Evidence Gathering For You V.A. Claim

Tips on using printouts from Internet Medical Research

If you refer to evidence that you want to send in with this (always a good idea to give them stuff right away) list it and either number it or use Exhibit format (Alphabet letters) on the list and the corresponding copies of the med recs or the evidence you are sending.

Dont be leary of using highlighters-they are great and call the VA's attention to specific things you want them to get right away.

I use highlighters on internet print outs, CAVC precedential decisions, and 38 CFRs if I need to send them too , anything from M21-1 that supports the claim,and also I highlight specifics in SMR copies.

I also use little round colored yard sale stickers on the evidence and I clearly refer to each piece of it by Alphabet number on the sticker and in the claim or response.

I send everything Priority mail and I get a tracking slip.

If they lose something ,and I realize it is gone, I resend it using colored paper (usually orange) as cover letter to resubmit it and ask that it be properly associated with my file this time.

Then I check the 800 number (it takes about a week to 2 weeks to associate mailroom stuff with the c file) to see if they show receipt.

Anything they need right away-I always put on the mailing envelope Do Not Open In Mail Room. And try for a specific name to send it to or just DRO - depends on the claim.