Posted on Jan 20, 2015
What Advice Would You Give To A Veteran Making A Veterans Affairs Disability Claim?
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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/
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/
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Edited 10 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 35
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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!
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
PO1 Kenneth Cardwell well said and articulately conveyed. Great information thanks. Will use those sites!
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SSG David Dickson
#1 If you have not been seen for it during your career, you will have a difficult if not impossible time trying to claim it at the tail end of things.
#2 Have a Veteran's Grop like American Legion, VFW, or DAV comb through your medical records and find everything you've been seen for since basic.
#3 They will also be more than happy to file the claim in your behalf.
#4 If you are married and have had injuries that affect your quality of life, have your spouse prepare a supporting letter on how your injuires have impacted you and your family's life.
#5 Make sure you can support, by documentation, everything you claim.
#6 make sure you have a copy of your medical records. If you miss something, you can always file an amended claim.
#2 Have a Veteran's Grop like American Legion, VFW, or DAV comb through your medical records and find everything you've been seen for since basic.
#3 They will also be more than happy to file the claim in your behalf.
#4 If you are married and have had injuries that affect your quality of life, have your spouse prepare a supporting letter on how your injuires have impacted you and your family's life.
#5 Make sure you can support, by documentation, everything you claim.
#6 make sure you have a copy of your medical records. If you miss something, you can always file an amended claim.
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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
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. Thank you all the VETS can really use this....SWEET!
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SSgt Alex Robinson
Sgt Spencer Sikder you may or may not be correct but a good disability can guide you thru the process and help you get the application submitted and approved the first time.
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SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS
Sgt Spencer Sikder, I believe lawyers are expensive and should be a last result. It comes down to situational factors. Depending on the circumstances of the contentions, severity, difficulty providing proof, time and accessibility of collecting statements, past medical records, and many more. I would only use a lawyer as a last result. I understand not all VSO's are good help and ultimately we need to be as informed ourselves as best as could be.
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CPL Paul Hoffman
I have gone through this process, and as opposed to a lawyer, I recommend finding a representative like Disabled American Vets. Personally, I used Texas Veterans Commission, and had no issues with either the initial claim nor the appeals process. These groups are free, and once they have a LIMITED power of attorney, can and will fight for you.
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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.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SSG Keven Lahde well said and received brother...good copy. SWEET!
please share with all VETERANS. This is a premier site I got while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
please share with all VETERANS. This is a premier site I got while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
Military Disability | VA Disability | Info for Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans: this is the one-stop shop for all your Military Disability and VA Disability needs.
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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.
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Sgt Jennifer Mohler
The conditions are chronic. The only reason I am not in ongoing care is 1. I can't afford it now and 2. I refused to go while in and suffer the emotional abuse of "providers" who refused to listen.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Sgt Jennifer Mohler, CPO Ed Ball, found a good site for all.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
Military Disability | VA Disability | Info for Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans: this is the one-stop shop for all your Military Disability and VA Disability needs.
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CPO Ed Ball
SFC Joe S. Davis, Jr., I like the website with one draw back, and that is the writing style. Meaning, there are several entries that begin on a negative note, then three or four paragraphs later they tell you what you need.
Most of my veterans would stop at the first paragraph and fail to read the remainder, thinking there is no hope. Other than that it may be a very valuable tool for those not knowing the VA/DOD Disability system. Thanks.
Most of my veterans would stop at the first paragraph and fail to read the remainder, thinking there is no hope. Other than that it may be a very valuable tool for those not knowing the VA/DOD Disability system. Thanks.
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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.
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.
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CPO Ed Ball
SSG Rogers makes some very good points, but if I may clear up some confusion here. A claim filed within the first 12 months is back dated to the day after discharge as the effective date, that is when you became a veteran.
When filing a claim, you receive a denial from the VARO, you have 12 months to file a Notice of Disagreement requesting a Decision Review Officer de Nova review, which means it will be taken out of the hands of the individual that initially made the decision for the VA and give it to a DRO that will view every document in the Claims File to ensure it was properly handled. If there is sufficient evidence to overturn the decision you will be paid back to the original effective date when you filed and the VARO received your claim. "If" the DRO upholds the denial, file VA Form 9 and have the VARO file your appeal with the Board of Veterans Appeal. This action continues to uphold your original effective date of claim. File the VA Form 9 ASAP once you receive the denial and Supplemental Statement of the Claim. During the appeal process, be "Specific" tell the VA what issues you do not agree with and why. You may submit new and material evidence at any time to substantiate your claim. VA will consider documents provided by .mil and .gov websites if relevant. Your best friend will be the medical evidence that has a doctors medical opinion of either "more likely than not as a result of military service" or "Least likely than not as a result of military service." Especially for those claims that have insufficient medical evidence to warrant service connect as related to military service. Ensure the doctor documents the evidence he/she reviewed in order to make the medical opinion, i.e., DD-214, MOS/Rating job descriptions, military medical records, personnel evaluations, LOD assessments, applicable VAMC medical records, and any other documents that will assist them to inform the VA that the good doctor has reviewed the key documents in your claim. Without the review of applicable documents, even with a medical opinion, the claim may be denied for not taking into consideration "ALL" the evidence when making a decision. (They call it VA protocol)
Once the Board of Veterans Appeals make their decision final, they will give you an opportunity to provide a motion for reconsideration, but beyond that you may elect to file an appeal to the Federal Circuit courts. You do not have the opportunity to submit new and material evidence here, all this court will do is verify that the BVA has done their job in accordance with the current law.
If you elect to allow your denied claim expire after 12 months with no appeal action, then it is considered resolved. The VARO is then relinquished from having to take further action. Then it becomes your responsibility to find "New and Material Evidence" to reopen your original claim which will be assigned a new effective date based on the date the VARO receives the New and Material evidence they have never considered before. There may be several years go by before you find that much needed evidence, but do not fret, you can always reopen at a future date.
In 2010, Congress mandated the VA Secretary pull back claims that were originally denied for Ischemic Heart Disease, Parkinson's, and Leukemia Hairy Cell "B" claims due to presumptive exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Those claims were adjudicated all the way back to their original effective date of claim when they first filed, as mandated and authorized by Congress. So when in doubt with a chronic disability, file!! Congress may change the law. Example? Those military members having served at the DMZ in South Korea, they may have been exposed to dioxin, a byproduct of the herbicide used on the DMZ. VA assigns dates for those assigned during specific time frames to be eligible others are being denied. But dioxin is insoluble to water, meaning their is dangerous levels still found in soil and possibly within the underground aquifer in the DMZ. How do you prove that? Google the Hatfield Group report. This Canadian report will show you soil, water, vegetation, and fish samples with dioxin around military installations since the Vietnam war. You will find that in the early 2000s soil samples were 365 times the global acceptable levels. Serve on the DMZ in Korea? Have a chronic disability? FILE! Even if the disability is not on the Agent Orange Presumptive list, i.e., colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.. I have a veteran awarded $725K because Congress changed the law. Now Google USAID Remediation Efforts Vietnam. You will find the U.S. Government is in DaNang Vietnam today cleaning up dioxin at the end of the runway that was occupied by Ranch Hand personnel. Plus they will clean the lake, fish, and aquatic vegetation found in the lake, all at the end of the runway. Once they are finished in DaNang they will be moving to other U.S. Military installations during the Vietnam War that are deemed hotspots for Agent Orange.
When filing a claim, you receive a denial from the VARO, you have 12 months to file a Notice of Disagreement requesting a Decision Review Officer de Nova review, which means it will be taken out of the hands of the individual that initially made the decision for the VA and give it to a DRO that will view every document in the Claims File to ensure it was properly handled. If there is sufficient evidence to overturn the decision you will be paid back to the original effective date when you filed and the VARO received your claim. "If" the DRO upholds the denial, file VA Form 9 and have the VARO file your appeal with the Board of Veterans Appeal. This action continues to uphold your original effective date of claim. File the VA Form 9 ASAP once you receive the denial and Supplemental Statement of the Claim. During the appeal process, be "Specific" tell the VA what issues you do not agree with and why. You may submit new and material evidence at any time to substantiate your claim. VA will consider documents provided by .mil and .gov websites if relevant. Your best friend will be the medical evidence that has a doctors medical opinion of either "more likely than not as a result of military service" or "Least likely than not as a result of military service." Especially for those claims that have insufficient medical evidence to warrant service connect as related to military service. Ensure the doctor documents the evidence he/she reviewed in order to make the medical opinion, i.e., DD-214, MOS/Rating job descriptions, military medical records, personnel evaluations, LOD assessments, applicable VAMC medical records, and any other documents that will assist them to inform the VA that the good doctor has reviewed the key documents in your claim. Without the review of applicable documents, even with a medical opinion, the claim may be denied for not taking into consideration "ALL" the evidence when making a decision. (They call it VA protocol)
Once the Board of Veterans Appeals make their decision final, they will give you an opportunity to provide a motion for reconsideration, but beyond that you may elect to file an appeal to the Federal Circuit courts. You do not have the opportunity to submit new and material evidence here, all this court will do is verify that the BVA has done their job in accordance with the current law.
If you elect to allow your denied claim expire after 12 months with no appeal action, then it is considered resolved. The VARO is then relinquished from having to take further action. Then it becomes your responsibility to find "New and Material Evidence" to reopen your original claim which will be assigned a new effective date based on the date the VARO receives the New and Material evidence they have never considered before. There may be several years go by before you find that much needed evidence, but do not fret, you can always reopen at a future date.
In 2010, Congress mandated the VA Secretary pull back claims that were originally denied for Ischemic Heart Disease, Parkinson's, and Leukemia Hairy Cell "B" claims due to presumptive exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Those claims were adjudicated all the way back to their original effective date of claim when they first filed, as mandated and authorized by Congress. So when in doubt with a chronic disability, file!! Congress may change the law. Example? Those military members having served at the DMZ in South Korea, they may have been exposed to dioxin, a byproduct of the herbicide used on the DMZ. VA assigns dates for those assigned during specific time frames to be eligible others are being denied. But dioxin is insoluble to water, meaning their is dangerous levels still found in soil and possibly within the underground aquifer in the DMZ. How do you prove that? Google the Hatfield Group report. This Canadian report will show you soil, water, vegetation, and fish samples with dioxin around military installations since the Vietnam war. You will find that in the early 2000s soil samples were 365 times the global acceptable levels. Serve on the DMZ in Korea? Have a chronic disability? FILE! Even if the disability is not on the Agent Orange Presumptive list, i.e., colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.. I have a veteran awarded $725K because Congress changed the law. Now Google USAID Remediation Efforts Vietnam. You will find the U.S. Government is in DaNang Vietnam today cleaning up dioxin at the end of the runway that was occupied by Ranch Hand personnel. Plus they will clean the lake, fish, and aquatic vegetation found in the lake, all at the end of the runway. Once they are finished in DaNang they will be moving to other U.S. Military installations during the Vietnam War that are deemed hotspots for Agent Orange.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SSG Dave Rogers please share with all VETERANS. This is a premier site I got while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
Military Disability | VA Disability | Info for Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans: this is the one-stop shop for all your Military Disability and VA Disability needs.
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SSG Dave Rogers
Thanks for sharing, while the DAV can help to a point, I have found that the American Legion is better at this, they have offices in areas that have lawyers who work to get their benefits and it is at no cost to the veteran. Also you don't have to worry about doing the paperwork they do it all for you.
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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!
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!
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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.
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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.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
1SG Scott MacGregor please share with all VETERANS. This is a premier site I got while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
Military Disability | VA Disability | Info for Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans: this is the one-stop shop for all your Military Disability and VA Disability needs.
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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.
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CPO Ed Ball
Smart advise, file early! In the event you were exposed to herbicides, fuels, radiation, etc... the disabilities may not show up for 40 or 50 years. If the claim is based on a presumptive condition by law, then it becomes a simple matter of filing the claim along with the medical evidence and if you meet VA criteria they will give you the service connect. For those other items that fall under direct exposure, you are burdened with proving you were exposed. After 40-50 years, your memory will not be what it once was, trust me.
Keep copies of documents, list of chemicals used during maintenance, types of fuels exposed to. On ships record the date you drank out of a scuttlebutt and it tasted like jet fuel. If service members witnessed your condition while on active duty, keep in contact with them, addresses, phone numbers, and when you file with weak medical evidence, you can use their statements as buddy statements to substantiate your claim in many cases.
After the claim is filed, find a hobby, something to take your mind off the process. If after three months you have not heard anything, start inquiring on status of your claim through your National Service Organization representing you before the VA.
Keep copies of documents, list of chemicals used during maintenance, types of fuels exposed to. On ships record the date you drank out of a scuttlebutt and it tasted like jet fuel. If service members witnessed your condition while on active duty, keep in contact with them, addresses, phone numbers, and when you file with weak medical evidence, you can use their statements as buddy statements to substantiate your claim in many cases.
After the claim is filed, find a hobby, something to take your mind off the process. If after three months you have not heard anything, start inquiring on status of your claim through your National Service Organization representing you before the VA.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SPC(P) Jay Heenan please share with all VETERANS. This is a premier site I got while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
Military Disability | VA Disability | Info for Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans: this is the one-stop shop for all your Military Disability and VA Disability needs.
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