What Advice Would You Give To A Veteran Making A Veterans Affairs Disability Claim?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:12:45 -0500

As I left Active Duty, I thought If its any advice I could share with submitting your Veterans Affairs Disability Claim. Each persons is unique, but similar in the process as stated on your E-Benefits account. To the members on Active duty, please use your last two years wisely, as to get everything medically documented. It will save you a lot of time, with the VA. I have found MRIs/X-Ray/CAT Scans help out tremendously. Be proactive and note its your claim and it could result in many benefits, more importantly health care for you and your family.

1. If you are still on active duty and thinking about getting out and filing a claim, go through the Benefit Delivery At Discharge or BDD program at your installation. To qualify you must have between 60 and 180 days left on active duty. We will take your claim and get you examined before you go home. Normally, decisions are available about two months after you separate or retire.

2. If you are still on active duty but have less than 60 days to go, you can still file a “Quick Start” claim. Quick Start claims are processed at dedicated facilities so decisions are quicker for most Veterans.

3. If you are out of service for less than a year, think you might have a claim, but are unsure if you want to “go through the hassle” apply. The evidence is fresher and cleaner, there are unlikely to be what we refer to as “inter-current injuries” (i.e. you back hurts a little but when you get out you get a job as a long hall truck driver or a construction working and don’t file a claim for years. In such cases even if there is some documentation of “something in service” without evidence of treatment for the condition within the first year, service connection is less certain).

4. If you’re concerned that it might not be appropriate to take money for a condition because “I’m fine, was just doing my duty and I have a job”–there are a lot of people who feel that way–consider this. I think you should file your claim. If granted you can always decline to receive the money. If, at a later date, your condition worsens or you age and it interferes with our work, or you decide you want compensation after all you can always contact us. That way we will examine you and determine your current level of disability. We won’t be trying to determine whether you warrant service connection in the first place.

5. If you have been out of the service longer but still think you have a condition related to your service apply! There is no filing time limit. It just might be a little more complex and take a little longer because of the need to develop more records.

6. Our goal is to complete all claims within 125 days or four months by 2015 with 95 percent accuracy. Right now more than 30 percent of our claims have been pending longer than that. Some claims, such as those involving participation in nuclear tests, covert operations, military sexual trauma or other similar circumstances where records may be difficult to locate can and frequently do take longer, sometimes much longer.

7. To meet the challenge of a rapidly growing claims volume, VA has been provided with significant numbers of new staff in the last couple of years. Their jobs are complex and it takes a while to become fully qualified so if you think we made a mistake, ask you may be right. As I said earlier, one of our goals is to get our quality level to 95 percent by 2015. Currently our quality level is 84 percent. While a significant portion our quality problems reflect process errors rather than errors in the final decision with respect to the granting or denying of benefits, rates paid and effective dates of payment, we do make mistakes.

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/1089/some-tips-for-filing-a-va-disability-claim/

http://vets.yuku.com/topic/37612#.VL7yx885DIU

http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 20 at 2015 9:45 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:45:55 -0500

When filing a claim, make sure you're claim is talking about YOU and what the effects are. Read every question carefully. When answering, feel very descriptive. I'm not saying stretching the truth, but make sure you get all the details on the table, no matter how small. REMEMBER - This claim is about you and how what happened effects you!!! Once you've answered a section, set it down for a while. Come back reread it, checking for "is it the meaning I really meant?", check for spelling and correct grammar. I can't express this enough. Many times when writing things down, we think one thing and write another. Putting it down, come back later and reread it.

If possible while on duty, keep a copy of your medical file. I can't express this enough! It is possible, I did and glad I had the facts when I started working on my claim. Make sure you get things listed in order and have the documents to back it up. So many of us have talked so much about keeping records at home, now is where many of those records will come into play. Remember you got to prove the point, make it slap them in the face when they (VA) read it.

Once you get your claim together get someone else to review it. Contact the VFW, AL, there are people out there who work on this subject as volunteers. They are there to help you, use them.

Don't worry about getting the claim in tomorrow, but get it right the first time, even if it is the day after tomorrow. Once your claim is completed, make a digital copy and secure it so you have it.

I am a Retired Army Reservists, living in Denmark. I got my claim together myself, but had a person reread it as I was working on it. The person would make suggestions on how I should phrase things. I'm going to tell you - THE WRITE UP IS IMPORTANT!!!! You're better to take the time and get it right the first time!!

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 21 at 2015 12:28 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:28:02 -0500

I've been out 15 years. I have a medical record an inch thick while active for knew problems. I have a service connected disability of 0% (wohoo) but have been denied anything further even after an appeal. My knees frequently hurt, low grade, I can't run, I can't do any serious weight training (body builder before the Marines) yet the exams say there is nothing wrong with them.

Should I try the process again? It's was a real pain in the ass the first two times with nothing to show.

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Jan 21 at 2015 5:43 AM

SSG Dave Rogers — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 05:43:40 -0500

When dealing with the VA there are certain things to take into consideration.

1. Be sure to make sure you get copies of your medical records from active duty and bring them to the release of information at the local VA. They will copy them into your file and will make it easier for doctors to connect injuries and illnesses.

2. Dont do it on your own. There are lawyers at the American Legion that will help you file your paperwork and appeals with the VA, they will be able to give you more information and word things in the right way.

3. When you go in for your appointment there are two things to keep in mind. 1. When the doctor ask you how you are doing don't say fine or good, let them know what the problems are. Don't talk about problems not related to the doctor you are seeing. If you are seeing GI don't talk about your headaches keep it to problems related to the specialist you are seeing. 2. Don't talk about money problems, the doctors will think you are just looking for a hand out, stick to the actual medical problems, what military events may have caused them, and how the problem has changed your life.

4. Back pay goes to the first date of filing or the date of the appeal was made. If you don't file right away you are only paid to the date the paperwork is filed. If you don't make an appeal when required you are starting a new appeal and are only back paid to the date of that appeal.

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Jan 21 at 2015 4:19 PM

SPC Larry Buck — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:19:49 -0500

Your bestfriend the SF-180 get that form if needed I can get you PDF form email to you but, check everything not just the certain things you think you'll need go to your branch of service of course but under needs write down every file possible :medical entry/exit dates,dental entry/exit dates, service(be specific more then one sometimes) if needed sit down and get veterans assistance to properly fill it out then the address that it will be shipped to.... Pick a secure location, just in case..

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Jan 21 at 2015 4:57 PM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:57:43 -0500

Start as SOON as your aware 180 days out, even if you are planning on reenlisting. Start early!! Claim EVERYTHING. I mean claim your paper cuts everything. Be prepared to fight for your claim and for them to not believe you, even when you learned it reading your own record. Do that, read your record. A lot, love on it, know it.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 21 at 2015 11:12 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:12:11 -0500

The earlier you apply the better. The VA gets thousands of new claims everyday! They are human too, do YOUR homework, fill out everything completely and accurately and mostly, try to be patient. The process is way more involved than, open a claim, stamp it and move on.

Response by CPO Ed Ball made Jan 22 at 2015 12:20 AM

CPO Ed Ball — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:20:51 -0500

If you are still on active duty, and going through a med board, they may offer you a severance check amount, DO NOT ACCEPT! Once you cash the government check, you will eventually file a claim with the VA, then the government will want their money back (severance) if you are award VA disability.

I know its tempting, but once you buy that new vehicle, or use it as a down payment elsewhere, you my be rated 30% or greater only to find the VA will take any surplus disability other than awarded by the military during separation and use it to pay back your severance for months, years, or a decade even. (i.e., Military authorizes temporary retirement due to disability rated at 20% - you file the claim with the VA and they find your current condition as well as secondary conditions not rated by the military and give you a combined rating of say 50%. You will draw 20% per month from the military while the VA will use the other 30% to pay back your severance pay.)

Trust me, you would rather have the full 50% check each month rather than the 20%.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 3:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:38:32 -0500

Some of you may have registered for the open pit registry, but what you may not know is there is environmental registry. This could apply to those of you who were at Ft McClellan, Camp Lejune, I am sure you've seen that in the media. Registering for the environmental leads to an appointment to draw labs to make a determination of any toxicity levels in your blood/tissues from exposure to an environmental hazard. If something was found, its supposed to initiate a treatment plan.

Also, there is the Caregiver program, which has three tier levels of assistance that could be beneficial to you and your family.
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/Caregiver_Eligibility_Check.asp
http://www.caregiver.va.gov/

Applying for SSD(Social Security Disability) has another set of criteria to be met unlike the VA requirements. The average disability benefit can range from $300 and $2,200. The average SSDI payment in 2015 is $1,165. The maximum disability benefit in 2015 is $2,663.

VA individual unemployability eligibility, a Veteran must be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his/her service connected disabilities. Additionally, a Veteran must have:
One service-connected disability ratable at 60 percent or more, OR
Two or more service-connected disabilities, at least one disability ratable at 40 percent or more with a combined rating of 70 percent or more.

Veterans who are in receipt of Individual Unemployability benefits may work as long as it is not
considered substantially gainful employment. The employment must be considered marginal
employment. Marginal employment is generally deemed to exist when a Veteran's earned income does not exceed the amount established by the U.S. Census Bureau as the poverty level for the Veteran only. For more information on the U.S. Census Bureau's poverty thresholds, see http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/threshld/index.html

Most importantly, get yourself a Veteran Services Officer, and shop around. If you don't feel comfortable, there's nothing saying you have to take that person. All VSO's must be certified by the VA and re-certified every 2 years I think. Lawyers who claim they can help you with your claim must also be certified by the VA.

When VA receives a VA Form 21-22a from an unaccredited attorney, it will contact the claimant and advise him or her that VA will not recognize the unaccredited attorney as the representative of record until he or she is accredited. VA will advise the claimant that he or she may (1) seek other representation, or (2) proceed without representation until the attorney is accredited.

If an attorney’s practice consists solely of advising clients that they might be eligible for benefits and referring them to a recognized service organization or accredited agent or attorney, the attorney need not to be accredited.

BLUF: You earned these VA benefits because of your service, with respect to Social Security Disability, you are eligible to apply just like any other person. I hear many of my colleagues "oh, others are worse than me" and my favorite "I don't want to lessen someone else's benefit amount", that is absolute horse hockey. You don't lessen anyone's benefit amount.
Here's the thing if you don't document and make a claim, later on when your ankle starts really bothering you, from jumping off the HUMVEE with your M60, VA is going to look at that and go "hmm, not covered", I'm exaggerating but you get the point. Simple truth is we are all going to get arthritic, joints are going to swell, and we're not getting any younger. As others have expressed, document, document, document. Have your ducks in a row. Get originals, copies and never give anyone your only copy of records.

There are those that will game the system, don't worry their time will come. I was at the VA today, heard about a Veteran that tried to game the travel pay. Someone caught him coming out of his motorhome that was parked near the VA and reported it. Turns out he'd been doing this for awhile, claiming he was going home every night and having to drive back in the morning. Just like the VA is looking at those PTSD claims of those "got yelled at by their drill instructor" and never made it passed their basic or advanced training and are garnering compensation of 'PTSD' for the 'emotional roller-coaster ride at the hands of evil drill instructors'. Trust me I met one of those individual already, what is the world coming to.

Poverty Data - Poverty thresholds - U.S Census Bureau

The Census Bureau reports poverty data from several major household surveys and programs. The Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the Current Population Survey (CPS) is the source of official national poverty estimates.

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Jan 22 at 2015 8:05 AM

SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:05:12 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., good question. I have been taking a lot of calls here at the Help Desk (myhealthevet, ebenefits tech support) of a lot of newly separated Air Force veterans not getting their dd214's as part of their out processing packets (to no fault of their own one yesterday who did not have his signature digital or otherwise.). What they don't realize is that the dpris feature retrieves their dd214 on ebenefits not "ebenefits". More clarity needs to be stressed at out processing briefings. The micro fish is not updated immediately following separation from service.

The best advice I can give a veteran already off active duty is to get a VSO and stay away from lawyers. When you get your award they get a piece of your money. Don't know about you but why? VSO's are free.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Jan 22 at 2015 8:54 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:54:32 -0500

Like many others here, go with a VSO. They are available, congressional my mandated, and free to use. Don't only think about traditional locations such as the VFW or AMerican Legion, many states have veteran organizations who have VSOs. I went with the Texas Veterans Commision and had no issues.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Jan 22 at 2015 8:59 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:59:23 -0500

I will also add when you get your decision and you have a 0% rating on a specific issue, do not get pissed. A 0% rating is still a rating that can be reclaimed later when the issue gets worse.

Response by 1SG Scott MacGregor made Apr 22 at 2015 2:31 PM

1SG Scott MacGregor — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:31:54 -0400

Expect head aches and long wait times. VA should be re-org from the top down. If you ever need use VOC REHAB in NY, I hope you don't get a certain counselor. Worst expereince ever.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 9 at 2015 11:06 PM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:06:47 -0400

Lock and load, get ready for a fight!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 22 at 2015 5:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:52:19 -0400

1. Appeal your military and VA rating ASAP.
2. If you have a VA rating ask about the Caregiver program.
3. If you are considered unemployable apply for SSDI ASAP as AC is given the fast track. Also ask about the fund for the children.
4. This can be a long and timely process, don't quit, keep making progress.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Aug 22 at 2015 9:12 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 21:12:34 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC document everything, send copies in by uploading them to https://www.ebenefits.va.gov, by snail mail, and/or by fax. Then everyday call [login to see] to see the status update and see if they received your documents.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 22 at 2015 9:54 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 21:54:14 -0400

Get a good lawyer. It is harder and harder to get claims approved.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 22 at 2015 10:34 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 22:34:19 -0400

Based on everything already posted here, the best advice I can give is to be patient, and don't give up. Also, regardless on your knowledge of the process, getting an advocate (Veterans Service Officer or VSO) who is well versed in the process as well is probably one of the most valuable things you can do, and they don't cost you anything.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 23 at 2015 9:07 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 09:07:44 -0400

Read this
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/are-you-headed-for-a-va-compensation-review

Are you headed for a VA Compensation review? | RallyPoint

You might want to check out part 4 of 38 C.F.R. There you will find the weighing criteria for all levels of disability for all ailments to which compensation is awarded. Always nice to see what really matters in getting from one level to another. This link with get you to a site that will let you scan through this document relatively painlessly. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5;node=38:1.0.1.1.5

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 23 at 2015 9:31 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 09:31:10 -0400

Filing a claim for compensation requires the filing of VA forms 21-526EZ (the claim) and a 21-4138 (the narrative). The narrative is the substantiation of the claim. The National Personal Records Center is the place to start for the records search. The NPRC website has an electronic filing portal, but you will have to fax your signature to complete the request. This can be done using a free fax server that allows you to do this electronically. Your basic document it the SF-180 (Request for Military Records). Looking at Section 2-1 (Information / Documents Requested) check the box "All Documents in Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)" and "Medical Records". Note that the "Medical Records" requires the locations. So you may have to do one pass to get your Form-20 which will show all your hospital assignments, and then file another SF-180 for the medical records portion.

Lastly, hook up with a VSO. Studies have found that having a VSO in your corner increases you chances of a disability significantly!

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/about-ompfs.html

Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF), Non-Archival Holdings

Information about non-archival Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs) held by the National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 14 at 2015 5:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:44:07 -0400

The process might wear you down. Keep your chin up and continue to pursue what you think you deserve. Don't give up.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 20 at 2015 6:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 18:29:12 -0400

Get competent counsel. Pace yourself as this not a sprint but a marathon.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Sep 20 at 2015 9:46 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 21:46:47 -0400

As disappointing as it can seem, don't give up until it's complete...

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 21 at 2015 11:29 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 11:29:18 -0400

On top of what @ hunter said, don't hold anything back, no matter how minor.

In addition, I recommend filing through a VSO such as DAV rather than with VA directly. Much more accountability that way...

Response by SFC Donald Neal made Sep 22 at 2015 1:21 AM

SFC Donald Neal — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 01:21:22 -0400

Do not go it alone. You've faced some of the most intense challenges that life can throw at you. You did it with a team, with Brothers and Sisters in Arms all around you. You do not have to do this next step without them. Find and use a service organization representative. Results may vary and you need to find one who is the right fit for you. I fully intended to slip away in the dark of the night, and then a very wise retired senior NCO pulled me aside and talked some sense into me. Good thing someone smarter than me was looking out for me.

Response by PO1 Kenneth Cardwell made Nov 30 at 2015 7:39 AM

PO1 Kenneth Cardwell — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 07:39:21 -0500

Type into Yahoo. Google veterans forum and read what thousands have written and what they have observed. vet.yuku.com is great. I went in alone and now have been waiting since Feb 2011. 8 of 10 disabilities denied. The main thing is to see a doctor and complain about the problems affecting you. Many Veteran like myself suffer in pain and just work and try to be Superman. My wife told me 20 years ago I snored heavily and I stopped breathing when sleeping. Did I see a doctor? No. I mean who goes to the doctor for snoring? Even Now I work with pain because the only good job I could find was away from home. The VSO asked me why I wasn't in therapy? I have to work and my job requires me to be away for months! also remember most of the disabilities will be denied the first time. NOD and Appeals will make them take a closer look!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Nov 30 at 2015 8:09 AM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 08:09:47 -0500

Get with an established Veteran organization and allow their service representative to help you walk through the paperwork. My Dad used DAV and I used MOPH. They can take you through the maze better than trying it on your own.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 30 at 2015 1:31 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 13:31:12 -0500

Make sure you get a support system and one that can assist you with your paper work.

Response by SSG John Caples made Nov 30 at 2015 6:21 PM

SSG John Caples — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 18:21:27 -0500

Don't give up it's a never ending process, i have been fighting with the Va about my claim for almost 7 yrs now and they have still not made a decision on my traveling board. Don't Give Up That is what they want you to do.

Response by Gerard FitzGerald made Mar 3 at 2016 2:48 PM

Gerard FitzGerald — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:48:04 -0500

Have all of the forms that you have received from day one, including if possible a diary of events with every single doctor, it is better to have to much than not enough

Response by PO1 Kenneth Cardwell made Apr 20 at 2017 3:19 PM

PO1 Kenneth Cardwell — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:19:12 -0400

Never accept no. expect the VA to be slow as hell. Keep trying even if 20 years or more. Keep a copy of everything u send and send everything certified. Always respond even if your lawyer or DAV, VFW etc: says they will send something. NOD have to be sent within a year. Send one yourself even if they say they will send. Get your medical papers in order and do your damnest to make it to the VA appointments. When the VA doctor ask how are you, watch what you say. they write it down. "I am ok." Not good. say "feel bad..pain everywhere. Trying to make it despite pain.

Response by PO1 Kenneth Cardwell made May 6 at 2017 10:25 AM

PO1 Kenneth Cardwell — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:25:13 -0400

Read read and read more for at least a month. Read veteran forum like Yuku where there are thousands of ideas and suggestions. Get a full copy of your medical record. Keep the originals of everything u send and always always send everything certified! The VA I not your friend. they write down anything you say. Example, Doctor "How are you?" Most vets reply. "Not too bad. or I'm feeling ok today." Doctor. Veteran says he feel ok or feels fine.
Treat the VA like you would treat an opposing team in battle. Even if DAV, VFW etc says they will send in stuff, you should also send it in certified as many veteran will tell you, "They said they sent it, but the VA has no record of them sending it. Especially NOD's which u have to respond in one year!
14 years ago I was oversea and sent them my disabilities. now 6 year since 2011 and this time everything certified and denied compensation and re-opened when I show them files from my medical record. Files that they also have!

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Dec 20 at 2017 12:37 AM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:37:40 -0500

Make sure you have your medical documents to back up your claim. One key to disability claims is to have the Doctor performing the C&P corroborate your condition based on your active duty medical records and current records. I was quite blessed and was awarded 100% based on my active duty records and the condition continued after I got out. So all the information matched up. It was a long process of so many test and appointments however I prevailed in the end. Documentation is key and also be respectful to the Doctors performing the examine just tell the truth.

Peace!

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jul 30 at 2019 10:41 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 22:41:12 -0400

Do your homework, and utilize all resources, that are advocates of Veterans.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 28 at 2020 12:06 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:06:48 -0400

Also look into VA Caregiver funds.

Response by SSG Elyzabeth Cromer made Nov 2 at 2020 12:06 PM

SSG Elyzabeth Cromer — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:06:49 -0500

Before leaving Active Duty get a copy of your medical and dental files, there will never be an easy time. If you are in the Reserves or Guard same thing. The National Guard expects that you will report any civilian treatment to them; if you are receiving any treatment for an injury or illness that could be (or was) aggravated by duty make sure your civilian provider forwards treatment records to your Deputy State Surgeon's Office. Always see a medical provider for any injury received on duty, with Tricare being so inexpensive there is no excuse for any service member to be uninsured. Keep a copy of all documentation of medical issues, and turn one into your medical records clerk. (This includes sick call slips, I know a MSG who because he had a copy of a sick call slip, I was able to trace a phone call that was logged in at the neurologist office to change the scope of an MRI. That was the key piece in his LOD, and his eventual VA disability.) Do not violate your profile unless your life is in danger. If you do these things while still in uniform, it will make it much easier for you later to claim any disability benefits to which you are entitled.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Nov 6 at 2020 9:35 AM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 09:35:20 -0500

Get a lawyer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 9:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 09:36:42 -0500

First and foremost use someone specialized in the claim process. Like the DAV or VFW. They are specialized in helping people through this process. From my own personal experience of doing it myself and not wanting to feel like a “complainer” I never put all the information out there. We are taught so often to just put our heads down and work through it, and this is definitely not one of those times. Do yourself the biggest favor you can and tell them about every ache, pain, and mental health problem you have. At the end of the day let them tell you it’s not “service connected” and then appeal their decision and get it reevaluate. Sadly the VA is a business first and foremost so the individuals making the decisions do not always have your best interest at mind.

Response by SPC Robert Dott made Dec 18 at 2020 9:40 PM

SPC Robert Dott — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 21:40:13 -0500

I previously worked and volunteered as a Service Officer for DAV & VFW in Phila, PA. In today's bureaucratic VA Administration nightmare, "GET A LAWYER!!" The VA is going all paperless and encouraging Veterans to do their claim via computer. NOVA (National Organization Veterans Assistance), lawyers who assist Veterans from Washington just held a Webinar to show lawyers how to prepare their clients for virtual C & P exams. Are you kidding me? The VA is also doing away with DBQ forms. These forms are so vital in collecting the most pertinent medical evidence a Veteran or their representative could possibly get. Get A lawyer!!