Evidence is Needed to Reopen a Case

If you present appropriate evidence, the VA might be persuaded to reconsider certain claims that have either exhausted the appeal system or been closed due to a missed filing deadline.

However, many veterans are confused by what constitutes “appropriate” evidence—and with good cause. Sometimes even professionals experienced with the VA disability system are surprised by what isn’t successful.

Here are some examples of evidence that are appropriate to submit to the VA when attempting to reopen a disability claim:

Medical records showing you have recently started receiving medications and treatment for a service-connected condition that the VA had determined was no longer affecting you.
New findings demonstrating that the extent of the reported medical condition is more severe than originally described.

Next, here are some examples of evidence that definitely won’t make the VA reconsider a closed claim:

Redundant evidence, such as medical records that replicate findings already submitted with your original claim.
Evidence that doesn’t directly relate to the focus of your claim, such as buddy statements describing how much the trouble the issue gave you while you were still in the service.
Evidence that doesn’t have sufficient medical support, such as a letter from a family member who is not a medical professional.

Determining what sort of information you need to reopen a closed VA claim can be extremely difficult without legal support. Don’t shortchange your options – take the next step by talking to a knowledgeable and experienced Houston VA benefits lawyer at Morgan & Weisbrod today. Call us toll-free at 800-800-6353or fill out the online form.

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