Win Faster: Build and Upload an Evidence Index That Speaks VA’s Language
Build a laser-focused evidence index tonight. Take 30 minutes to map every document in your file - date, source, and exactly what element it proves (diagnosis, in-service event, nexus, or rating criteria) - then rename your PDFs clearly (YYYYMMDD Provider RecordType KeyPoint) and upload them to your active claim on VA.gov. Add a short VA Form 21-4138 referencing your index and pointing VA to the right pages. This reduces guesswork at the rater's desk and speeds decisions. If upload steps changed, check VA.gov.