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Get your hands on your medical records. Make photo copies of your records. Save the originals for yourself. If you wish to file a claim with the VA, remove all documents having to do with your injury from the photocopies. Attach them to your claims form. Place your photocopied medical records and claims form in envelope or box to send to the VA. It'll go faster if you have the relevant documents already attached to your claim form.
I got that advice prior to my discharge and I had an appointment with the VA within a month. Talked to another veteran who, 20 years after leaving the service, is trying to file a claim. He's getting frustrated and fed up. He said he didn't think he had to get into the VA system right after leaving the service. What I was told was get your stuff in the VA right after leaving the military while the incident is fresh in your mind. Even if they tell you the injury is 0% disability, your injury is now in their system. This is important because some injuries, like my shoulder injury, will get worse as you get older. From 1997 to this year I did not seek any help from the VA for my shoulder. It's gotten to the point that I now need help. Am awaiting the results of my MRI to see if I need physical therapy or surgery. I also have prescriptions to get me through the work day without being in severe pain.
First, I was not allowed to keep my original medical/dental records, once you do your VA physcial the VA takes them. Now, do I have multiple copies....yes I do.
DD-214, I have 30 copies....all in various places, and the real form is locked away. Do not file your form with the court house as that is open to anyone who wants to see your stuff.
Save you leave and take as many days as you can, and don't forget you get 20 days PTDY (CONUS) and 30 days PTDY (OCONUS). You have to ask for it, they will not give it to you.
Oh, and be sure you go to finance and have finance calculate your total leave days before you turn in your leave request, your LES is incorrect, don't knkow why but it is....finance found 6 days for me...
Know your retirement regulation...
Get to know "civillian" language.
Get your resume going (I started 1 year out), I paid $75 to get my turned into "civillin", I wrote it and the lady converted it.
If your overseas...get at a minimum 2 suits (more if your in Korea), 1 black and one deep Navy blue....also get 2 sports jackets...black with white and a camel colored...well that's what I have anyway.
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