What is a Fully Developed Claim (FDC)?
The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program is an optional process for veterans filing for disability compensation. By submitting an FDC, you are certifying that you have provided all relevant records and medical evidence at the time of filing and that you have no more evidence to submit. This allows the VA to focus on the evidence provided rather than initiating its own evidence-gathering duties (like requesting federal and private records), which can streamline the decision-making process.
What is a Standard Claim? The Key Differences
In a standard claim, the VA has a “Duty to Assist” you in gathering the medical evidence required for clinical review. This means they will actively request your service medical records, private treatment records, and other federal documents on your behalf. This process involves multiple administrative steps for the VA.
The key difference is responsibility: In an FDC, you are responsible for gathering and submitting all clinical documentation. In a standard claim, you can identify the sources of evidence, and the VA will assist in obtaining it.
The FDC Checklist: What You Need to Submit
To qualify for the FDC program, you must submit all relevant, available medical evidence in your possession, including:
- All private medical records related to your clinical conditions.
- Identification of any federal records (like Social Security disability records).
- Any supporting documents like a Nexus Letter providing a medical opinion, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) completed by a private doctor focused on clinical findings, or buddy statements.
You must also attend any C&P exams scheduled by the VA.
How Much Faster is the FDC Program? Analyzing the Data
Historically, the VA has processed FDC claims more efficiently than standard claims. While timelines fluctuate, the FDC program is designed to reach a decision in a more streamlined manner than a standard claim. The VA’s goal is to complete FDCs within their established performance targets. By providing clinical evidence upfront, you can potentially reduce delays in the ‘Evidence Gathering’ phase of the VA claim timeline.
When is a Standard Claim a Better Option?
A standard claim process might be appropriate if you are having difficulty obtaining certain records. For example, if you know you were treated at a private hospital years ago but cannot obtain those records personally, you can identify that source in a standard claim, and the VA will use its resources to obtain them. Filing an FDC without all necessary medical evidence may result in the claim being converted to the standard process by the VA.
FAQ: Fully Developed Claims
What is the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program?
The BDD program is a type of FDC for service members who are between 180 and 90 days from their date of separation. It allows them to submit their clinical documentation while still on active duty, which is intended to facilitate receiving benefits as soon as possible after they leave the military.
What happens if the VA needs more evidence for my FDC?
If you submit an FDC but the VA determines it needs more information (for example, after your C&P exam), your claim will simply be removed from the FDC program and processed as a standard claim. You do not lose your place in line.
Can I submit an FDC for an appeal?
The FDC program is primarily for initial medical evaluations. The appeals process has its own set of procedures and timelines, such as Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals.