A little-known Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directive requires VHA health care providers to help veterans in applying for Social Security Disability and other benefits not related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The directive, 2008-071, mandates that VHA health care providers assist veteran patients with completing non-VA medical forms required for various benefits processes, including Social Security Disability. It also requires VA health care providers to obtain, on request, medical statements, which can be used for non-VA purposes.
Process for Requesting Help With Non-VA Medical Forms
Veterans may ask VHA health care providers to complete non-VA forms that require the assistance of a health professional. Either a primary care provider or a specialist can help the veteran with the form. Examples of the non-VA forms that the VHA health care providers can help with include:
– Social Security Administration examination forms
– Family Medical Leave Act forms
– Life insurance application forms
– Non-VA disability retirement forms
– State workers’ compensation forms
– State drivers license or handicap parking forms
The VHA health care professional can complete the non-VA form by appointment or when the veteran visits him or her for treatment generally. All the veteran must do is present the form to the health care professional and he or she will fill it out. The veteran also must complete and sign the Individuals Request for a Copy of their Own Health Information Form (Form 10-5345a).
Process for Requesting Help With Medical Statements
If the veteran would like to forward his or her own medical statement to the Social Security Administration, he or she must complete Form 10-5345a. On the other hand, if the veteran prefers that the VA forward the statement directly to the requesting party, he or she needs to complete the Request for an Authorization to Release Medical Records of Health Information Form (Form 10-5345).