Is it worthwhile for me to apply for VA benefits after 10 years of separation?

It's never too late! I've been 100% P&T since 2010 and 95% w/IU from 2004 until they bumped me to 100. The problem was, I lost CRSC because my combat-related disabilities only totaled 90%. I just applied to have several conditions that have worsened reevaluated in the hope that it will boost my CRSC conditions to 100%. That would mean no more taxes . . .

Yes, moment you file will be retroactive date. Even If you get a zero percent rating, its easier to bump up a zero than nothing, plus you get service connected, priority care for anything service connected. Don't wait!!!

Everything with the Va. is long wait. A lot of paper work and details. What I did was go see your County Va rep. or see the Vietnam Vets of America or something like it.And No, one did not have to serve in Vietnam to seek help!!!!! I was not. Got help from both!!!

For sure! I was recently rated 100. Jonathan at Vetbcg (veteran benefit consulting group). Helped me big time. I vouch for them. They explained everything and really made it easy Give him a ring, tell him MYKEL sent you. Jonathan: [login to see]

I helped my father-in-law apply for VA benefits in 2014. He was a WWII veteran (B-17 tail gunner) wounded, shot down and evaded and escaped for three months in France before joining up with a Canadian tank outfit and returned to US forces. Long process, but successful in getting him disability payments which we then were able to continue to his wife at 50% after his passing. Never too late.

In addition to everything mentioned, consider YouTube as well. Search “VA claims process”. Read up in 38 CFR. Learn terminology, definitions, processes.

If you earned it you will get it. I filed some 20 yrs later from active service. Just FYI. there will be some lag-time. From my first filing it took approx. 18-20 plus months to get me started. Get some help at Vietnam Vets of America, County Va rep, or any other Veterans group. You will have a very hard time doing it yourself!!! Good luck

I was out of the Air Force at least 25 years and went to file a claim "on a lark" with a couple of co-workers. I thought I had been out too long so I wasn't expecting a good outcome. Well lo' and behold I was awarded a 70% rating for the PTSD I have. Later, it was dropped to 50%. I appealed that change and won my case receiving an award giving me back the 70% and all pay that I had lost because of the improper reduction. With the PACT act law being signed into law, the VA has now also approved me for 100% disability for Agent Orange exposure at a base in Thailand. I never expected this great of outcome when I first applied so don't hesitate any longer. Hurry and contact a VSO and get your claim started. The worst that could happen is they deny your claim and then you can always appeal that decision.
Have a great day and best of luck with your claim.

It is never too late to apply for benefits. I use to work for the State of Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and I would always look at the case with an open mind. Now after saying that I will say it will be harder but not impossible to get an approval. You will need as much medical evidence as you can put together for the past ten years since you left the military to include personal statements from others about you problem. For example if your condition has caused you to lose multiple employments. Then perhaps the biggest hurdle is to obtain evidence from active duty. Not to paint you a rosy picture, but not impossible. Seek out your nearest service organization at your nearest VA Medical Center.

Sounds like me exactly.