Trigger Earlier Effective Dates with Informal Claims from Your Past

Your old VA phone calls and emails could be worth thousands in backpay. Request a copy of all VA communications from the past year using a Freedom of Information Act request - many veterans don't realize that informal claims (phone calls, emails, or walk-in visits about conditions) can establish earlier effective dates if properly documented. Submit FOIA request online at va.gov/records or mail VA Form 20-3288 to your Regional Office, specifically asking for call logs and correspondence about your conditions.