VA asks for substitute STR evidence, but I don’t want to resubmit duplicate evidence. Is a reference statement enough?
VA posted a request on my claim saying: “STRs not available – substitute documents needed.”
My claim is for Parkinson’s disease based on delayed-onset toxic exposure, not an in-service diagnosis. I was not treated for Parkinson’s while active duty, so I would not expect STRs from the 1990s to show Parkinson’s.
I already submitted a full evidence package: DD-214/personnel records, toxic exposure evidence, private medical records, private, treating neurologist nexus opinion, DBQ, lay statements, spouse statement, and symptom timeline.
I do not want to re-upload duplicate evidence and clutter the file. My plan is to upload a short 21-4138 saying:
- I am responding to the STR substitute request;
- I do not have additional STRs;
- I am not claiming Parkinson’s was diagnosed in service;
- the claim is based on delayed toxic-exposure disease;
- I ask VA to consider the evidence already submitted as substitute evidence;
- I identify the already-uploaded evidence by category/file name instead of resubmitting it.
Is that the right way to handle this? I don't have additional evidence.
Also, will the VA just "ignore" resuming my claim until their 7/31/2026 deadline?
Is this request normal and I shouldn't read anything too deep about what they are thinking?