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

Do all you can while in.

You should see a veterans advocate when you begin your separation process. They should review your records and ask about all issues, head to toe. They should submit an intent to file. Then they should help you schedule an exit physical. The physical will be the benchmark for disability rating(s). Best piece of advice I received was, “do not move through pain.” If something hurts, stop moving. And if things get worse over time, request a review to increase a rating. Good luck to you.

I go out in 94. Not even a physical. I did not know you were supposed to have one and it was the gulf war down draw. It was about 5 years later I found out about disabilities. I a so lwsys thought you had to have a leg blown off or something. Very dumb but I never knew. At first I got 10%. Then 40 and now 60. I was in special ops most of my career so was remote from most things Air Force. The worst part was I was never briefed on anything. I finally went to a private company and they knew the ropes. It cost, but well worth it to me.

I expected to receive a medical discharge and spent 18 months beyond my ETS waiting for the results from the Med Board (and subsequently informed I was "Fit for Duty" even though the ***ONLY*** PT I could do was swim - I had 2 herniated lower lumbar disks with severe sciatica among other issues (and allergic to ibuprofen). I made 3 copies of my medical file prior to separation and began my VA claim immediately (with the assistance from a rep at VFW that I was referred to). My claim took approximately 9 months and received an overall 60% rating (sleep apnea was the bulk of the rating - only got 10% for my back).

DO NOT HESITATE. Make sure everything is documented. Get assistance in filing your claim to ensure everything is done correctly.

Yes and about 30 years, go figure, dumb dumb dumb...

Don't wait. You can file in the BDD program 90-180 days before your RAD or if 0-90 the predischarge program. If you are out FILE! FILE! FILE! Good luck

I got out in 1996 and had a disability rating in early 1997.

I filed my claim before I went on terminal leave, using my final physical at the VA clinic on Camp Lejeune. 30 days after my last day of active duty, my first VA check posted.

I waited over 55 years to make a claim for my hearing loss. I worked a flight line for two years, without hearing protection, (there was none, in those days) and the VA awarded me a 10% for hearing loss. I was thrilled to receive it.

You should put in a claim within 90 days of separation, regardless if you have any knowledge of the process. The VA will fix dental issue in the first 90 days, after that if not done they will only do/take a 100% rating without charge.