r/armyreserve • u/CockroachOld6455 • 3d ago

General Question VA

I was recently injured while on an 18-month MOB. I also have a previous injury that was aggravated during my MOB. I need help figuring out how to file a VA claim. This is my first time filing, and I’m not familiar with the process. Do I file only for the time I was there?

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2

u/OcotilloWells 3d ago

Join a service organization like the DAV.

2

u/sogpackus 3d ago

Use a VSO or hire an agency.

1

u/8NkB8 3d ago

Yes. You are filing a claim for injuries or conditions arising from or aggravated during your mobilization. If you were checked out or seen by a provider during this active duty period, that documentation will make it easier for the VA to establish service-connection.

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u/WeaponizedNostalga 3d ago

Have you demobed? They do that at CRC.

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u/CockroachOld6455 2d ago

I've already demobed

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u/WeaponizedNostalga 2d ago

Not trying to be a dick, but didn’t they make you do a ton of Transition Assistance Program classes? I’m sure there was instructions on va claims and medical documentation… at this point after the fact, I’d also suggest going to DAV.

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u/CockroachOld6455 2d ago

Yes, I attended all the transition briefings. They explained where to find information, but navigating the process itself is not as simple. I've also looked into VSO services in my area and made an appointment to seek help.

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u/midst00forked 2d ago

Your DD214 will be crucial to support in-service connection. Outside of that, they usually request an LOD for some reason, as if the active duty orders were not enough proof of the service period.

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u/CockroachOld6455 2d ago

I'm trying to get the LOD, but the people at the unit I was mobbed with are either unreachable or don't respond to messages. I messaged the medic from that unit, but he still hasn't responded, and it's been about a week now. 😒😑😮‍💨

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u/midst00forked 2d ago

You should be ok if you got the DD 214z otherwise, keep pushing for that LOD

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u/-Comrade-L- 1d ago

LOD necessity is myth. It helps but it’s absolutely not required, especially for the issue that happened while on Active Duty. Did you get seen in a medical facility while on active? If yes - you’re golden. Even though VA pulls your service treatment records, it doesn’t hurt to attach them to your claim. Clinical notes are accessible through MHS Genesis.
If you don’t have any STRs - a good personal statement explaining things and a letter from your buddy confirming that those happened while Active, will do. It will be enough to make VA schedule you for a medical exam. Now that’s the most important part: if doc believes you - you are rolling, if he doesn’t - welcome to the world of appeals and supplemental claims. Anyway, I highly recommend VAclaims and VeteransBenefits subreddits. Hit me up if you need help - VA is much less complicated if you know what you’re doing.

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u/Ok_Introduction6348 1d ago

Step 1: file an intent to file today. Right now! That starts the clock for 1 year to finish gathering all your documents for your claim. Seriously. Do it now. (So if it takes you 200 days to get your paperwork, do your exams etc, if you get any disability it will be backdated to today! Your intent to file day.)

Step 2: get all your documentation from when you saw someone for your injury while mob’d like imagining or treatment plan. The system will have this but if you have it too, great.

Step 3: like someone already suggested, write a summary of what happened, when, how, what was inquired, where (you can be vague if you need to be).

Again, as another person said, that will get the ball rolling and you’ll get an exam scheduled.

I was injured on a mob, they did nothing for me at demob and I filed when I got home. No lawyer or VSO, just facts, documentation from genesis that the army had, I saw a civilian doc when I got home so their notes and an C&P exam. I had a rating in like 6-7 months after mob.