Protecting Your Rights: Why Strong Medical Documentation is Vital for Your VA Disability Claims
By the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
Washington, D.C. — The United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Bufkin v. McDonough (March 5, 2025) has changed the landscape for veterans seeking to challenge the denial of VA disability claims. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims must apply a “clear error” standard when reviewing factual findings made by the VA. In practical terms, this means courts are no longer permitted to reassess the evidence independently; they may only overturn a VA decision if it is “clearly erroneous.” (SCOTUS Opinion)
This shift serves as a wake-up call to both active-duty service members and veterans: your best chance to protect your benefits begins at the first step of the process. If you do not thoroughly document your disabilities and service-related injuries from the outset, it becomes far harder to fix mistakes later.
We at the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon want to emphasize what this means for you.
When you apply for disability benefits, the VA evaluates your case primarily based on the medical records, service treatment records, and personal statements you provide. Historically, veterans were given a degree of deference under the “benefit of the doubt” rule codified in 38 U.S.C. § 5107(b). However, following Bufkin, even if the evidence is close, unless you can show that the VA made a clear, undeniable mistake, appeals courts are bound to uphold the VA’s decision.
Therefore, the burden is squarely on the veteran to submit compelling, well-documented, and complete evidence from the start.
- Medical examinations should be thorough and service-connected.
- Independent medical evaluations (IMEs) can make a powerful difference.
- Personal statements must be detailed, credible, and consistent.
- Buddy statements from fellow service members or supervisors should corroborate your claims.
- Any psychological conditions (such as PTSD) must be clearly diagnosed and linked to specific in-service events.
Additional resources that may assist you:
- VA Disability Compensation Overview
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) Guide
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
- VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual
For active-duty service members, it is crucial to document every injury, illness, and incident while you are still in uniform. Insist that every medical complaint is recorded accurately in your service treatment records. A casual “I’ll tough it out” attitude could cost you dearly years later.
For retirees and separated veterans, if you suspect you were short-changed by the VA or if your condition has worsened, gather updated medical evaluations immediately. Do not rely on the appeal process alone to “correct” a weak record — build the strongest possible case at the earliest opportunity.
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon has decades of experience fighting for the rights of service members and veterans nationwide. We understand how to craft persuasive legal arguments, but we cannot stress enough: you are your own best advocate when it comes to creating the factual record the law now demands.
In the wake of Bufkin v. McDonough, protecting your rights is about more than simply applying for benefits — it is about strategically defending your future from the very first form you file.
If you have questions about your disability rating, pending claims, or appeal strategies, contact our office today. We are honored to stand beside those who have served.
About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC Located in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon represents service members and veterans nationwide in matters of military justice, security clearance defense, disability claims, and federal employment rights. Our mission is to ensure that every service member receives the full measure of justice and benefits they deserve.
Contact Us: Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
100 M Street SE, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20003
militarydefense.com
Phone: (202) 546-9575
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact an attorney for personalized guidance.