VA Medical Compensation Benefits Information

TSgt Odis King

VA e-Benefitshttps://www.ebenefits.va.gov/

Don’t have to be out of the Service to start an account. Log-in with a CAC to gain higher access to do more

things!Start claims.Check the status of claims.Update information/status/dependents.You can upload your medical records directly

to the VA via the site, cutting down time and the possibility of errors in processing/getting your records lost.

Medical Records: Copies--Ideally, you should request your medical records at least 3 months prior to final-out. (any appointments after the request date, you will have to request the additional pages.)

It is recommended to have 5 copies of your records:1: Record Copy (seal and leave alone.)2: VA Copy to turn-in.3: Working Copy (for your review/reference.)4: Break-down by body part (back issues together, shoulder issues, allergies, etc.)5: Chronological break-down (start with what happened first to current.)

--Request a CD (or films) of all MRIs, scans, x-rays for your records.

Medical Records: CopiesIMPORTANT: If you have been seen by a mental health office/provider, you will have to request those records separately. They aren’t included in your regular medical records.

Final-Out PhysicalThis will be the opportunity to get anything looked at prior to your separation. - If you are in doubt, get it checked out!

Where to Send Your RecordsTwo options: 1. Sending your medical records to the VA

Center nearest to where you will be returning to. (www.va.gov)

2. Uploading your medical records via an account set up at (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/)

AppointmentsDepending on the current backlog of cases, it could take weeks/months to be seen for an issue to get looked at and evaluated. (schedule early and call back frequently to see if there are openings.)

CompensationThe people who determine your VA Compensation ARE NOT doctors. - Be advised. Doctors will evaluate you for all of the items you want to get looked at.

The VA can take a VERY long time to begin compensation payments (some instances >1 yr.)

This compensation, however, will be backdated.

Documentation RecommendationsWhen dealing with a hazard (asbestos, black mold, bad dust, sandstorms, contaminated water supplies, etc.) TAKE PICS!

Take a picture with you holding a sign with the condition/warning sign visible. Hold a sign with the following info on it:Your Name Your BaseBldg Number Room NumberDate Hazard

The picture will give evidence of you being exposed to certain conditions at your location. The location may be known to the VA, but the picture of you at the actual site will help give a determination.Also, consider requesting a copy of air/water quality reports from Safety/Bio-Environmental if useful.