Receiving a letter from the VA Evidence Intake Center typically confirms they have received *some* records, but it does not guarantee they have obtained *all* relevant civilian medical records. Under 38 CFR 3.159, the VA has a duty to assist in obtaining records you adequately identify, but this requires you to provide a complete address for the treatment facility and sign a VA Form 21-4142/4142a authorizing release. The VA does not automatically have access to private civilian records. Your actionable next steps are to: 1) Carefully review the letter to see if it is an acknowledgment of receipt or a *request* for records, 2) Check your claim status online via VA.gov to see if your submitted civilian records are listed as received, and 3) If you have not already done so, immediately submit a signed VA Form 21-4142/4142a for each civilian provider, as this is the legal authorization they require to request records on your behalf. Proactively gathering and submitting the records yourself is often the fastest method, as emphasized in the Fully Developed Claim process. *This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice.*
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Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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