Does MEPS retain or forward physical examination results to the VA?

SPC Onel Cruz — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 07:57:26 -0400

I am a prior service Marine who was attempting to reenlist into the Army. In order to come back into service I had to re-do my physical exam in MEPS. Since MEPS made it insanely difficult to come back in, I decided to refrain from enlisting and just file a claim with the VA for my past injuries. My question is, will the physical examination in MEPS affect any of the claims I may put in with the VA?

Response by SSG Howard Fair made Apr 13 at 2019 8:03 AM

SSG Howard Fair — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 08:03:08 -0400

More than likely, yes

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2019 8:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 08:35:23 -0400

My experience on the topic is that unless you give the VA that particular piece of information, no. Check with your recruter, since you decided to stop the process before the Oath, it might have gone into file 13. If it didn't you have the right to request a copy. Indy doesn't just give the VA your records, or didn't used to.

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Apr 13 at 2019 9:17 AM

COL Dana Hampton — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 09:17:35 -0400

There is currently no direct handoff between the Services and the VA. Records from your service component must be provided by the veteran.

During your career, make copies of all medical document for your personal files...no matter how trivial. Sick call slips can be used as evidence of a service connected illness or injury.

During our processing get a copy of your entire/complete medical record.

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made Apr 13 at 2019 9:42 AM

SFC Cynthia Eyer — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 09:42:23 -0400

No. They do not share these records. Only your valid medical file while on active duty (which includes reserve/guard duty days) is reviewed for VA Disability status. It is up to you to ensure the full record of evidence for each claim is submitted to VA. If you have more than one claim for an icident then you must submit duplicate paperwork for each claim. An example would be me falling from a height of 10 ft, flat on my back and also sustaing a concussion and cuts and bruises. The scars are one claim, requiring full case records. The concussion is another claim, requiring full case record of same case, and the spinal injuries from compressed discs are a third claim requiring the exact same full record of incident.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2019 10:16 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 10:16:07 -0400

No, but they should. It would eliminate quite a few claims for preexisting conditions.
You can send it in yourself, if you think it helps your claim.

Response by SSgt Robert Matlock made Apr 13 at 2019 10:16 AM

SSgt Robert Matlock — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 10:16:30 -0400

The VA can't receive your records, unless you ask the Marines to send them a copy. Over the years I have requested and received 4 copies of my medical records, one when I was ready to retire from the AF, next for the VA, another to update my personnel record, and the last for a new VA claim. Every record contained different information, one has the exam completed when I entered the ANG in Oklahoma, another the MEPS exam when I enlisted in the regular AF, and one had an incident when I got drunk, tripped in the dark and almost bit my lip off. I found it was best for my VA claims to request my medical records, dig through the mess, find the pages that support my claim, and include them in my paperwork. This strengthens my claim, and shortened the time it took to resolve my claim.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 13 at 2019 10:17 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 10:17:34 -0400

No sir. You need to go to your local VA. Your local VFW usually has a person that assists Veterans with filling paperwork. Remember, not all injuries are tied to the military. Hopefully your medical records reflect what your injuries are. A physical from MEPS does not suffice as an evaluation of your prior service either. It needs to be the records from your time in service. If you do not have them the VA and the VFW can provide you with the site through which you can obtain those records. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 13 at 2019 11:03 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 11:03:19 -0400

My question is, why did you give up just because it was insanely difficult? Military life can be insanely difficult, so you shouldn't give up.

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Apr 15 at 2019 5:12 PM

MSG Robert Conrad — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:12:24 -0400

Yes, all preexisting conditions will be considered for service connection based on aggravation beyond the natural course of the disease. A medical opinion will be requested on your behalf from the examiner.

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Apr 15 at 2019 5:31 PM

MSG Robert Conrad — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:31:23 -0400

As a follow up if you did not complete the process, that MEPs will not show up on you STRs but is still of record in MEPCOM. It will only surface of associated to your records. Currently the VA only goes to your service dept for your records. The VA is becoming more automated, a recent problem that has caused vets problems is that guys were working and receiving unemployability, starting in 2018 they are getting caught because income is being reported by Federal agencies because of data sharing that never existed previously.