Disability Claims

[Nectaris]

Been out since 1994 and had a rating of 40%. Wasn't until this past year I realized I should be getting paid more for existing service connected issues plus some new ones. My experience with the process so far has been "Ugh, wtf".

Anyone else going through the process?

[Grendel]

I got out in 1995 and I am in the same situation. I am a DAV member and plan on setting up some time with a rep to go over options. I have had good luck with DAV helping with issues (at least walking me through VA red tape in the past).

[shooter311]

I went through the process around 2006 and it was a nightmare. However, I got a rating for my destroyed shoulders and I thought what I am getting is way more than fair considering it is payment for life.

My brother is retiring next year and he was told that there are companies out there that will handle the claims for a large amount of money. He talked to one and they wanted to charge him (I think) $7,000 but they guaranteed him 100% rating. So it is a ton of money, but if he gets 100% that will pay for itself very quickly.

Maybe look into one of those companies?

[Tracker]

typically they take whatever the pay increase is for the first 6 months (capping off at a set amount) as long as your claim takes over 6 months, you dont have to be out of pocket

[Tracker]

got out in 2004, got my ankle rated at 10% for an old injury in 2018..

the ankle was easy, because i was in my records as getting injured on duty, i went to the hospital and everything so it was easy to prove

my knees have never been awesome, and the military accelerated the wear on them, i am now trying to get my knees claimed, and that is proving to be drastically harder, so far, my ankle up-rating has been denied, as well as getting that same knee service connected "you cant prove it was us"

im using one of those "services" that helps you increase your amount, i had a friend of mine get bumped to 100% with their help.. so far they havent gotten me any results, but i still have one more claim im waiting to hear back from (PTSD Anxiety)

its a crappy process, but you can appeal it forever at least, anytime you want to add more supporting evidence.. my knee/ankle will be appealed by getting my other knee diagnosed with why it hurts, and then adding my other knee to the claim, and having one of their contracted Dr's write me a nexus letter.. (nexus statements are "this person's neckbone hurts because its connected to the back bone, and heres why")

[Nectaris]

I've had 10% for service connected migraines since I got out and realized I should be getting more based on my frequency of 5-6 per month so I filed for an increase with a migraine log. I don't know what the qtc examiner told them but I got a denial for it and they said that given some cases of migraines decrease over time like my case they were giving me the benefit of the doubt and keeping me at 10%. WTF? 10% is for 1 prostrating migraine every 3 months! How could they have gotten it that wrong?

[Mr. Hick]

I was blanket denied both PTSD and Tinnitus even though I had supporting documentation from doctors while in the service. It took about 2 years after I got out before it was all taken care of.

The VA works like everything else in the military. They will make it difficult in the hopes that even 5% of applicants quit trying. If you stick with it and pester the fuck out of everything and everyone you know you can come out on top.

This is also while an alarming number of Vets are committing suicide AT VA hospitals and service centers, or so I suspect.

[Tracker]

they must have noticed i was talking.. my claim updated and closed yesterday.. i can now use disabled veteran plates....

[Mr. Hick]

Good deal man. Keep an eye on your statements and yearly updates. Hopefully you can get some good shit with the back-pay when that check comes in.

[Aluminumchef]

It is a huge pain and they will fight you every inch of the way

[dcroenne]

To all of those in this post, have you all looked for a VSO in your area to handle your claims?
I had one and my claims process went smoothly.
Trying to find one for my dad, hes been fighting the VA for years.

[Tracker]

i used my local VSO to submit my first claim and it went fine
i used some people on the internet to help me with my second, and everything is all weird now cause of covid

[Realgonzo]

check with your local courthouse. Depending on the state they may have a claim manager there either from the VA or one of the organizations that help vets file their claim. Just did mine instead of paying one of those companies money to get your paperwork through. I think its fucken sad that we have to pay to get the rating we deserve.

[Mini-Xmag]

For VA claims, use a VSO! I'm getting out and used a VSO with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), great, transparent experience. I'm still waiting on my VA letter, but things look positive.

I ran into a Vietnam vet that wanted to be reevaluated and connected him with a VSO with a local non-profit that also has good reviews. I couldn't get him with the same VSO because WWP focuses on post-911 veterans. He was doing all the leg work himself and none of us really know how to navigate that system.

I'm happy to help anyone find assistance.

[eld_catharsis_1968]

I am going through the process now, received a favorable partial decision and still waiting for the rest of it to be finalized. Been over a year since I started at this point. Many will recommend trying a VSO first but in my personal experience and the read experiences of many other vets while going through this process, a lot of VSOs just aren't that great. Some do manage to get good ones and I'm happy for them. I am paying to have someone take care of mine despite everyone who says not to, and I'm personally glad that I did. They are super motivated and on top of things, and very familiar with all the tricks the VA tends to pull with vets and how to avoid them. I'm paying them a percentage of one monthly payment whenever my claim is finalized.

I would say try the VSOs in your area and see what you think first so you can possibly save some cash. I recommend learning as much about your conditions and how the VA rates each of them percentage-wise, and hold the VA accountable to that criteria. The Reddit sub r/veteransbenefits is a FANTASTIC resource that I cannot recommend enough. Even if you're not a Redditor, just get an account for that sub. It's as easy as signing on to a forum. It's very worth it. But for me in the long run, the investment in a third-party has definitely been worth it in my opinion.

Additionally, if things are taking a really long time or you're having other VA-related problems don't be afraid to call the VA White House Hotline. I use it shamelessly and it's helped me on multiple occasions.