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

Never ever apply for disability or an increase in your rating without using a VSO. Otherwise, the VA will lie. A friend of mine, Marine, Purple Heart, sniper and Silver star was told he had to prove he was in Nam. Try and find your buddies 50+ years later. The only names we had were hillbilly or city boy etc. I used DAV when I got my 100%. I don’t think the VA is completely dishonest but many of them are dumber than a box of rocks. Medical staff by and large is pretty cool. Clerks and admin can be stupids or just mean.

I filed immediately after I left the navy in a whirlwind of paper shuffling in 1980. This established my file with VA. Over the years multiple claims of increased disability compensation were filed as my health degenerated from the original filing. The latest claim was filed in 2010 and has been in processing ever since. But the VA and BVA have been increasing the ratings incrementally which I appreciate. The only thing left to decide is the 100% unemployability. I was let go from work in 2011 when I could no longer accomplish my tasks due to the degenerative nature of my overwhelming disability. Such is life but I'm still here and kicking.

I filed immediately in 1980. I was out of the navy in a whirlwind of paper pushing. But by filing, further claims allowed me to achieve higher VA disability compensation as my situation deteriorated with the years. Each claim built upon the file with the VA, the DAV provided much needed support, and so the complex case filed in 2010 and has been winding through the process. The rating has gone up dramatically so only 100% unemployability remains to be settled. In a month this will start the 11th year of processing.

I waited 20 years after I got out. Personally, I regret having waited so long and would recommend applying as soon as possible.

before

before

Initial 10% in one year for ringing in ears, 36 years later 140% permantely disabled... VA took my guns away. sad day in hell. I got a lawyer Wood & Woods. Seen outside therapy, inhouse pysch for free drugs. Going to AA.

30 years.

I waited until I was discharged. I went to VA offices where I met a representative from the DAV. He was terrific as he guided me through the process. I was rated at 30% so I qualified for a program called Vocational Rehabilitation. It had benefits significantly better than the straight GI Bill.
I doubt I would have figured it all out without the DAV support. Immediately became a Life Member.
I am not sure what they call these service people but, in my case, he was great.

I waited til I was out (2017) and made my claim last year 2019. It was easy, I had all my records with me