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

When I had my ETS physical in Ft. Dix in 1986 I was told that I had a 0% rating for hearing loss. I was rushed through and the rating was never explained to me, other than I was eligible for VA care but no disability payout. I never gave it much thought until about 1999 when I got divorced and moved to Texas. Not knowing any Doctors there I happened to check into the Dallas VAMC about what my rating meant. That's where I learned about the DEERS mean test so I started my medical care there. Over the years my rating was raised to 30% (about 2012) and then I realized I more medical problems that didn't attribute to my time in service before and I filed about 2 years ago and was raised to 80% disabled. I am currently waiting for my claim for the pact act to be decided. Hoping to reach 100% soon.

I was out about 20 years. Sadly I found out I was eligible the day I was discharged.

Yes - 7 years after I got off active duty in fact. It was a chance encounter with a VBA (Veterans Benefits Administration) Veterans Service Rep that got me persuaded me to look into it. It was a seamless process that involved the Rep reviewing my entire military medical record - from MEPS to the last day - and documenting potential problems suitable for a disability rating. Next came a series of medical appointments, the outcomes of which were reviewed and ultimately resulted in a 40 percent VA disability rating. The best part is that despite this, you can still serve as a Reservist. It's never too late to get compensated.

I would HIGHLY encourage anyone that is still active duty to file a BDD Claim while you are still in and right before you get out. It is a much easier process than waiting to file your VA Claim after you get out. As it was explained to me, the burden of proof is on the military to show that it didn’t actually happen while you were active duty (because we’re considered on the clock 24/7) versus filing it after you get out and now the burden of proof is on you to show how it was in fact caused during your active service. I hope that makes sense. Also, take a moment and really think about everything that bothers you. Ringing ears? Sit in silence or cover your ears and just listen. Do your feet hurt? Maybe you actually have pes planus or plantar fasciitis and that “normal every day pain” isn’t so normal after all. That injury you sustained at Airborne school five years ago that’s been causing your hip to hurt ever since but you’ve just been living with it? Get it checked out and record it. Did you struggle with issues mentally while in but just dealt with it cause “it is what it is”? Talk to someone and actually open up.

It’s all a daunting process, but get everything documented and then get all of your records and organize yourself. Good luck!

DO NOT WAIT until you are out to get your ratings starting for your disability claims. I guaran-damn-TEE that people will lose stuff in order to not spend as much time on your case! If you are in SFL-TAP i.e. started the transition process, get in with the VA rep as soon as you can. You probably won't get your rating as you step out the door, but you will be much closer to receiving your rating.

When I retired out of Ft. Knox in 2002, after 27 years, it was part of the ETS Outprocessing to put together any needed VA Disability claim and submit it. I had an appointment about 45 days after my retirement date.

I went through the "STEP Program" in 2002, one year before my retirement date. I got my rating the month I retired along with my first disability check and have never had a problem with my claim.

I don’t know if you understand the process that has been going on for the last 5 years, or so, but if you’re retiring it’s very wise to start the claiming process 6 months before you retire and have it submitted 90 days before you are officially retired. It’s part of the Benefits Delivery and Discharge (BDD) process and it’s great. If you don’t complete this, then you have a one year window, after retirement.

I waited 30 years to file, mostly out of denial. I was only given a 50% rating for PTSD due to MST.

When did you get out (year) and under what condition- ETS, med retirement, regular retirement, or discharge of some kind.

If recent and retirement, I might be able to give you some useful info.