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

I filed under the benefits delivered at discharge program. Filed five months before retirement, had VA physicals while on terminal leave and received my first decision about 60 days into retirement. The good thing about getting the VA physicals while on active duty is that it demonstrated the conditions existed while on active duty. I believe if you file with a year of separation, the rating can be effective the date of separation. After that, the rating becomes effective the date of the filing. File early!

You can get rated before you leave the military because the system has changed.

I retired in 2015 & they did both, rated as well my retirement.

Make sure you have a total copy of your medical history.
Get the VA in out process to rated your conditions.

Take that once you’re done fine a DAV to process your claim & with in your first 90 day you will see a letter from the VA.

Don’t go VA because they are worthless in helping anyone therefore find DAV representatives to help you.

Waited till 15 years.
The I was required by DA to go to a Gulf War physical for Oil Well smoke in 94 or 95.

There is a process to apply prior to discharge. BBD.
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/

I actually applied during my ETS but was subsequently denied because they rubber stamped my medical forms. I didn't know of any outside help at the time, 1972, so I went without. Come 35-40 years later I find my local County has a VA rep NOT paid for by the VA and they work for you, I applied again and was basically given 10% for Tinitus without question. They also did 30% for PTSD. I have since been re-evaluated for PTSD and the 30% was upped to 50%.

I submitted a copy of my medical records to a DAV representative at my retirement briefing, several months prior to my actual retirement. Had a decision within six months of retirement.

I was out for over 30 years. Good advice. I should have signed up immediately.

I started mine while I was still in. Good thing as it’s taken 14 years to get part of it approved. Still fighting for the others. I’d get with a rep (don’t use the VA but find someone else like the DAV or American Legion) to help with your claim!

I did mine on my way out a few months before eas. I think it greatly helped me compared to everyone that didn't i knew.

I never even considered doing a claim while still serving. I didn"t even realize it was possible until I found out one of the Airman was receiving 10% for tenitis and had only been in the ANG for 4 years and still serving ( he was a bit older than your average first term member he was 37). I was in 34 years and just recently retired and have started the process for disability benefits. I don"t think it should be something you should get until your out honorably or retired. Not while your still serving.