactly the same. The next video I push will be increases and secondaries.
- Clay
Where does it ask if you are submitting claims related to Pact Act?
It doesn’t. The VA will figure that out. Sometimes we gotta let the VA do VA things
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv thank you for a quick reply.
Does anyone know how this process would apply to a member of the reserves. I have been a reservist for 14 yrs and am still currently in.
Thank you
It’s the exact same. If you have your LODs you’ll want to have those and upload via Quick Submit. The process though is the exact same.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv unfortunately I’ve never documented anything. You know the “suck it up butter cup”. And just now seeing that I was WRONG! Am I a lost cause? I’ve done multiple deployments and other active duty orders.
@@malled1989 no your not a lost cause. What I would do is go get a current diagnosis for whatever it is you want to claim - that’s step 1.
- Clay
How would I connect or back date those injuries to my active duty times if I did not report it back then?
@@malled1989 back dating to when you left the military isn’t possible. You’d have to prove that the VA made a CUE (which is very difficult to do) and in your case that doesn’t seem possible.
How you would connect them is first by getting a current diagnosis. Explain what caused your back condition, when you started feeling pain, etc…submit the claim.
You would be missing the in-service event and nexus. The C&P examiner can give the opinion that your back is connected (there’s a bit more than that but I’m being brief).
If denied, combat the denial directly.
- Clay
Is the description part your personal statement??
Can you collect a percentage from the VA and still work a normal job?
Absolutely. Tons of Veterans are 100% P&T and have 100,00k+ salaries. These 2 are not related.
- Clay
Need to know how to word everything to make sure it’s correct way
That’s the thing…you don’t. As long as you submit the correct type of claim, claim your condition, and submit evidence…you’re good.
- Clay
Can you tell me if this is a diagnostic code H 93.13 if so what is it
@@langhorne1180 tinnitus?
- Clay
If you have a claim in can you submit another claim?
Yes
- Clay
Thanks for sharing
I wish I had this a year ago.
I wish I started this channel years ago
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv You are doing great work now, so thanks, and Semper Fidelis.
@Clay I have a question.
Send it to me either in a new comment (so I see it, don’t reply) or send me an email thecivdiv@gmail.com
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv While following your instructions and completing my VA disability claim. Will this be the start of my personal claim to see if I'll be able to get over 30% of disability and use it to apply for GS jobs?
@@michaell.7106 assuming you’re service-connected and rated, sure. You should definitely check out some of my videos on submitting VA Claims. More so, evidence-based claims.
- Clay
@TheCivDiv Thank you for the follow up! Service connected, yes. Rated?? It's my first time submitting for a claim, and I hear it's important to do it right the first time. I will look at the other videos you have put out before I submit. TY
At risk of being homeless 🏡 sounds like it would automatically expedite a veterans disability claim
That’s exactly what this does.
- Clay
Man i always want to file claim my self i hire these companies charge me thousands of dollars just because they guide me how and then collect
This tutorial makes it barney style. More importantly, it’s about gathering evidence.
- Clay
Wait a minute, what about the detailed personal statements you told us to write in the other videos?
There is a place for those to be uploaded when filing online. You could also use quick submit. Regardless, VSO to file is the way.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv Thanks
Has any veteran watching this video got an outside MRI or X-Ray 🩻 or similar and submitted it to release of information (ROI) at your local veterans Hospital
…
Then actually find the images and report in MyHealtheVet?
…
I submitted an MRI CD 💿 to my ROI and don’t see any images or report there
…
However an MRI done at the Veterans Hospital 🏥 is uploaded to MyHeatheVet in about 4 days
I would give this 30 days and, double tap this and be sure to speak to your primary care about your private health records.
- Clay