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

I waited 12 years before filing a claim. I fought the VA for 4 years on claims but it was worth it. I'm now at 100 percent total and permanent.

I got out during Vietnam in 1973 and filed for my first time the following year and was denied. I filed 46 years later and got PTSD compensated. Now there are many more things I should have and will file for now like tininitis, Agent Orange, sleep apnea etc.. They were really stingy with Uncle Sam's money for Vietnam vets. Guess as everything got more liberal they are finally doing what is right, only I missed out for 50 years now on what I should have gotten.

19 years after I retired. It has taken me years and seeing a Veterans' Judge. Be careful who you select as VSO, mine helped create issues! I have also found out the decision-makers differ.

Unfortunately, they couldn't find my records so I was denied.

Yes right after I got out had no choice I transitioned out of service 180 days after 2nd Deployment to Iraq

I had to wait until I left the Army Reserve as the unit wouldn't give me a med board or assist in any way. It was their desire to push the paperwork and effort onto someone else and they did this to several soldiers in our unit over the years. I applied as soon as I spoke to the VA and went through the paperwork. With a lack of records from the Army Reserve and AD, I collected what I could, went to over 2 dozen evaluations and appointments and was initially denied. On appeal the VA agreed that they had not taken into account most of my records and unit statements and assessed my case again. After two and a half years, I was able to get 30%. Later on I realized that I could add my dependents. Information in general is lacking, but particularly in the US Army Reserve.

File as soon as you can, after your discharge physical. Ask for 3 copies of your medical record. The VA will keep one, one is for you, and I don't remember who gets the other one. I went straight to the DAV and they put everything in for me.

My claims were filed during my retirement physical back in 2010

I filed as soon as I got out and was awarded 30%. It took from 93 to 09 (16 yrs) to go from 30 to 70 SC Total & Permanent with 100% unemployable.

I was bound and determined NOT to get a rating. After all, I was strong, and disability was for those who were truly unable. And then I started into therapy. After therapy came treatment for various health issues, some of which are chronic. Upon advice, I filed for service connected. I was initially told that my PTSD was "cured" after going through therapy. Yes, someone in the VA told me I was cured. Here I am, several years and several diagnosis later, with a rating. And I'm in the process of getting a higher rating. It was explained to me this way: I served overseas, I was injured and exposed to various toxic substances, and now I have to deal with the aftermath. Why wouldn't I file for service connected disability? It took me several years after I separated from service before I filed. I wish I'd done it sooner. I think I'd been out for 3 or 4 years.