Initial vault setup

- VA strategy documents for Fred - Kobe VA dependent benefits documents - Infrastructure overview - Home dashboard - Obsidian config Created by Funky (OpenClaw) on Thu Feb 5 02:54:14 UTC 2026
2026-02-05 02:54:14 +00:00
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+# Kobe VA Dependent Benefits: Complete Documentation Checklist
+
+**Purpose:** Master checklist for gathering all documentation needed for VA dependent benefits claim. Use this to track progress and ensure nothing is missed.
+
+**Claim Goal:** Establish that Kobe has a permanent disability that existed before age 18, rendering him incapable of self-support.
+
+---
+
+## CLAIM TIMELINE TRACKER
+
+| Milestone | Target Date | Actual Date | Status |
+|-----------|-------------|-------------|--------|
+| Records requests sent | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| Doctor appointment scheduled | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| All medical records received | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| Lay statement completed | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| Doctor letter obtained | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| Complete package compiled | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| VA Form 21-686c completed | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| Claim submitted to VA | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| VA acknowledgment received | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| C&P exam scheduled (if needed) | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+| Decision received | ___/___/___ | ___/___/___ | [ ] |
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 1: VA FORMS & OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
+
+### Required Forms
+
+**Primary Form:**
+- [ ] **VA Form 21-686c** - Declaration of Status of Dependents
+  - Available: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-686c/
+  - Can file online via eBenefits or VA.gov
+  - Or mail paper form to regional office
+  - **Key sections for disabled child:**
+    - Part III, Section B: Information about helpless child
+    - Must answer questions about child's disability
+    - Requires doctor signature in certain cases
+
+**Additional Forms (may be needed):**
+- [ ] **VA Form 21-4138** - Statement in Support of Claim
+  - Use this to submit lay statement if needed
+  - Can also be used for additional explanatory information
+  
+- [ ] **VA Form 21-0788** - Authorization to Disclose Information
+  - Allows VA to request medical records directly
+  - Fill out for each medical provider
+  
+- [ ] **VA Form 21-4142** - Authorization for Release of Information
+  - Another authorization form for medical records
+  - Use if providers require specific VA form
+
+**Identity Documents:**
+- [ ] Kobe's birth certificate (certified copy)
+- [ ] Kobe's Social Security card (copy)
+- [ ] Your DD-214 (if not already in VA file)
+- [ ] Proof of your VA disability rating (award letter)
+
+**Status:**
+- Forms obtained: [ ]
+- Forms completed: [ ]
+- Forms ready to submit: [ ]
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 2: MEDICAL RECORDS
+
+**Purpose:** Establish medical history, diagnoses, and permanence of disability
+
+### A. Primary Care Records
+
+**Pediatrician/Family Doctor:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Address/Contact: _______________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] Records received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Date range:** [Start] to [End]
+  
+**What to request:**
+- [ ] Complete medical history
+- [ ] Well-child visit notes
+- [ ] Growth and developmental screening results
+- [ ] Referral letters to specialists
+- [ ] Immunization records
+- [ ] Any developmental delay documentation
+
+**Additional Primary Care Providers:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Records sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  
+### B. Specialist Records
+
+**Developmental Pediatrician:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Developmental assessments
+    - [ ] Diagnosis documentation
+    - [ ] Functional assessments
+    - [ ] Treatment recommendations
+
+**Neurologist (if applicable):**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Neurological exam results
+    - [ ] Brain imaging (MRI, CT, EEG)
+    - [ ] Seizure documentation
+    - [ ] Medication management notes
+
+**Psychiatrist/Psychologist:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Psychological evaluation reports
+    - [ ] IQ testing results
+    - [ ] Adaptive behavior assessments (Vineland, ABAS)
+    - [ ] Diagnostic assessments (ADOS for autism, etc.)
+    - [ ] Cognitive functioning reports
+
+**Geneticist (if applicable):**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Genetic testing results
+    - [ ] Chromosomal analysis
+    - [ ] Syndrome diagnosis documentation
+
+### C. Therapy Records
+
+**Speech-Language Pathologist:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Initial evaluation
+    - [ ] Progress notes
+    - [ ] Standardized test results (CELF, PPVT, etc.)
+    - [ ] Current functional level
+
+**Occupational Therapist:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Sensory processing evaluations
+    - [ ] Fine motor assessments
+    - [ ] Self-care skills evaluations
+    - [ ] ADL functioning reports
+
+**Physical Therapist (if applicable):**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Gross motor assessments
+    - [ ] Mobility evaluations
+    - [ ] Equipment needs documentation
+
+**Behavioral/ABA Therapist:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Key documents:**
+    - [ ] Functional behavior assessments
+    - [ ] Behavior intervention plans
+    - [ ] Progress data
+    - [ ] Adaptive skill assessments
+
+### D. Hospital/Emergency Records
+
+- [ ] **Facility:** [Hospital Name] ________________
+  - [ ] **Dates of service:** _____________________
+  - [ ] **Reason:** (birth records, ER visits, admissions)
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+
+**What to request:**
+- [ ] Birth records (especially if complications)
+- [ ] Newborn screening results
+- [ ] ER visit records (head injuries, seizures, etc.)
+- [ ] Inpatient admission records
+- [ ] Surgical records (if any)
+
+**Additional facilities:**
+- [ ] **Facility:** _____________ | Sent: ___/___ | Received: ___/___
+- [ ] **Facility:** _____________ | Sent: ___/___ | Received: ___/___
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 3: EDUCATIONAL RECORDS
+
+**Purpose:** Document educational impact and need for special services
+
+### A. School Records
+
+**Current School:**
+- [ ] **School:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] **Contact:** [Special Ed Coordinator] ____________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+
+**What to request:**
+- [ ] **Current IEP (Individualized Education Program)**
+  - [ ] Present levels of performance
+  - [ ] Goals and objectives
+  - [ ] Services provided (hours/type)
+  - [ ] Accommodations and modifications
+  - [ ] Most recent progress reports
+  
+- [ ] **All previous IEPs** (every year)
+  - Shows progression and long-term needs
+  
+- [ ] **Initial evaluation for special education**
+  - Documents when disability was first identified by school
+  - Often includes comprehensive testing
+  
+- [ ] **All re-evaluations** (typically every 3 years)
+  - [ ] Psychoeducational evaluation
+  - [ ] Academic achievement testing
+  - [ ] Cognitive/IQ testing
+  - [ ] Adaptive behavior assessment
+  - [ ] Functional behavior assessment
+  
+- [ ] **Report cards** (all years)
+  - Shows academic functioning
+  
+- [ ] **Progress reports** (IEP goal progress)
+  
+- [ ] **504 Plan** (if applicable, before IEP)
+  
+- [ ] **Discipline records**
+  - Behavioral incident reports
+  - Suspensions or removals from class
+  
+- [ ] **Attendance records**
+  - May show pattern of school avoidance or medical absences
+
+**Previous Schools:**
+- [ ] **School:** _____________ | Sent: ___/___ | Received: ___/___
+- [ ] **School:** _____________ | Sent: ___/___ | Received: ___/___
+
+### B. Early Intervention Records
+
+**Birth to Age 3:**
+- [ ] **Program:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  
+**What to request:**
+- [ ] Initial IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
+- [ ] All IFSP updates
+- [ ] Evaluation reports
+- [ ] Service provider notes
+- [ ] Developmental assessments
+- [ ] Transition plan to preschool
+
+**Age 3-5 (Preschool):**
+- [ ] **Program:** [Name] ________________________
+  - [ ] Request sent: ___/___/___ | Received: ___/___/___
+  
+**What to request:**
+- [ ] Preschool IEP
+- [ ] Developmental assessments
+- [ ] Readiness evaluations
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 4: DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
+
+**Purpose:** Formal testing that documents disability severity
+
+### Key Assessments to Obtain
+
+**Intellectual/Cognitive:**
+- [ ] **IQ Testing** (WISC, WAIS, Stanford-Binet, etc.)
+  - [ ] Test name: ___________________
+  - [ ] Date administered: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] Full Scale IQ: _____
+  - [ ] Verbal IQ: _____
+  - [ ] Performance IQ: _____
+  - [ ] Where obtained: _________________
+  - [ ] Copy in file: [ ]
+
+**Adaptive Functioning:**
+- [ ] **Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales**
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Score: _____ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **ABAS (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System)**
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Score: _____ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **Other:** ___________________
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Score: _____ | Copy: [ ]
+
+**Academic Achievement:**
+- [ ] **WIAT (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test)**
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Reading: ___ | Math: ___ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **Woodcock-Johnson**
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Scores: _________ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **Other:** ___________________
+
+**Autism Screening (if applicable):**
+- [ ] **ADOS-2** (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Result: _________ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **ADI-R** (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Result: _________ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **M-CHAT** (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Result: _________ | Copy: [ ]
+
+**Speech/Language:**
+- [ ] **CELF** (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals)
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Scores: _________ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **PPVT** (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test)
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Score: _____ | Copy: [ ]
+
+**Other Relevant Testing:**
+- [ ] **Test:** ___________ | Date: ___/___ | Result: _____ | Copy: [ ]
+- [ ] **Test:** ___________ | Date: ___/___ | Result: _____ | Copy: [ ]
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 5: STATEMENTS & LETTERS
+
+### A. Medical Opinion Letter (CRITICAL)
+
+**Doctor to complete letter stating:**
+- [ ] **Provider:** [Name of doctor] ________________________
+  - [ ] Specialty: _____________________
+  - [ ] **Letter requested:** ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Letter received:** ___/___/___
+
+**Letter must include:**
+- [ ] Child's diagnoses (with ICD codes)
+- [ ] When disability began (preferably before age 18)
+- [ ] Nature and severity of disability
+- [ ] Functional limitations in clear terms
+- [ ] Prognosis (permanent vs. temporary)
+- [ ] Opinion: Child is "permanently incapable of self-support"
+- [ ] Medical basis for opinion
+- [ ] Doctor's credentials and relationship to child
+
+**Use the template:** `kobe-va-doctor-letter-template.md`
+
+### B. Parent Lay Statement
+
+- [ ] **Lay statement completed:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Reviewed and revised:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Signed and dated:** ___/___/___
+
+**Use the template:** `kobe-va-lay-statement-template.md`
+
+**Key elements included:**
+- [ ] Specific examples of functional limitations
+- [ ] Comparison to typical children same age
+- [ ] Daily care requirements described
+- [ ] Safety concerns documented
+- [ ] Educational impact explained
+- [ ] Social functioning described
+- [ ] Family impact included
+- [ ] Permanence emphasized
+
+### C. Third-Party Statements (OPTIONAL BUT HELPFUL)
+
+**Teacher/School Staff:**
+- [ ] **Name:** _____________ | **Role:** _____________
+  - [ ] Statement requested: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] Statement received: ___/___/___
+
+**Therapist:**
+- [ ] **Name:** _____________ | **Type:** _____________
+  - [ ] Statement requested: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] Statement received: ___/___/___
+
+**Other Family Members:**
+- [ ] **Name:** _____________ | **Relationship:** _____________
+  - [ ] Statement completed: ___/___/___
+
+**What they should address:**
+- Their relationship to child and how long they've known him
+- Specific observations of limitations
+- How child compares to others they work with
+- Prognosis based on their professional judgment
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 6: FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION
+
+**Purpose:** May be needed to show child is not self-supporting
+
+- [ ] **Proof child lives with you:**
+  - [ ] Lease/mortgage showing child's name or your address
+  - [ ] School enrollment showing your address
+  - [ ] Medical records showing your address
+  
+- [ ] **Proof you provide financial support:**
+  - [ ] Bank statements showing expenses for child
+  - [ ] Medical bills in child's name
+  - [ ] Receipts for therapy, equipment, medications
+  
+- [ ] **Proof child has no income:**
+  - [ ] Statement that child receives no SSI/SSDI
+  - [ ] Or copy of SSI award letter (doesn't disqualify from VA benefits)
+  - [ ] Documentation child is not employed
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 7: SUPPORTING EVIDENCE COMPILATION
+
+### Evidence Categories
+
+**A. Diagnosis Evidence**
+- [ ] Organized by condition (autism, intellectual disability, etc.)
+- [ ] Earliest documentation first
+- [ ] Shows progression over time
+- [ ] Includes formal diagnostic reports
+
+**B. Functional Limitation Evidence**
+- [ ] ADL assessments
+- [ ] Adaptive behavior testing
+- [ ] School functional assessments
+- [ ] Therapy progress notes showing limitations
+- [ ] IEP present levels of performance
+
+**C. Permanence Evidence**
+- [ ] Early childhood diagnoses
+- [ ] Lack of progress despite intervention
+- [ ] Doctor statements about prognosis
+- [ ] Progressive worsening (if applicable)
+- [ ] Genetic diagnoses (if applicable)
+
+**D. Timeline Documentation**
+- [ ] Create a chronological timeline showing:
+  - When first concerns arose
+  - When diagnoses were made
+  - What interventions were tried
+  - Current status
+- [ ] Emphasizes: "This started before age 18 and is permanent"
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 8: ORGANIZATION & SUBMISSION
+
+### A. Document Organization
+
+**Create binder or digital folders with:**
+
+1. **Section 1: Forms**
+   - [ ] VA Form 21-686c (completed)
+   - [ ] VA Form 21-4138 (if using for lay statement)
+   - [ ] Other VA forms
+
+2. **Section 2: Identity Documents**
+   - [ ] Birth certificate
+   - [ ] Social Security card
+   - [ ] Your VA documents
+
+3. **Section 3: Medical Opinion Letter**
+   - [ ] Doctor's letter (THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT)
+
+4. **Section 4: Parent Lay Statement**
+   - [ ] Your detailed statement
+
+5. **Section 5: Medical Records**
+   - [ ] Organized by provider
+   - [ ] Chronological within each provider
+   - [ ] Tab dividers between providers
+
+6. **Section 6: Educational Records**
+   - [ ] Most recent IEP first
+   - [ ] Then previous IEPs in reverse chronological order
+   - [ ] Evaluation reports
+
+7. **Section 7: Testing & Assessments**
+   - [ ] Psychological evaluations
+   - [ ] IQ testing
+   - [ ] Adaptive behavior assessments
+   - [ ] Academic testing
+
+8. **Section 8: Third-Party Statements**
+   - [ ] Teacher statements
+   - [ ] Therapist statements
+   - [ ] Other supporting letters
+
+9. **Section 9: Timeline & Summary**
+   - [ ] Create one-page timeline of key dates
+   - [ ] Brief summary of evidence
+
+### B. Document Preparation
+
+- [ ] **Make copies:**
+  - [ ] Keep original documents
+  - [ ] Submit copies to VA (unless they require originals)
+  - [ ] Keep second set of copies for your records
+  
+- [ ] **Organize chronologically:**
+  - [ ] Oldest documents first or most recent first (be consistent)
+  
+- [ ] **Label everything:**
+  - [ ] Write child's name and DOB on every page
+  - [ ] Number pages if submitting large packet
+  
+- [ ] **Create index:**
+  - [ ] List of all documents being submitted
+  - [ ] Where each can be found (page numbers)
+
+### C. Submission Methods
+
+**Option 1: Online** (fastest)
+- [ ] Via VA.gov or eBenefits
+- [ ] Upload documents as PDFs
+- [ ] Receive immediate confirmation
+- [ ] Can track status online
+
+**Option 2: Mail**
+- [ ] Send to VA Regional Office
+- [ ] Use certified mail, return receipt requested
+- [ ] Keep proof of mailing
+- [ ] Allow 7-10 business days for processing
+
+**Option 3: In Person**
+- [ ] Regional office or VA medical center
+- [ ] Get stamped copy as proof of filing
+- [ ] Can ask questions in person
+
+**Submission details:**
+- [ ] **Method chosen:** _______________
+- [ ] **Date submitted:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Confirmation received:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Claim number assigned:** _______________
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 9: POST-SUBMISSION TRACKING
+
+### A. Initial Processing
+
+- [ ] **VA acknowledgment received:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Claim number:** _______________
+- [ ] **Assigned Regional Office:** _______________
+- [ ] **Expected decision timeframe:** _______________
+
+### B. Development (if VA requests more info)
+
+- [ ] **Request for additional evidence:** ___/___/___
+  - [ ] What they want: _____________________
+  - [ ] Deadline: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] Submitted: ___/___/___
+
+- [ ] **C&P Exam scheduled** (Compensation & Pension exam)
+  - [ ] Date: ___/___/___ | Time: _____ | Location: _________
+  - [ ] Type: (In-person / Telehealth / Records review)
+  - [ ] Examiner: _____________________
+  - [ ] Exam completed: ___/___/___
+  - [ ] **Bring to exam:**
+    - [ ] Photo ID
+    - [ ] List of current medications
+    - [ ] Summary of functional limitations
+    - [ ] Any recent medical records not yet submitted
+
+### C. Decision
+
+- [ ] **Decision letter received:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Decision:** (Approved / Denied / Deferred)
+- [ ] **Effective date:** ___/___/___
+- [ ] **Monthly benefit amount:** $_________
+
+**If Approved:**
+- [ ] First payment received: ___/___/___
+- [ ] Set up direct deposit if not already done
+- [ ] Understand reporting requirements (child's status changes)
+
+**If Denied:**
+- [ ] Read denial letter carefully
+- [ ] Note reasons for denial
+- [ ] Deadline to appeal: ___/___/___ (1 year from decision)
+- [ ] Decide: (Gather more evidence / File appeal / Request HLR / Supplemental claim)
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 10: COMMON PITFALLS & HOW TO AVOID THEM
+
+### ❌ Missing Critical Evidence
+
+**Problem:** "I didn't know I needed that"  
+**Solution:** This checklist! Submit everything, let VA decide what's relevant
+
+### ❌ Vague Statements
+
+**Problem:** "He has problems with daily living"  
+**Solution:** "He cannot dress himself, requires assistance bathing, and cannot prepare any food"
+
+### ❌ No Doctor Letter
+
+**Problem:** Submitted only medical records, no clear opinion  
+**Solution:** Get explicit letter stating "permanently incapable of self-support"
+
+### ❌ Missing Permanence
+
+**Problem:** Didn't emphasize disability is lifelong  
+**Solution:** Include prognosis, show early onset, document lack of progress
+
+### ❌ No Comparison to Peers
+
+**Problem:** Didn't show how child differs from typical children  
+**Solution:** Include adaptive behavior testing, educational evaluations
+
+### ❌ Too Much Medical Jargon
+
+**Problem:** Submitted only doctor notes full of terminology  
+**Solution:** Include parent lay statement in plain English
+
+### ❌ Gaps in Timeline
+
+**Problem:** Missing years of records  
+**Solution:** Create timeline explaining gaps, submit statement if records unavailable
+
+### ❌ Insufficient Functional Evidence
+
+**Problem:** Proves diagnosis but not impact  
+**Solution:** Focus on what child CANNOT do, need for supervision, ADL limitations
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 11: QUICK REFERENCE
+
+### Absolute Must-Haves (Cannot file without these)
+
+1. ✅ **VA Form 21-686c** (Declaration of Status of Dependents)
+2. ✅ **Birth certificate** (proves age and relationship)
+3. ✅ **Medical evidence of disability** (diagnosis + functional impact)
+
+### Extremely Important (Claim likely fails without these)
+
+4. ✅ **Doctor letter with clear opinion** (permanently incapable of self-support)
+5. ✅ **Proof disability began before age 18**
+6. ✅ **Evidence of functional limitations** (IEP, adaptive behavior testing, therapy notes)
+
+### Very Helpful (Strengthens claim significantly)
+
+7. ✅ **Parent lay statement** (your detailed observations)
+8. ✅ **IEP and school records** (educational impact)
+9. ✅ **Adaptive behavior assessment** (Vineland, ABAS showing scores)
+10. ✅ **Early childhood records** (shows permanence)
+
+### Nice to Have (Additional support)
+
+11. ✅ Third-party statements (teachers, therapists)
+12. ✅ Photos or videos showing functional limitations
+13. ✅ Financial documentation of care costs
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 12: KEY CONTACT INFORMATION
+
+**VA Resources:**
+- **VA Benefits Hotline:** 1-800-827-1000
+- **eBenefits:** https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
+- **VA.gov:** https://www.va.gov/
+- **MyHealtheVet:** https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
+
+**Your VA Information:**
+- **Regional Office:** _______________
+- **File Number / VA Claim Number:** _______________
+- **eBenefits Username:** _______________
+
+**Your VSO (Veterans Service Organization):**
+- **Organization:** (DAV, VFW, American Legion, etc.) _______________
+- **VSO Name:** _______________
+- **Phone:** _______________
+- **Email:** _______________
+
+**Key Medical Providers:**
+- **Primary Doctor:** _____________ | Phone: _____________
+- **Specialist:** _____________ | Phone: _____________
+- **Therapist:** _____________ | Phone: _____________
+
+**Key School Contacts:**
+- **Special Ed Coordinator:** _____________ | Phone: _____________
+- **IEP Case Manager:** _____________ | Phone: _____________
+
+---
+
+## SECTION 13: NOTES & REMINDERS
+
+**Document any issues, questions, or important information here:**
+
+**___/___/___** - 
+_________________________________________________________________
+_________________________________________________________________
+
+**___/___/___** - 
+_________________________________________________________________
+_________________________________________________________________
+
+**___/___/___** - 
+_________________________________________________________________
+_________________________________________________________________
+
+---
+
+## FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION
+
+**Review this right before you mail/upload:**
+
+- [ ] VA Form 21-686c completed and signed
+- [ ] All required identity documents included
+- [ ] Doctor letter explicitly states "permanently incapable of self-support"
+- [ ] Parent lay statement is detailed and specific
+- [ ] Medical records show diagnoses with dates
+- [ ] Evidence shows disability existed before age 18
+- [ ] Functional limitations are well-documented
+- [ ] IEP or educational evaluations included
+- [ ] All documents have child's name and DOB on them
+- [ ] Made copies of everything for my records
+- [ ] Know where I'm submitting (online/mail/in person)
+- [ ] Have tracking method (certified mail or upload confirmation)
+- [ ] Wrote down confirmation/claim number
+
+**You've got this, Fred. One step at a time.** 💪
+
+---
+
+**Document Status:**
+- Started: ___/___/___
+- Last updated: ___/___/___
+- Submitted to VA: ___/___/___