I have been hearing that I have to wait for my DD-214 to file. Others have said to hurry up and get it in (while in service) because it takes so long to process. I've checked the VA websites, and other websites, and have found nothing. I'm currently on terminal leave, but I would like to get it taken care of ASAP. Thanks!
2006-10-05 04:14:12 · 7 answers · asked by dpferguson29 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I'm not applying for a disability. I'm applying for compensation for an injury. The military/VA pays you compensation for every injury sustained while on duty, including scars. I was injured in Iraq, but not enough for a medical discharge. All I wanted to know was whether or not I had to have a DD-214 in order to file a claim. So far, looks like I do.
2006-10-05 06:22:07 · update #1
I'm not applying for a scar, but some scars can rate you a zero%. Anyways, my vehicle drove through an IED, and I was hit with shrapnel in my chest, face, and dominant hand. I only have 30% grasping power after 2 surgeries and a year of physical therapy.
2006-10-05 06:51:07 · update #2
Before your terminal leave is finished, make sure you go to your M.T.F. and check out your medical records and dental records. Take them to a place that will copy them for you, or do it yourself.
Once you are out of the service, your records are sent to a central records holding location and retrieving copies of important records can be time consuming. If you think you may have any difficulties, have a Notary with you when you make copies, then number each page, and have the Notary verify that the entire document is a true copy of your official military medical records. Might cost you but it may turn out to be worth it if they somehow misplace your records.
When you get your DD214, ask for more then one copy, or better yet, take it to your local courthouse and have the document certified and have a number of certified copies made. That way, you can always have a true copy available in the county records if you somehow lose, destroy in fire or flood, or misplace your original.
You should ask for an out-processing physical, if they don't already have one scheduled for you. This will establish your complete physical condition while you are still a servicemember.
As the earlier poster said, DO NOT pass up the chance to meet with the V.A. rep at outprocessing time. Have a checklist of questions so you don't forget what you want to ask.
2006-10-05 04:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by Fuggetaboutit_1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay you are getting a lot of confused reports here. Conpensation is a form of Disabilty. But as long as you do not collect 100% you can still work. But you should know that compensation is not a one time thing, and they don't give it for scars, they give it for real injuries, things that are perminant problems. Like a bad knee, or joint. If you just want money for having a scar you are not going to get it. Compensation is for veterans like me that need a cane to walk. But if you have real injuries as someone who went through this let me tell you what I learned. First going directly to the VA is a longer process. If you want to get your claim done right the best place to start is the American Legion. They have case workers just for this. You do not have to be a member, but you are going to need to get things together for them. Now you will need a DD-214, but while you are waiting on that you can get things started. It is important that you make sure that all injuries you are going to claim have been well documented in your medical files. Because I can tell you now, if they are not documented you are wasting your time filing for them. You should know that it takes about 6 month to 1 year for a complete file to be done. It will take about 3-6 months to get your appointment, then another 3-6 months to have the review done. But don't worry they back pay you for the year.
2006-10-05 13:22:39 · answer #2 · answered by Artistic Prof. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something new for the military... when you out process from the military, you now meet with V.A. representative and can file a claim. It is now part of your out process. If you do not elect to meet with the representative, you may hinder your future claim. It is being done this way for the convenience of the veteran. The V.A. can get all the test that they request to substantiate the claim.
Did you know that once your claim is filed and you are approved for a disability, you get back pay from the date V.A. received your original claim... even if it takes years to process?
2006-10-05 11:42:18 · answer #3 · answered by J j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can start the application on line. Have your med records ready. Also have your dental. Make sure you prepare two copies of both your med and dental records. Also write down every illness, injury or combat exposure you have ever had while on active duty. Contact your county veteran's rep at your local courthouse for additional help.
2006-10-05 11:19:17 · answer #4 · answered by Jim from the Midwest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me get this straight you are in the military and are applying for a disability? That makes no sense! Are you being thrown out or are you getting out? Sign back up or make them put you out on disability that way it is automatically approved,if they stop you from signing up you get a bump and if they allow you to sign up you'll get the bonus and more for being put out. Don't let them put you out as they can screw with you (wish I had someone tell me that back on 2/2/1994 as I am screwed. Trust me have I lied to you before?
God Bless you and the Southern People.
2006-10-05 12:56:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can go and file for your benefits the VA will have access to your dd214 don't waste time make sure you bring your separation orders with you
2006-10-05 11:28:54 · answer #6 · answered by aldo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a va and to talk to a rep and yes it takes a while for the paperwork to go through.
2006-10-05 11:17:22 · answer #7 · answered by Rusty Shackleford 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋