1 March 21, 2026 Larry Lee Garrett 404 S York Street PO Box 801 Monroe, IA 50170 Date of Birth: 02/24/1968 Phone: (641) 204-9203 Dear Larry Garrett, Thank you for taking the time to speak with us during your Complete Care Call. It was an honor to learn more about your service and your ongoing dedication to improving your health and quality of life. The experiences you shared reflect the strength, perseverance, and resilience that define your commitment as a U.S. Army veteran. As discussed, the following steps will help you strengthen your VA claim and ensure that your file is as complete and persuasive as possible. Step 1: Seek Medical Diagnoses Getting formal medical diagnoses for each of your conditions is one of the most powerful steps you can take to strengthen your claim. These diagnoses serve as official documentation that your conditions exist today and require treatment. You can obtain these diagnoses from VA healthcare providers or from your private doctors—both carry equal weight in your claim. Based on your Complete Care Call, please work to obtain medical diagnoses and documentation for the following conditions: Cervical Radiculopathy (secondary to Lumbosacral Strain) Sciatic Nerve Paralysis (secondary to Lumbosacral Strain) Lower Back Strain/Lumbar Strain Erectile Dysfunction (secondary to PTSD) Hypertension (secondary to PTSD) Next Steps

2 Tibia/Fibula Impairment (secondary to Bilateral Flatfoot) Sleep Apnea (secondary to PTSD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ****Complete Both 0781 Forms***** GERD (secondary to PTSD) Bilateral Neuropathy in Feet (secondary to Bilateral Flatfoot) Restless Leg Syndrome (secondary to Bilateral Flatfoot) Bilateral Ankle Limited Motion (secondary to Bilateral Flatfoot) Each diagnosis you obtain adds credibility and medical evidence to your claim. Don't hesitate to discuss all of your symptoms openly with your healthcare providers—they are there to help you, and thorough documentation now will serve you well throughout the claims process. Step 2: Gather Private Medical Records Private medical records are crucial evidence that can fill gaps in your VA records and demonstrate the continuity and severity of your conditions. If you've seen any private healthcare providers for the conditions listed above, please request copies of your medical records from them. Consider reaching out to any of the following types of providers you may have visited: Primary care physicians who have treated your back pain, hypertension, GERD, or other ongoing conditions Specialists such as orthopedic doctors for your ankle and back issues, cardiologists for hypertension, sleep specialists for sleep apnea, or gastroenterologists for GERD Mental health therapists or counselors who have treated your PTSD, depression, or anxiety Next Steps

3 Physical therapists who have worked with you on your back, ankle, or leg conditions Chiropractors who have provided treatment for your spine or musculoskeletal issues Pain management specialists who may have provided injections or prescribed medications like gabapentin Important: You do NOT need to gather your VA medical records yourself. The VA will automatically obtain those records during the claims process. Focus your efforts on collecting records from private providers outside the VA system. Step 3: Obtain Witness Statements Witness statements—also called lay statements or buddy statements—are powerful pieces of evidence that provide a personal perspective on your conditions. These statements can describe how your conditions began, how they've progressed over time, and how they affect your daily life. The people who know you best can offer observations that medical records alone cannot capture. Consider asking the following individuals to write statements on your behalf: Your spouse , who can speak to your sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, mood changes, intimacy challenges, and how your physical pain affects your daily activities Family members who have witnessed your struggles with PTSD symptoms, physical limitations, or changes in your health since service Friends who have observed your conditions and can describe how they impact your ability to participate in social activities or hobbies Coworkers who have seen how your conditions affect your work performance, attendance, or ability to concentrate Next Steps

4 Fellow service members or shipmates who may have witnessed the original injuries or events during service, such as the cliff fall in Korea in 1989, the demanding physical training, or the mental health crisis at Fort Hood Important: Witness statements can be submitted in ANY format—there is no required VA form. The only requirements are that statements must be SIGNED and DATED. Witnesses should write in their own words, describe specific observations, and include details about when and how they observed your condition. Step 4: Locate Your Nearest VA Medical Center Establishing care at your local VA Medical Center is an important step in managing your ongoing health needs and building a strong medical record for your claim. Based on your location in Monroe, Iowa, your nearest VA Medical Center is: VA Central Iowa Health Care System - Des Moines 3600 30th Street Des Moines, IA 50310 Phone: (515) 699-5999 The Des Moines VA Medical Center offers comprehensive services including primary care, mental health care, specialty care, and diagnostic services. If you are not already enrolled in VA healthcare, we encourage you to contact them to establish care. Regular visits to the VA will help document your conditions and ensure you receive the treatment you deserve. You can also find additional resources, information about benefits, and tools to manage your healthcare at va.gov . The VA is there to support you, and building a relationship with your local medical center can make a significant difference in both your health and your claims process. Closing Message Please know that you are not alone in this process. We are with you at every step, ensuring that your evidence is well-documented and presented with clarity and strength. Next Steps

5 Your perseverance through years of service and recovery continues to inspire us. Together, we will ensure your record reflects the full extent of your sacrifices and the ongoing challenges you face. Thank you again for your service to our nation. With respect and gratitude, Rebekah Lloyd Veteran Intake Specialist Next Steps