What is the reasoning behind a veteran who was honorable discharged for a medical reason to be denied VA disability?

2024-11-06T14:01:47-05:00

I was injured on active duty and discharged for this reason but have been fighting for years to get disability benefits.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 6 at 2024 2:45 PM

2024-11-06T14:45:41-05:00

What type of discharge did you get and when were you separated (your profile doesn't show it).

The reason for the ask is the regulations about administrative discharges for medical reasons have changed over the years as well as the "disability evaluation and separation" route.

For example, if you were separated through a Medical Evaluation Board after 2009, then the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) would have been in effect and a joint DoD/VA disability rating would have been assigned (even if medically separated for a disability rated at less than 30%).

Was the injury related to a preexisting medical condition, as part of something that was considered to be "non-Line of Duty"? Both of those situations would impact on your having a determination of "service-connected".

Basically, there are many reasons why the VA would deny a service-connection to a disability from your active duty time, but you would have to provide much more information (DM me if you don't want to share publicly).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2024 3:04 PM

2024-11-06T15:04:21-05:00

which disability benefit are you seeking compensation or coverage. coverage comes with it being verified as service connected but not all service-connected conditions rate compensation.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 8 at 2024 2:09 PM

2024-11-08T14:09:49-05:00

How were to discharged? Med Board? If you have your medical records what is the basis of their denial?

Response by Robert Langham made Nov 21 at 2024 3:28 PM

2024-11-21T15:28:03-05:00

Well Ms. Perez, I don't no the details of your claims, however, I've assisted 2 veterans recently who had been discharged for over 30 years. I was able to upgrade and file new claims for both. they are both receiving over 40% compensation with back pay

Response by PVT T B made Mar 21 at 2025 5:25 PM

2025-03-21T17:25:28-04:00

The VA is a Nightmare to Navigate, and to get a Disability rating. Many times people are denied their First claim because they do not have enough evidence to support their initial claim. I suggest you get with the DAV and have a VSO assist you in creating a fully developed Claim. "DAV Disabled American Veterans" "VSO Veteran Service Officer" If you do not have enough evidence, you may be scheduled for a VES , or C&P exam. "Veteran Evaluation Service" "Compensation and Pension" There is a LOT of information to go over, so I Highly suggest getting with a Veteran Service officer. Contact your Local DAV, Warriors Resources, or DEERS office and Ask for assistance. They are More than Happy to assist you in the Claim process.

Response by SPC Clark Stinson made May 31 at 2025 1:09 PM

2025-05-31T13:09:29-04:00

The VA requires proof of medical condition through attending care in a hospital along with documentations and operates similar that of a court from experience. The VA doesn't just give benefits freely unless one resulted in known and obvious injuries through combat and Purple Heart recipient. And another thing is that to recieve VA benefits from such medical condition can't be in result of one own cause or negligence even if it was an Honorable Discharge medically.

Response by PO1 Helena Janice Ritz made Jul 6 at 2025 8:46 AM

2025-07-06T08:46:52-04:00

I hope you have a VSO or lawyer helping you obtain your earned benefits. Many times, denials are related to the way the form is filled out. That's why having a VSO (Veterans Service Organization) assist with the paperwork and represent you is important. The DAV, VFW, American Legion, your state's local Department of Veterans Affairs, can all help. Another reason for denial is the way you behave in front of the examiner. If you were discharged for a physical aliment, make sure you stop moving whenever it hurts. Say you injured your back and cannot bend over more than 45 degrees without it hurting. Stop at 30 degrees. If your knees are the issue and you cannot squat, don't. Mental health exams are a bit different. When speaking with the psychologist, just don't lie. If you're angry, be angry. If you want to cry, for Pete's sake, CRY. Let them feel what you feel on a daily basis. Holding back is foolish. It will not help you. I know this because the first time I applied I was denied. The doctor said I had a personality disorder (I do not), and those are not covered. I was holding back because I was extremely angry. If all else fails, contact your state legislators and senators, your governor and your federal senators and representatives. Bottom line: Don't ever stop advocating for yourself and don't give up. Good Luck. Edit: I forgot to add for you to get you Military Medical Records. If you did not copy them before you left the service, you might be able to get a copy through the VA (myHealtheVet). Not all your records will be in there. Handwritten notes by doctors may not be included.

Response by FN Steve Heglmeier made Aug 6 at 2025 8:56 PM

2025-08-06T20:56:01-04:00

I was as well as a friend of mine. I was accepted the first time, it took him several tries. But they've repeatedly turned me down for my rating and only gove me the VA healthcare which is very good. But Larry got 30% disability when they accepted him about 3 years later.
So keep pressing on.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2025 6:27 PM

2025-08-16T18:27:57-04:00

After my discharge, I filed for my hearing loss from my roll in combat. I was taken out of the front line for my hearing loss.
When I fielded for the disability I was denied any compensation even though I was given hearing aids.
I feel totally disrespected for this denial.
Even though my military records has my hearing loss the VA gave me a lie detector test.
W T F?

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Nov 3 at 2025 2:35 PM

2025-11-03T14:35:45-05:00

I was a VA nurse & before retiring I worked in the outpatient clinic. We started doing intake on active duty people who were being medically discharged. We had a woman soldier come to us with so many health issues. Her paper chart had not caught up to her so her entire C&P exam was based on what she told me & the doctor. The doctor was one of our chief of staff who took on her particular case. With so many issues being reported, our VA did a million dollar work up. The day all of the tests came back as negative, her paper chart caught up saying she was being kicked out for mental health reasons. When our doctor confronted this woman soldier, the girl went off. Yelling, threats, etc. Our doctor was very upset. Hurt more than mad. I told the doctor to report the girl's behavior to her command. She did. Now the girl was being booted for an other-tan-honorable discharge. She threatened to sue our VA. She didn't. She was banned from coming back to our VA.

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made Nov 17 at 2025 9:53 AM

2025-11-17T09:53:37-05:00

When it comes to navigating the VA system, an expert guide is needed. I had a few service connected problems. I tried going it alone and found the VA system overwhelming. I then contacted a DAV representative and finally received the disability rating I deserved. Going it alone, does not work with the VA. Contacting the Disabled American Veterans group, is the way to go in my opinion.