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Q668: In July of 2020 I submitted a request for a release of my medical records to me. In Sept. of 2020 I received a letter informing me that they had received my release of medical records and they informed me that I would receive my records in 6-8 weeks. Well as of this date I have not heard anything from my request. I am concerned will I never get my medical records, since I have been waiting for almost 7 months. When I call the office I am told that my records are being processed. How much longer do I have to wait because I would like to open a claim for my service connected disability? Thanks for any assistance that you can provide.
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A1: Sorry I waited over a year and a half !!! (BR) 2/22/21
A2: You might be waiting for a long time for your service treatment records (STR)s. You do NOT need your STRs to file a claim for service connected compensation. I would immediately contact a local state veteran service officer and assign them as your claims representative and file and intent to file. No matter what day of the month the VA receives your claim, it is not effective until the first day of the following month in which VA received the claim. VA owns the NPRC and one of the first things VA does when you file your claim is to request your STRs and your personnel file. The longer you wait, the more compensation you could be giving up. (DS) 2/22/21
A3: I recommend that you talk to a VSO. I had applied for a disability and for 24 months the VA in Philadelphia didn't even acknowledge receipt. They simply would not respond. I contacted a Veteran Service Officer at the VFW and I had an appointment at the VA hospital within two weeks and once I met with the VA doctor, I was given a 60% rating that same afternoon and back pay to the original date of filing. AMVETS is another good organization for VSOs, (TM) 3/2/21