Question:
I retired from the USAF in 1991. My retirement physical that I may have an onset of high blood pressure and heart disease. I was seen by a cardiologist. Over the years, I did develop these conditions. I was also stationed in the RVN where I started having early signs of Peripheral Neuropathy. I did file a claim for neuropathy. Should I file a claim for the questionable cardiac disease that develop after retirement or any other condition that I was treated for while on active duty, even if I'm not having an issue with right now.
Jim's Reply:
You can't expect to file a claim for a condition that isn't bothering you. If you aren't having any issues with a physical problem, how do you expect to file a claim? You need a diagnosis of a physical ailment to successfully file a disability claim. Once you have a firm, not questionable, diagnosis that is service connected, then file the claim.