What does the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do after it receives a claim for disability?
After the VA processes your Application for Compensation, you will receive a letter explaining what additional information is needed to consider your claim and how the VA can help you get records to support your claim. You also may receive forms to be filled out, such as medical releases for your doctor or hospital. All forms should be completed and returned to the VA within one month. Additionally, your claim often can be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records. Where does the VA get records to support my claim? The VA attempts to get all the relevant information from the military, private hospitals or doctors, or any other place you direct it. The person who decides your claim (called a rating veterans service representative) may order a medical examination, which is free of charge. What should I expect from the medical examination? You should expect the physician to evaluate the condition(s) listed on your claim. The length of the examination will vary
