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Q632: I sent a release of information request to the Veterans Affairs and on Sept. 10, 2020 I received a notice from St. Louis that they had received the request. I have called many times since than inquiring about when I will be getting my medical records, as of this notice, I have not received them. I need my records to re-open my service connect claim. I am sure that there are other service connect veterans waiting on their records like I am. When can I expect my records?
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A1: There is no set amount of time for them send a response. I applied for records in June 2020. I n the first week of January 2021 I was told that my request had been approved and records were being put together and will be forwarded when complete. Under normal circumstances it is a slow process but with Covid the process is even slower. (RB) 1/9/21
A2: You really don't need your records to reopen a claim. You can file for an increase in your disability, and if your claim was denied you can do 20-0996 and request a hearing and the Judge will have your military records in front of him and if the claim you are asking for is in your records you can be granted service connected disability. (GR) 1/10/21
A3: There has been two COVID out breaks at NPRC recently. This has been verified. Normally Accredited VSOs can get records within two to three weeks. That is not the case now. I have some requests that are 3 - 4 months old. NPRC is not to blame for the COVID outbreaks. (GH) 1/10/21
A4: I wish I could tell you when you will receive your medical records. NPRC has been closed and is opening via a staged process. The good news is that you do NOT need your service treatment records (STR) to reopen a claim. When you originally filed your VA compensation claim, one of the first things the VA does is obtain your military personnel records and your STRs. If you are already service connected for a disability, simply file the VA Form 21-526ez. You can tell the VA where they can obtain your medical records showing that your condition has worsened. If you don't, the VA will still schedule you for a C&P exam to determine your current level of disability for the claimed condition. If it is a new disability, tell the VA where you've been treated for the disability since you got out of the military to show continuity of treatment. Again, you do NOT need your STRs to file a VA claim. (DS) 1/11/21