Did you wait till you were out to get your disability rating? If so, how long before you made your first claim?

Aprox. 100 of us took our discharge physical at 10pm in a classroom. The doctor stood up front and told us what our blood pressure was, our temp. and our vision. We were then released to get our fittings for uniforms and on to our welcome home steak breakfast. I went to the VA in Waco 6 months later with foot problems. Was told my exit exam showed I was in perfect health so don't bother them. They were such asses that I said I would never go to another VA clinic or hospital. My brother went though the same problems when he returned six months later. This was 1969. I took a friend to the Austin VA in 2006. While there waiting for him I started sweating and having chest pains. A passing doctor told me I needed an EKG and set it up for later that morning. The then told me I had a heart murmur and would need surgery, Told him I was scheduled for the surgery the next week. He said , " I hope you are not letting us do it." I was not but he set me up with a appointmet with a person to get me enrolled with the VA.
When I went to the VA in Austin to inrole the clerk told me I did not qualify, I could not prove I was in Viet Nam. There was no record of my unit being there. I had my DD214 and my Commendation citation. She said there was no record of the 52nd Sig Bn being in Vietnam. Could I show her the patch we wore? I thought, here we go again and was ready to leave. I did not know that everybody did not hear ringing all the time. That got me 20% disability. One of the reps at the VA started checking my illnesses after my open heart operation. We put in for 75%disiblaity due to heart problems, hearing loss and diabetes. Took almost 18 months and many exams with other doctors but finally approved for 100% due to Agent Orange.

I went to the VA just before I retired and started the process. Mine was easy, hearing only.

I got out in 1982 and filed a claim in 2019. I highly suggest that those who are still in, get things documented in your records, and keep copies of them. Get contact information from any witnesses as well.

I delivered my claim on my first of retirement.

Been out for a while and recently filed a claim.

I didn't even apply the American Legion apply for me and I got a letter saying I was 20% disabled do to blowing out my knee
I never even asked them to apply I guess they got my medical records on there own

As I was out processing out I went to speak with the VA because of my injuries sustained while on jump status. I had not considered the other issues that I had. When I received my ratings my neck feet and knees were rated but I also received 0 % on several ratings which is ok. You should at least have a record of injuries even if it is not considered severe enough for a high rating, particularly because some injuries will only get worse over time. Years later when my condition worsened I just got reevals.

I LOVED the Army & planned to stay in for 20+ years. I planned to become a Warrant Officer (Signal) but got out after 9 years because of the final blow, a traumatic event I couldn't push past. I refused my ETS physical & have never had another physical to this day. When I started filing for disability, all of my claims were denied for 25 years because of that refused ETS physical--see...I was made to sign off on a form & say nothing was wrong with me & then wrote a statement saying nothing was wrong with me. I was in a blind panic over the thought of ever having a physical again & being subjected to that kind of vulnerability & humiliation. 25 years after first filing for disability, I had a hearing with a VA judge (via video) and my representative, a total ROCK STAR with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) explained why I'd refused the ETS Physical. The judge's eyes got big, but my rep, Steve said we'd address that later. And we certainly did. That was Valentine's Day in 2014, by November of 2014, I started going to Comp & Pens (Compensation & Pension exams) and in January 2015, I had my first rating. By 2020, I hit 100%. During my long, LONG battle with the VA, I can't tell you how many of my fellow veterans had my back & gave me great advice. I've tried to pay it forward & help every veteran I meet who is dealing with the struggle.

I was in the VA while on active duty. Army gave me a 50% retirement and VA started me at 30% in 1982. I didn't need disability insurance until 2014. Spoke with a person at a War veteran Home they took down my info and filed on it for me. Was equal to 100% in about three months.

Yes, because that's the way it was done 22 years ago. Don't wait now. IF you have issues with anything be sure you attempt to get it treated at least 2-3 times before getting out or get copies of the service connected injury report. Your leg, knee, back pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, it all adds up so be sure to write down a list of everything. Make a list/note to self on your phone. If thing get worse you can get re-evaluated down the road. I started with 10%, now at 80%. Once over 50% you get your retirement or other pay PLUS VA Disability.