2. Fully Developed Claims vs. Standard Claims: Speed Up Your Decision
When you file for disability, you have two lanes: the Slow Lane (Standard Claim) and the Fast Lane (Fully Developed Claim). Unfortunately, most veterans unknowingly choose the slow lane.
What is a Standard Claim?
In a Standard Claim, you tell the VA, "I have these conditions, please go find my records and tell me if I'm disabled." The VA then has to request records from the DoD, private doctors, and other agencies. This gathering phase can take months or years.
The Power of the FDC (Fully Developed Claim)
An FDC is when you submit all your evidence at the exact moment you file. This includes:
- Private Medical Records
- DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires) filled out by private doctors
- Nexus Letters
- Buddy Statements
By doing this, you are essentially handing the VA a completed homework assignment. They don't need to hunt for evidence; they just need to review what you gave them and make a decision.
Why We Use the FDC Strategy
Our process focuses entirely on building a Fully Developed Claim before we ever submit. This is why our clients often see decisions in 30-60 days, whereas the national average can be much longer. We do the heavy lifting upfront so you don't wait in limbo.
Ready for the Fast Lane?
Stop waiting on the VA to find your records. Let us help you build a Fully Developed Claim today.