What action must a veteran take if they wish to keep their claim eligible for the FDC Program regarding private medical records?

The correct action for a veteran to take in order to keep their claim eligible for the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program concerning private medical records involves providing completed VA Forms 21-4142 and 21-4142a. This is crucial because these forms are designed specifically to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to obtain relevant private medical records on behalf of the veteran. By completing and submitting these forms, veterans can ensure that the VA has the necessary permissions to access critical information needed to process their claims efficiently.

This process aligns with the goals of the FDC Program, which emphasizes the importance of having all pertinent information available at the time of claim submission. By submitting these forms, veterans help facilitate a smoother and more timely evaluation of their claims, thereby potentially leading to faster benefits. The use of these specific VA forms is essential for the Department to retrieve accurate medical history and other relevant details from private healthcare providers without any delays or issues regarding authorization.

Understanding this process is vital for veterans navigating their claims and helps them avoid unnecessary setbacks that could impact their benefits timeline.