Here are some of the top reasons claims may not be approved and valuable tips to help ensure your claim gets the green light.
Receiving a claim denial can be a truly trying experience. The anticipation followed by disappointment can leave you feeling stressed and wondering if there’s a way to improve your chances for approval.
Not providing a buddy letter
A critical factor leading to claims being denied is the absence of a well-crafted buddy letter. A buddy letter involves someone who can attest to your condition and articulate your symptoms from a different perspective. You can find guidance on composing an effective buddy letter by following this link.
This is significant because it serves as an external endorsement of your narrative. Surprisingly, we’ve witnessed solid claims, complete with comprehensive medical evidence and a successful C&P examination, being declined solely due to the absence of a buddy letter.
Your buddy letter can come from a spouse, a buddy who was by your side, or anyone who has observed the impact of this event on your life.
Leaving information out during your DBQ
The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a vital tool for building a strong case. When you work together with your healthcare provider to fill it out, you’re helping a medical expert accurately record your condition. It’s essential to ensure that you provide a complete and honest account without downplaying your symptoms.
Think of the DBQ as your chance for your healthcare provider to explain your situation to the person reviewing your case. Share your everyday experiences and the challenges you’re facing openly and honestly. It’s not the time to be tough; be real.
We often hear from our clients that their regular healthcare providers won’t help with the DBQ. If you’re in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can guide you on the best way to handle your situation and connect you with a doctor who’s ready and able to assist with the DBQ.
No service connection
How your disability is connected to your service needs to be clearly explained in your letters. The most straightforward approach is to provide your service with medical records. If those records are unavailable, you should submit your current medical records along with a buddy letter supporting your claim.
To put it plainly, if there isn’t a clear and evident link between your disability and your time in the service, your claim is likely to be rejected.
No medical diagnosis
A diagnosis from a medical professional is a prerequisite. Without an official diagnosis or a recognized disability, your claim cannot receive approval. For instance, if you were exposed to a service-related element but it hasn’t had any lasting impact on your life post-service, your claim would not meet the criteria for approval.
C&P Exam
First and foremost, make sure you attend your C&P exam; it’s crucial to avoid potential claim denial. If you can’t make it at your scheduled time, reach out to the VA office to request a reschedule. It’s essential to clearly demonstrate your NEXUS letter to support your claims during the examination. Failing to present it during the exam may increase the likelihood of your claim being rejected. To prepare for your C&P exam, there are specific steps you should take, which you can find here.
If you’ve received your claim and are puzzled by the provided codes, refer to the VA’s explanation of these rejected codes.
If you’ve made multiple attempts to file your claim and still haven’t achieved a favorable rating, don’t hesitate to contact us via social media at VDC Bootcamp. We have a proven system to ensure you receive an accurate claim rating.
