Stop the Record Chase: Complete 21-4142/4142a Today

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Filed under:Claim Evidence & Filing Essentials

Quit waiting on VA to find your private records—hand them the roadmap. Today, fill out VA Form 21-4142 and 21-4142a for every private doctor, clinic, ER, or therapist who treated the conditions you’re claiming. List full provider names, mailing addresses, phone/fax if you have them, and tight date ranges tied to each condition, then sign and upload them under your active claim on VA.gov. Incomplete releases are why claims stall or get denied for “no evidence.” If you already have those records, upload the PDFs too—don’t assume VA got them. Unsure about the current forms? Check VA.gov. Do this now and you’ll cut weeks off development and close the “we couldn’t obtain” excuse.

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VA Claim Helper is led by a U.S. Navy submariner (ET2/SS, USS Pittsburgh 1995–2005) translating VA law into plain-English claim strategy so veterans can document service connection, prep for C&P exams, and win ratings without guesswork.

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Service: U.S. Navy • 1995–2005 • USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), ET2/SS

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