The%20Fully%20Developed%20Claims%20(FDC)%20Program

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The Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program
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Fully Developed Claims Topics

1. Definition of a Fully Developed Claim.
2. Advantages of Filing an FDC Claim.
3. How to File an FDC Claim.

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Definition of a Fully Developed Claim
A Fully Developed Claim (FDC) is a claim
submitted with all available evidence. An FDC
claim requires no additional development. The
only exceptions are VA development to obtain
service treatment records and VA treatment
records.
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Advantages of Filing an FDC Claim
The processing time for a typical VA claim takes
12 to 18 months or more. FDC claims are
typically being processed in 90 to 140 days.
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How to File an FDC Claim

• The following VA Forms are required
• VA Form 21-526EZ for Disability Compensation and
  Related Compensation Benefits.
• VA Form 21-534EZ for DIC, Death Pension, and/or
  Accrued Benefits.
• VA Form 21-527EZ for Pension.

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How to File an FDC Claim
If additional development is needed before the EZ
form can be filed, an Informal FDC claim can be
presented to protect the effective date of the
claim. When an Informal FDC is filed, the
claimant has 12 months to present a formal FDC
with all necessary evidence.
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How to File an FDC Claim
The claimant may file an Informal FDC by
submitting the following statement I intend to
apply for compensation (or pension) benefits
under the FDC Program. This statement is
submitted to preserve my effective date for
entitlement to benefits. I am in the process of
assembling my claim package for
submission. Again, If the claimant uses the
Informal FDC option, they have 1 year from that
date to present a formal FDC to protect the
effective date.
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How to File an FDC Claim

• In order for an FDC to be successful, the
  following is needed
• An FDC must be submitted using the most
  up-to-date EZ form.
• All evidence in support of the claim must be
  presented with the formal FDC claim.
• Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are
  very helpful.

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How to File an FDC Claim
What are Disability Benefit Questionnaires
(DBQs)? DBQs are questionnaires a veteran may
provide to a local VA or non-VA physician. If
completed properly, VA can utilize the DBQ in
lieu of a VA compensation and pension
examination.
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How to File an FDC Claim
The submission of a proper and complete DBQ with
the FDC will contribute to a quicker
decision. The time for an average CP exam to be
scheduled can be 45 days or more. Make sure you
are using the correct DBQ. You may need to
delay filing the FDC in order to obtain a DBQ.
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How to File an FDC Claim

• A claim will be removed from the FDC process and
  adjudicated through the traditional claims
  process if
• The VA determines that additional supporting
  documents or records are required for
  development.
• The claimant submits any additional evidence
  after the FDC is filed.
• The veteran fails to appear for a scheduled VA
  examination.

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How to File an FDC Claim
If the VA removes an FDC from the program, it
will be processed traditionally based on the
original date of claim. The VA will notify the
claimant indicating the reason it does not
qualify for the FDC program. A claimant may not
file an FDC while there is a separate pending
claim or appeal at the Board of Veterans Appeals
(BVA). The best time to file an FDC is when no
other claim is pending with the VA.
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How to File an FDC Claim

• Common FDC Mistakes!
• Inadequate identification of claimed
  disabilities.
• Failure to disclose all sources of medical
  treatment.
• Failure to provide all treatment records.
• Incomplete EZ or DBQ forms.

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How to File an FDC Claim

• Remember three things
• File the informal FDC claim.
• Fully develop the FDC.
• Formalize and submit the formal FDC.
• The sole purpose of filing a FDC claim is to
  reduce processing time. Currently 27 of all
  claims presented by DAV are Fully Developed
  Claims
• This is a cooperative effort between NSOs,
  DSOs, CSOs, and VA.

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How to File an FDC Claim
Questions?
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