common va effective date errors - Military Order of the Purple Heart

(2) Service Department Records
Received After a Final Denial
• Section 3.156(c) & Effective Dates
• The original claim is not just re-opened
• it is reconsidered and serves as the date of claim and
earliest date benefits may be granted
• vet could be assigned effective date of original claim or
date entitlement arose, whichever is later
• duty to assist requires developing evid of degree of
disability from PTSD and developing evid when vet first
suffered PTSD or extent he suffered PTSD prior to date of
claim to reopen.
© NVLSP 2011 18