YOUR NEXT STEPS

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Establish access to the following websites.  Please keep the credentials to yourself.  We often need you to access the sites during our appointments.  

• VA.gov website with ID.me and Login.gov credentials (with identity verified).  Learn about creating ID.me & Login.gov accounts and verifying your identity
• eBenefits website with DS Logon credential (premium).  Learn about creating a Premium DS Logon account
• MyHealtheVet website with MyHealtheVet credential (premium)  Learn about creating a Premium My HealtheVet account

Download the “VA: Health and Benefits” phone app and set it up with the four credentials from Task #1.  

• Apple App Store
• Google play

Provide at least some of the documents listed below. We need this information to properly evaluate your case and determine the best plan for your evidence.  Do not worry if you cannot obtain everything on the list.  Just do your best.  If you run into trouble, ask us for help.  We can also just move forward with what you have available.  As we work together, we will figure out how to obtain any missing documents that are needed.

• C-file PDF file/files (only if you already have them; the C-file usually comes on a physical CD disc but might also be delivered by website download; we don’t need the disc, just the PDF files)
• DD-214 (only if already separated or retired)
• VA Rating Decisions (any that you have, and definitely any from the last year; call the VA at (800) 827-1000 and they will email them to you; you can also access them from the VA app)
• Rating Decision Code Sheet (only if you have previous claims; try at least once to obtain this document by calling the VA at (800) 827-1000 and requesting that they email it to you; the VA does not like giving the Code Sheet to you; you will likely encounter difficulty obtaining it, so don’t worry about trying more than once
• eBenefits printout from the “Disabilities” screen (only if you have prior claims)
• VA.gov printout from the “Disabilities” screen (only if you have prior claims)
• VA.gov printout from “Check your claim or appeal status” screen (only if you have prior claims)
• VA medical records (MyHealtheVet) for the last year (only if you received VA healthcare)
• Radiology images and reports. Read about the importance of radiology images here.
• DOD medical records (Tricare Online or MHS Genesis) for the last year (only if you received DoD medical care)
• STRs (active duty medical records)
• Personnel documents (milConnect)
• Birth certificates for your children and your marriage license if you have not previously submitted dependent information to the VA
• Other documents you think may be helpful (other medical records, pictures, buddy letters, personal statements, headache logs, etc.)

Share your files with us using our document uploader. It is best to upload your files in a single batch, not one at a time.

Register a new Intent-to-File by calling the VA at (800) 827-1000.

Please let us know right away if you have an upcoming deadline so that we can attempt to accommodate your needs.  Examples include:

• Proposed reduction
• Hearing date
• Appeal date 
• Intent-to-File expiration
• Evidence submission date