If you get a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Evidence Intake Center (EIC), don’t throw it away. Read the letter carefully, look for any deadlines, and follow any instructions the VA gives you.
You can also talk with the Veterans Affairs disability benefits claims lawyers from Marc Whitehead & Associates about your letter from the Evidence Intake Center. We can go over your letter with you and answer any questions you have about it.
Our disability attorneys know how difficult it can be to get a VA Disability compensation claim approved. We want to help you overcome challenges you encounter throughout the claims process. If for any reason your claim has been denied, we can help you appeal in accordance with the VA’s guidelines.
What Is the VA Evidence Intake Center?
The VA Evidence Intake Center, which the VA sometimes refers to as the Claims Intake Center in certain materials, is associated with the central intake and processing of various VA claims-related communications and correspondence.
Based on your claim and the contents of your letter, the VA may request additional information or evidence, such as:
- Medical evidence, such as medical records and test results
- Medical opinions or nexus letters
- Military medical or personnel records
- Statements or other supporting documents
- Forms or other information specifically identified in the VA’s correspondence
You may receive a letter from the VA Evidence Intake Center after you get started with the Veterans Disability claims process. In this scenario, meet with the Veterans Disability lawyers at Marc Whitehead & Associates. This is an opportunity to review your legal options with our attorneys, who can provide you with insights on what to do with your letter from the EIC.
Next Steps After Receiving a Letter from the Evidence Intake Center
The Veterans Disability attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates can give you information about the process for receiving disability compensation from the VA. Along with this, we can guide you through the following steps to take after you get a letter from the VA Evidence Intake Center:
- Review your letter with your attorney. Find out whether the VA needs additional medical records or forms or is notifying you about your disability benefits claim decision. In addition, check to see if there’s a deadline for you to respond, since you may have only a certain amount of time from the letter’s date to do so.
- Create a claims file. Put together all documents that you plan to return to the VA in a physical or digital file.
- Gather evidence. Collect doctors’ notes, hospital bills, service records, or other proof that the VA requests.
- Submit the requested materials using the method and mailing address specified in the VA’s correspondence. Depending on the situation, you can fill out an electronic form and submit your materials electronically via a direct upload to the VA’s website. You can also file your materials through a mail processing center via certified mail with a return receipt that provides proof of delivery to the VA EIC office.
If you complete the VA claims process and your application for benefits has been approved, the VA will send you a decision letter that explains the benefits you will receive and their effective date. Keep that letter safe because you will need it if you have to move forward with various VA processes to apply for other benefits.
Tips to Help You Respond After You Get a Letter from the VA Evidence Intake Center
Have the legal team at Marc Whitehead & Associates assist you with your response to a letter from the VA’s EIC. Our VA Disability lawyers will examine the specifics of your situation and give you personalized legal insights and advice. Below are tips to help you respond appropriately to an EIC letter regarding your VA Disability compensation claim:
- Don’t wait to respond. If you miss the deadline to respond, this can affect how the VA processes or decides your claim.
- Provide relevant information to the EIC. Don’t send the EIC any documents or materials relating to other veterans’ matters, such as educational claims or home loan applications. Extraneous documents or materials can muddle or delay the processing of your disability benefits application.
- Appeal a denied claim. If your claim has been denied, work with our attorneys, as we will take the guesswork out of the appeals process. Our lawyers will help you appeal your denied Veterans Disability claim promptly and build an argument that illustrates why your benefits request should be approved.
If you received a letter from the VA’s Evidence Intake Center, it’s in your best interests to give the document the attention it deserves. If you don’t, you can compromise your VA Disability claim.
The Bottom Line on What to Do After You Receive a Letter from the VA Evidence Intake Center
How veterans respond to letters from the VA Evidence Intake Center can have far-reaching effects. If a veteran ignores this letter, they can hurt their chances of receiving VA Disability benefits. On the other hand, if a veteran prioritizes the letter, they can respond in a way that improves their chances of getting VA benefits that serve them well now and in the future.
Marc Whitehead & Associates has a team in place with 120 years of combined experience. We value our relationships with veterans and their families and are committed to helping military service members secure disability benefits. Our lawyers are ready to share our veterans’ law knowledge with you.
If you have concerns about what to do with a letter that you get from the VA EIC, we are here to help. Our attorneys will remain on your side as you respond to your EIC letter and help you make informed legal decisions consistently.
Alternatively, if you want to file a supplemental claim following a denial, we can assist. For more information, schedule a case consultation.