Has anyone had a good experience filing for VA or SSDI disability?

WO1 Lisa Caldwell — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 00:55:27 -0500

During my experience of 6-ish years, it was very insulting process. Assumptions that my whole claim was bullshit (VA) or being denied because I have an MBA (SSDI). I'm looking to gather negative experiences to take to Congress to get things fixed (it's Congress, so I won't expect much...)

Response by Col Mark I. made Mar 7 at 2017 1:05 AM

Col Mark I. — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 01:05:08 -0500

All of your VA claims require a service connection (such as documentation in your service medical records). Pre-existing conditions are usually denied; and conditions that have no service connected documentation are also usually denied.
It's really an uphill battle to establish a service connection - if a claimed condition is not documented/established in your actual service medical records.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 7 at 2017 10:22 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 22:22:10 -0500

WO1 Lisa Caldwell I had a good experience when I transitioned from active duty to retirement. But, I was an Colonel, and a Brigade Commander, so I know (or at least suspect) I got special treatment.

About a year out from my retirement physical, I had my PCM review my records to ensure everything they thought, and I thought, was wrong with me was properly documented in my military health records. If it is not documented there, it does not exist to the VA.

From my retirement physical (Aug 12) to BDD (Feb 14) was too too long.

The issue for me came in after I received my initial rating (BDD - Benefits Delivery at Discharge). My BDD was 80% service connected, but they missed a few items. So, I had to appeal. As an example, I received an eye injury, TBI, and had persistent headaches all from the same blast incident, but the VA only serviced connected TBI, not the eye injury and headaches.

When I tried to appeal, the process was hard, long, and not veteran focussed. Each of my appeals took a very long long time...

Whenever I saw a VA provided Dr to check or verify my disabilities, or appeals, it seemed clear their sole mission was to disprove what I was saying or reporting. I believe the VA process is clearly focused on saying no, and sticking to it.

To win, you need a VSO who know the process (the game) and you need to be persistent.

It should not be this hard. The VA should focus on doing what is right, not just saying no.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Mar 10 at 2017 8:52 AM

CPO Bill Penrod — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 08:52:32 -0500

When filing a VA claim you have to speak their language. Google: Veterans Benefits Network and lay it out for them. There is a retired rater on there that may be able to assist you. Good luck.........