1SG Christopher Turk 10834 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div> 2013-11-24T11:34:19-05:00 1SG Christopher Turk 10834

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2013-11-24T11:34:19-05:00 2013-11-24T11:34:19-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 11630

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As soon as possible and you can go to any Veterans Service Office in your local community and they will help you there.  You can also go to an American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars office.

2013-11-25T21:58:03-05:00 2013-11-25T21:58:03-05:00 SFC James Baber 11951

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You can file at anytime you desire, it just depends on how quick you want compensation and benefits, when I was in DC a few years back getting validated for upgrade on the eBenefits site, there was a Vietnam vet there starting his process for the first time. It is best to start before retirement now for many since the program is set up to help with easier transition. I would say most of them are about the same, it just depends on the circumstances and what you need help with or done. 

2013-11-26T14:22:58-05:00 2013-11-26T14:22:58-05:00 1SG Christopher Turk 32102

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All, <div><br></div><div><br></div><div>filed my disability today. thanks for all the feedback. I did learn that when you file within 180 days of retirement it is till considered Benefits Before Discharge (BBD). that was good to know. I was told this process is much faster than the other. Thanks again. </div><div><br></div>

2014-01-03T20:01:19-05:00 2014-01-03T20:01:19-05:00 1SG Christopher Whiten 32852

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I filed my claim 180 days out from retirement July 6, 2011 and did not get a rating until June 9, 2012. Like one of the other comments sign up for the VA Benefits page so you can track it.  

2014-01-04T22:59:07-05:00 2014-01-04T22:59:07-05:00 GySgt Private RallyPoint Member 39605

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have gone through this process recently.  You can submit your claim up to I believe 180 days prior to exist which is recommended.  Start preparing a year out to ensure everything is in your records.  The claim can take 6-9 months before approval, you can track the process through ebenefits.  Use AMVETS, they can help big time!

2014-01-18T10:57:36-05:00 2014-01-18T10:57:36-05:00 1SG Christopher Turk 39630

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All thanks for the feedback. You have been helpful. 

2014-01-18T13:10:00-05:00 2014-01-18T13:10:00-05:00 SSG Gerhard S. 74885

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>1SG, I don't know the time window on filing for a claim, but many of the Service organizations like VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vietnam Veterans, etc. can help you with that information.  Many of these organizations have offices INSIDE  VA hospitals to help you.  Typically you bring your documentation, DD 214, medical records, etc, and they can enter your information onto the forms via computer and deliver the claim directly to the proper person.  I used the VFW representative, but any of the organizations will be helpful.</p><p> </p><p>One more thing, regarding documentation, it is often overlooked to have statements from a spouse, or a family member describing how your disability has an effect on your life, or your relationships.  Even disabilities such as tinnitus or hearing loss takes a toll on family members with one's inability to hear some sounds, or with the inability to get to sleep with that incessant ringing in one's ears.  These can be valuable insights to those evaluating your claim.</p>

2014-03-12T23:11:34-04:00 2014-03-12T23:11:34-04:00 SPC Michael Hunt 81534

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think you have 12 years... you should talk to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), they'll square you away Top.

2014-03-22T00:09:14-04:00 2014-03-22T00:09:14-04:00 1SG Rich Martinez 199212

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is no time limit but the sooner the better. If you get it submitted with-in one year of your retirement date you will be paid back pay for that year regardless of your file date. If you wait to submit it after your one year after your retirement date then your time starts from the date you file your claim. I did my claim submission directly with the local VA office in the town I live in. It took me three months to get my first set of medical exams by the VA Docs.

2014-08-10T02:31:41-04:00 2014-08-10T02:31:41-04:00 1SG Rich Martinez 199213

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are still active its better do file prior to getting out of the service. You can file within six months of your retirement date.

2014-08-10T02:33:14-04:00 2014-08-10T02:33:14-04:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 289786

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a little late in filing. I didn't even think I was qualified to apply until I ran into somebody that worked for the VA. I filed six years after discharge October 2010 and it took them until this June to finalize everything to a point. I was awarded 40% with back pay to 2010 and now I'm in the process of appealing what was denied. I'm looking for a VSO now. I did everything on my own to this point.

2014-10-23T00:01:52-04:00 2014-10-23T00:01:52-04:00 PO2 Rocky Kleeger 289794

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you submit your claim within 364 days of getting out, you get back pay. I would say that doing it before that would be a good idea. Its the old "hurry up and wait" thing. I submitted the claim and then waited 25 months for a rating, and they still owe me half my back pay...going on 4 years now

2014-10-23T00:08:12-04:00 2014-10-23T00:08:12-04:00 2013-11-24T11:34:19-05:00