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

This is a good question.
When I was discharged in '77, It was mentioned to me that I had to be missing arms and/or legs to get any VA benefits. Even though the exit exam spread sheet listed: Migraines, concussion, frozen feet, damaged wrist, shoulder damage.
The all knowing Capt. Nurse Practitioner was compliant and knew exactly what the VA wanted to see: No Comp.
Because of what I was told, I never applied for any VA benefits for 22 years after DOS.
Just a side note, the VA finally recognized TBI's in 1984.
Today, I'm at SMC K, S because of my in the line of duty accidents.
So, don't listen to anyone else. File for your VA benefits before one year has passed since your DOS.

40 years

I think about 10yrs after I retired, when I started having health issues. The American Legion helped me with the paper work for free. The VA said you need to hire a Lawyer.

I was out a year and living in CO. My uncle was a stand up military guy and drove to to get evaluated. It took 6-8 months before I finally was giving my percent disability.

I never have been evaluated, well not by the VA, I did have one for Social Security last year, but that was denied.

LUCKY YOU I DID NOT HAVE A PHYSICAL, WAS GAVE A BUS TICKET AND SEND HOME.
73/75.

Rated on terminal leave. Rated 50% from a picket fence at entrance 28 years prior. No combat injuries, all training and fair wear and tear from hearing loss, tenitus, a torn ACL, a broken septum, torn rotator cuff, sleep apnea, ect. Even if you are rated, but no allocation is approved at this threshold, future physical deterioration could change your allocated status.

Yes file a claim at least 90 to 120 days before you get out under the pre-charge program. At the transition assistance program or TAPS I think the abbreviation was a VA rep from the local office talks about the process and program. If you are stationed at a major base Fort Hood, or Fort Bliss for instance each of those bases actually have a VA satellite office on them that can help assist you and even file and submit your claim once you complete the application. So whatever base you are at find where the closest VA benefits office is and go there and find out your options. Some VA hospitals, and clinics also have benefits offices too. But I also recommend that you get copies of your medical, dental and even your personal records before you get out you will need them down the road.

After I had taken my retirement physical, I took it and a copy of my complete medical record to a Military Order of the Purple Heart rep. After filling out some paperwork to make MOPH my Veteran Service Rep, he looked over my medical records and set me up a follow up appointment. When I came back, he had my claim application filled out, with everything I could claim on the form. He took that, along with a copy of my medical record and put it in an envelope and mailed it out. He told me that although it would be at the VA they wouldn't process it until the day after my last day in the Army. Everything went like clockwork after that. Received my appointments for my physical in August, determination in November. That guy squared me away. Eternally grateful for the help he gave me.

I filled out paperwork as i out processed in 1993 was given 10% about a year and a half later, stayed on appeal until i was finally given 70% paid at 100% unemployability