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Early evidence suggests use of a FDC may also reduce the appeals rate. The FDC also provides an option to request a reconsideration after a decision, and a chance to submit more evidence before needing to go to the appeal stage.
There don’t appear to be active negatives reported. If anything bumps you out of the FDC process, your claim may just be put back in the standard processing pool. This could happen if, for example, your claim ends up requiring the VA’s assistance for more than just ordering federal records or medical exams; or if it’s determined more documents are needed. You can also drop out of the FDC process at any time and have your claim move through the standard processing procedures.
The Fully Developed Claim process currently applies only to the initial application for VA disability benefits, or secondary and increased disability service connection claims. The VA is testing an expedited appeals process. According to Cat Trombley, a Public Affairs Specialist with the VBA, the perfect way to utilize the FDC program is to make use of the checklist. As veterans, Trombley maintains that a veteran may be precondition to accept and embrace the idea of using a simple checklist to make sense of the process and what is needed. Follow the checklist below to make sure you submit the right type of evidence for your compensation FDC claim. If you have questions about what is relevant, call VA at 1-800-827-1000 or contact your VSO: FDC CHECKLIST 1. Identify Federal Records, if any (not all of
these may apply to your claim) § If you received VA medical care, tell us where and when § Tell us if you receive Social Security benefits for a service-related
disability § Tell us where your Military Treatment or Personnel Records are,
if you know, or where your last duty station was § Identify
any other relevant records in the custody of a federal agency, like federal worker’s compensation (OWCP) or the Public
Health Service If you have a copy of your Military Treatment or Personnel records, or records from other federal agencies,
save time by submitting them with your claim by uploading them to eBenefits. If not, VA will go get them, but this will slow down the claim. 2.
Gather
Records (not all of these may apply to your claim)
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