Bethanie Spangenberg joins the Exposed Vet Podcast to discuss the critical importance of having a proper diagnosis before filing VA disability claims. Veterans pursuing benefits under the PACT Act often overlook this fundamental requirement, resulting in automatic denials.
• Medical diagnosis vs legal disability requirements - two different perspectives veterans must navigate
• C&P examiners cannot order diagnostic tests, making prior diagnosis documentation essential
• Symptoms like pain are not diagnoses - veterans must get proper clinical evaluation before filing
• ICD billing codes used by doctors are not the same as VA disability rating codes
• Veterans should maintain medical documentation every 12-18 months for ongoing conditions
• Legal precedents exist allowing veterans to argue for service connection based on symptoms that later develop into diagnosed conditions
• Continuity of treatment not required, but continuity of disease process must be established
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) claims require specialized knowledge and strategy
• High blood pressure ratings on VA schedule are dangerously high - medical treatment recommended at much lower levels
Visit valor4vet.com for more information from Bethanie and the team about medically-supported VA claims.
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