FULLY DEVELOPED CLAIMS (Ready To Rate/RTR)

1. FULLY DEVELOPED CLAIMS(Ready To Rate/RTR) • The Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program is the fastest way of getting your compensation or pension claim processed. • Participation in the FDC Program allows for faster claims processing while preserving great quality of service and your right to appeal a decision.

2. Disability Comp: Claim must be a rating related claim for live compensation • Original • Secondary • Increased service connected claims • Application form 21-526 EZ to include Fully Developed Claim Certification • VA forms available at www.va.gov/vaforms or on Vetra/Spec • You must submit all relevant private medical records for the disabilities you are claiming.

3. You must identify any treatment records from a Federal Facility such as VA Medical Center, Outpatient Clinic, or Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) ** • For Guard and Reserve members you must submit any and all Service Treatment, and Personnel Records in the custody of your Unit(s) that pertain to your claim. • Medical can be in the form of letters from Physicians, Hospital records, or Disability Benefit Questionnaires. (DBQ’S) Located in VetraSpecor VA site:*DBQ’s are the preferred method http://benefits.va.gov/TRANSFORMATION/disabilityexams/ ** Dates of treatment must be included

4. If claiming dependents, must complete VA form 21-686c • The evidence must show injury in service, or a disease that began in service or was aggravated by service. • You mustbe diagnosed with a currentphysical or mental disability related to service. • A relationship or NEXUS must be established between claimed disabilities and an injury, disease, symptoms, or event in military service.

5. PRESUMPTIVES 3.309: Example Agent orange, POW, and Radiation. • What if you don’t have all the evidence? • File an informal Claim Letter or a VA Form 21-4138; must clearly identify the disability being claimed: • “I intend to apply for compensation benefits for the following disabilities: __________________________________ under the FDC Program. This statement is to preserve my effective date for entitlement to benefits. I am in the process of assembling my claim package for submission”.

6. NSC PENSION • Criteria: • NSC Pension Claims • VA Form 21-527EZ Original Claims • Fully Developed Claim Certification Form must be completed. • All necessary income and net worth information must be submitted • All private medical must be submitted. • DBQ (Disability Benefit Questionnaire) Located in VetraSpecor VA site:*DBQ’s are the preferred method

7. Names and addresses of Federal facilities where you receive treatment to include dates of treatment (I.e. VAMC) • VA Form 21 2680 If Claiming Aid and Attendance ; VA Form 21 0779 If in a Nursing Home • Guard and Reserve records • Dependents VA Form 21-686c • What the evidence must show: • 90 Days service; one of Wartime • 24 Month Active Duty Requirement 9-8-80 Enlisted /10-16-81 Officers

8. Permanent and Total Disability Single 60% or Combined 70% one disability being 40% or more. • Over 65 • Patient in a Nursing Home for long term care • Receiving Disability SS or SSI • Exceptional Cases: 3.321 B (2) • Your Net Worth and Income must be within limits.