The VA decides claims on evidence, not anecdotes. The stronger your documentation, the smoother and faster your path to approval. By presenting strong evidence in a clear manner from the beginning, you can set yourself up for success.
Categories Of Evidence
As attorneys such as Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law know, there are four main categories of strong evidence for a VA disability claim:
- Service records—Including DD-214, deployment histories, incident reports.
- Medical records—Such as service treatment entries and post-service diagnoses.
- Lay evidence—This includes statements from spouses, friends, or coworkers describing observable symptoms.
- Private medical opinions—Such as nexus letters linking current disabilities to service.
Filing A Service Record Hunt
If your service treatment records are incomplete, you can file Standard Form 180 to request gaps from the National Personnel Records Center. Attach the NPRC response to show diligence if records remain missing.
Medical Record Tips
Understanding how to obtain strong medical records is a crucial part of presenting evidence for your claim. When requesting and submitting medical records:
- Ask private doctors for narrative summaries, not just raw progress notes.
- Highlight documentary evidence such as incontinence logs, migraine diaries, or CPAP download data—objective proof of severity.
- Keep records current; gaps in treatment invite questions about whether the condition is chronic.
A VA TBI lawyer can help you gather the proper medical documentation for your case.
The Importance Of Lay Statements
Lay statements can be crucial pieces of evidence, and formatting them in the proper manner is important:
- Use plain language explaining what you saw, heard, or experienced.
- Date, sign, and include a statement of belief: “I certify this statement is true to the best of my knowledge.”
Structuring Private Opinions
Private opinions are also important when submitting evidence. When submitting these documents ensure that you include:
- Doctor’s credentials on letterhead.
- Reference to records reviewed.
- Key phrase: “at least as likely as not.”
- Clear medical rationale tying in-service events to current condition.
Organizing Your Evidence
Organizing your evidence can help give you a better chance of a successful claim:
- Combine related evidence into a single PDF.
- Use descriptive file names: “Knee MRI 2024,” “Buddy Letter—Sgt Jones.”
- Upload via VA.gov to timestamp delivery.
While the process of formatting and submitting evidence may seem difficult, with the help of an experienced lawyer, you can do so with confidence and clarity and in the most effective manner possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Every Piece Of Evidence Before Filing?
No. You can submit what you have to lock in the effective date, then add evidence within VA’s development windows.
Are Buddy Letters Really Taken Seriously?
Yes, especially for combat incidents or symptoms lacking medical documentation at the time, buddy letters can be an important piece of evidence.
Can Social-media Posts Count As Evidence?
Screenshots of dated posts noting injuries or ongoing symptoms can corroborate timelines but should supplement, not replace, medical evidence.
Contact A Lawyer Today
Strong evidence is relevant, organized, and explicit. Service documents establish the event, medical records prove the condition, lay statements fill observational gaps, and a solid nexus opinion ties everything together. With the help of a dedicated attorney, you can ensure that you have the proper evidence and that your submission is formatted correctly and organized in the optimal manner.