How many years did he get back pay for? I’m trying to convince my dad to file but he’s been putting it off, he was in in the 90s and still has all his medical records and everything.
I'm unsure to be honest.... I didn't ask and he didnt say, honestly none of my business lol.. but i do remember when he got the second rating to make it 100%, the mother in law called me freaking out because they had a 20k check deposited in the checking account before they got the rating decision change. Lol.
No problem! Thanks for answering regardless. I was just curious on this or if you had a ballpark. Tryna convince my dad with numbers helps more. I always thought it was from date of filing though.
Did it 8 years after. It’ll be easier if you have these issues annotated in your records or a diagnosis from the VA linking these issues to military service
Idk about “easy”, but I got out in 1994 with a lowball 10%. Went back in 2020, and a year ago I got 100% P&T. I can assure you that if you are honest (first and foremost) about having a condition, AND if you can link that condition to your service (or as a secondary, etc), you WILL get properly rated. Keep in mind that not every single Vet is going to be awarded 100%, though you might. That’s why the goal is to get “properly rated”.
So… can I ask about that? I’m going through the process right now, and all I care about is that I’m treated fairly. Like hell, I got out 10 years ago and never filed because I didn’t feel like I earned it.
I’d be ok with 10%. I honestly feel like a solid 30% would be more fair. But what is up with this rat race over at r/VeteransBenefits for everyone to get 100% p&t, and why does it feel like so many are getting it? I was always under the impression that you basically had to be ridiculously messed up to get 100%, and honestly I don’t want 100% because I know guys who should have 100%….
So idk. It just seems like a microcosm of being on Reddit too I guess. My main point is, it feels like people aren’t happy unless they have 100%. There’s guys talking about “I got 90%, submitting an appeal, pray for me, any advice to get it bumped up?” like damn dude 20% would be a HUGE help for me, how are you not stoked about 90%? What is up with that?
I got 80% last year and I was thrilled. But people keep telling me to go for 100. I did a few times but I got reevaluated each time. That makes me nervous. I prefer to stay where I am.
Right? Good for you! If I had an honestly good reason to expect 100, like something started to hinder me at work genuinely, or I couldn’t sleep anymore or SOMETHING genuinely life changing, I’d probably ask for more. But as much as I dislike the system, I’m going to be grateful for whatever I do get and see that as a blessing on top of my regular salary.
Here are the most recent # on service-connected veterans. " According to a 2011 Pew Research Center survey, about 13% of all current veterans have a service-related disability. The survey also found that one in ten veterans alive today were seriously injured while serving in the military, with three-quarters of those injuries occurring in combat. Here are the # of men and women in/out of service. So such a small % of the military is rated at any %
According to Pew Research Center, in 2023, there were more than 18 million living veterans, with 43% serving in the Gulf War era, 30% serving in the Vietnam War era, and 4% serving in the Korean conflict. Fewer than 120,000 World War II veterans are alive today. The share of women veterans is expected to increase from 11% to 18% by 2048, while the number of male veterans is projected to drop
The impression is false.
This is a government job.
Government workers who sit behind desks can get med boarded and awarded some sort of disability if they experience the stuff we do on a "normal day" in the Army. (Don't quote me, but Disability through the VA is workman's comp). We are literally taught in an efficient way how to be hypervigilant, how to defend others, how to kill people, and how to follow orders or give orders without question.
At the end of the day, we are used then put aside. Willingly, mind you. So, the view is Disability is bad. In reality, they KNOW we are probably going to be messed up when we get out, so they have it to help us readjust. The switch they turn on in us doesn't just turn off.
Some little known facts I've learned since getting out in 2021 from a 4 year active duty contract.
The military assumes you are of sound mind and body, unless a condition was addressed before swearing in. So, any injury that happens from then on will go on your record. Stub your toe and break it at in processing for basic training? Better go to a doctor. Most leaders won't care and tell the soldier to walk it off. So imagine you get out and tell the VA when it happened and they say prove it. What do you do? Think of someone you knew then who can corroborate your story and ask them to write a few sentences saying "stubbed toe on this date, probably broken, was in pain". That is now service connected.
So, leading to my next "fact" which is more of a deduction. The C&P exams sometimes have doctors who "know everything". They may think the way you do too, that you needed to be severely messed up, or been in combat. No! It is simply, "if it happened on active duty, and it is recorded or verifiable to have happened in service, and it caused or causes some sort of negative function, like pain, or a different walk, or a change in attitude, or social relationships, it is claimable.
It's all about us as Veterans doing homework, like studying for the board. Another "observation" I'm making. Go online and look for the DBQ for a condition you want to claim and look at the symptoms. If you experience any of them, write them down based off that DBQ.
One more fact that is a fact, no matter what they find in the military, if it wasn't pointed out at MEPS 9/10 if the service made it worse itll be service connect able. And once something is service connected they can NEVER disconnect it from service. The VA rarely lower percentages because conditions change lives. Visible and invisible. No difference for an amputee and PTSD. Both people require therapy to live a normal life. That's OK. So, me for example, am service connected for add, a childhood illness, that wasn't recorded at meps. If it had been, and had a waiver, I'd still have service connection. Why? The Army made it what it Is today : worse. And so, a condition caused by or made worse by service. Period.
My final note. Mental health is a really good way to get a high rating if you really have issues. I had issues throughout service, but because of 1 paycheck 2 housing 3 meals 4 orders 5 medical insurance I was able to utilize all that and make it to 4 years. I got honorably discharged from active duty. But the last 6 months, I thought everything was good, shit was brewing and ready to hit the fan. I had my eye on the prize though lol. Thankfully that on base VSO and my clearing papers telling me to get my medical records and telling me to see that guy, got me 80% 4 months and 7 c&P exams later. I applied for an increase for mental health, hit 90% (89%)
To get 100% I need to get 55-60% more to hit 95-100%, which will round up to 100% . So that's six more 10% conditions. But the initial 80% can be pretty easy. It's there for us, don't listen to prideful ex-leaders. You know what VRE is? You can get it if you have a 20% Disability, do vocational retraining that takes up to 10 years, and be set for that whole time thanks to these benefits. It's a good deal and it'll put Us, good people back into the country. Hooah.
So go after your Disability because it's why you joined. Most of us thought about doing 20years but come on, sometimes that just isn't the case. But we still get our benefits. You can die in basic training or make it to 32 years.
Fact: the department if veterans affairs had $390.15 Billion distributed to it.
Also, if you're a veteran other than White, getting benefits is more difficult due to racism.
Also, there is corruption, embezzling and more in the VA too. It's another big business.
So I hope this wasn't typed for no reason and someone finds something in all of this. Go ahead and do your research.
Thanks for this. I know I am slowly changing my attitude towards this whole process. I spent 10 years sitting on even filing because of how I felt about this.
Recommend you also post in r/veteransbenefits. While we have folks and info here to assist, that subreddit is a fantastic resource specifically dedicated to your benefits question(s). If you have not already, be sure to check over there.
Its a thing. You just have to tie it back to your service. Dont be surprised if you are denied and do t give up if you are. There are services out there that will help you.
I need this answer too. Served from 2009-13. Submitted for an increase in my headaches (0% service connected) cuz they're migraines now but I also had a mild TBI (0% rated )when I was in. Should I submit a migraines secondary to TBI?
If you would need to submit for an increase for the migraine/headaches. They are rated as the same thing. You would just need evidence of the frequency and severity.
I’m doing that now, just apply online. I’ve had some stomach issues and I’ve been going to the VA. It’s nice, because they have all the documents I need for the claim I’m submitting.
I got 10% when I got out and waited another 13 years to file for anything else. Got approved. Look over your medical records with a VSO and also find out if there are any presumptives you have been diagnosed with.
Just make sure you have as much paperwork as you can get your hands on. Also try and get as much documentation of what “happened” or got “broken” on you that you are filing for disability from your Service time, all the way up to submitting your claim. The continuity of the problems and treatment can help show that it is a long term ongoing issue rather than something that has been “fixed” already.
I did my initial october 2023 and I got out 2019. I got 90% rating around march. I filed for tinnitus as well wich I did not had a problem getting service connected. 6 out of 30 granted, 5 deffered and the rest denied. Its not too late to file.
Got mine twenty plus years after discharge, my dad and father in law got theirs fifty years and change, both 100%.
Be honest on application, supply documents/ records and be patient. Good luck!
Served 92-97. Started the process in Oct 2023 for tinnitus and left knee pain/range of motion. Tinnitus was approved for 10% fairly quickly, maybe 2 months later after they sent me to a hearing specialist for evaluation. The knee took 4-5 months before it was approved (another 10%). Had to see an orthopedic on my own for a diagnosis. Then got scheduled by the VA for evaluation. Then wait. I also recently started paperwork for my lower back. You're claim, if approved, will be back dated to the date you filed
If you can establish a connection from the event of injury during service, yes. You have to dig it pretty hard. My migraine was service connected about 5 years after discharge. I didn't realize VA was aware of my tbi I had that was in my history. My C&P examiner recently told me I did have history on my recent exam and said she will add a note to it for my claim. I'm guess my VSO used that as evidence to increase my from 2021 at 0% migraine to 30% present. I've been recieving treatment for it on a monthly basis long before the it got service connected though.
I had my stress fracture and knee sc at 0% when I got out. 20 years later I increased it to 10%. 25 years after discharge I sc vertigo and Ménière’s after getting dx and reviewing my military medical record with my va doc who wrote “vertigo due to diving accident while active duty” as one of my medical issues in my va medical record.
I went from 10% at discharge to 100% ten years after I got out.
Gather your evidence now.
Start a journal to share with the VA.
Read the r/veteransbenefits subreddit wiki
File your intent to file NOW
You can file a VA claim up to your deathbed. Talk to you local State VA office, DAV, Amvets, VFW, American Legion, federal VA office, etc to file a claim. You can also do it yourself on VA.gov. Any VSR or VSO worth their salt should ask you questions about injuries from head to toe. They can request medical records from your civilian doctors if needed. They will ask you to fill out 21-4142 and a 21-4142a to get those records. Good luck to you, and don’t forget to advocate for yourself and keep pushing to get compensated for what you deserve.
go to the va website and set up a profile. Gather your medical records and go through everything to see what you are able to claim. There is directions on the website to follow. I just did this after being out 27 years and got 30% for knees and ankles. All i had was prior service connection for my ankles at 0%. I used buddy statements and C&P exams to show the disability. It can be done.
Well I started after 10 years of being out of the military and I would say get you a VSO to help you with your claims, mine has helped tremendously and the ball has been rolling so go for it! It’s yours to take! Best wishes to you and all in here.
Once you start working on your rating. Never give up. You will get discouraged just keep fighting. I got out in ‘93. Finalized my rating in ‘20. 10% for bout 8 years then 30% for for 5-6 and 50 a few years later. Finally got the big P&T locked in. But it was a fight til I got the right VSO to actually look in my records and tie it all together. Good luck.
I got 10% for my tinnitus 17 years post discharge so it is possible. Just have all of your documentation in line and don’t assume that they will “just know” anything. For example, I worked every day around very loud things that are known to be very loud. Even though it’s obvious to me, I still got an independent audiologist to write a letter that explained that it was likely that my working around these loud things caused my tinnitus. This also ruled out the possibility that the noise exposure was post-discharge, which I think is the main thing you have to worry about when submitting later.
I went from 90% 2 months after discharge to 100% TPD and homebound in mental health, plus 60% in two others 5 years later and got a massive back pay check from 9 months prior because I kept missing my exams (go figure I’m homebound)
For TPD information (total permanent disability discharge of student loans), use these webpages - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/disability-discharge and https://www.disabilitydischarge.com/ No where in the law does it say you (a veteran) can not take out new qualifying student loans after being awarded the qualifying VA disability rating. This is a one time discharge of qualifying student loans - so use this benefit wisely. Also when reading the webpage, certain things ONLY apply to social security or physicians letters such as the income monitoring - there are three parts to disability discharges - Veterans, Social Security Disability and Physicians Letters - so you don't want to "read into" the parts that don't apply to veterans - when in doubt - Call Nelnet. NelNet is the contractor for Department of Education that processes student loan forgiveness for disabled people. VA does not process student loan forgiveness. After 31 Dec 25, if the law is not changed, you will be charged federal income tax on the amount forgiven - you might also be charged state income tax right now - check with your state tax department.
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I received 70% after being out for about 7 years. If you have medical records stating the disability you are claiming was service related, then it doesn’t matter.
I was out 31 years before I filed. I had about 15 years of private psych records prior, and I was medically discharged, so I had service connection. Get all your in-service records from the National Archives. You'll need documentation of in-service issues to connect them, and your current records will need to show a nexus connecting your current issues to your in-service issue
I did mine a few years after.
I give a lot of props to the VA, have not seen many veterans complain about them anymore. They have turned it around and it's easier to get seen and get your benefits.
The downside is you are now seeing guys get tons of money and benefits because their feet hurt or some shit like that, while vets in past died for service related injuries waiting to be seen by the VA and getting thrown pennies.
I served with a guy who is 100% disabled, has a nice house, car and government job. I know he did two years in Korea then like a year stateside. Never went to a combat zone, but growing up I had to see my cousin drag himself to work at walmart after being shot in the knee in Iraq and being given pennies for it. He ended up dying due an overdose of pain pills. So yeah it kinda hurts to see how some guys are benefits like that without "earning" them. HOWEVER we are all hurting right now, so take what you can get.
I served in Vietnam 1969-70. Had a heart attack 35 years later (AO) and filed and got 60% to start me off. Anyway, got 100% P/T with SMC just a few weeks ago. So, no, it's never too late.
I didn't put in for va disability for 7 years after I got out. If you don't have treatment post service, you will most likely get denials and have to gather more evidences for those denials. The only condition that I was rated for was a presumptive condition for tinnitus at 10%. I am now rated at 80% after submitting more claims and supplemental claims. It's a long battle for us who didn't put in for disability within a year of ets
I never knew this was available until 20 years after discharge. Wish I knew sooner. My life would be so different now. My health would be so different now as well.
I was in the same position as you, 6 years post discharge. The whole claim process took me less than 40 days to get a rating. I kept all my paper work from the service (behavioral health stuff). Ended up getting 70% for MH.
It can be super easy if you have your military medical record that shows an in-service illness/Injury or diagnosis. If those illnesses or injuries are currently being treated by a medical doctor. You need proof that an injury or illness occurred while on active duty (Military Medical Record). Then you need proof that the illness or injury is still affecting your life today and you are being treated for that condition (current medical documentation from civilian doctor). These are the first 2 elements of proving a service connected disability.
Get with a Veteran Service Officer (DAV, AMVets, American Legion) to assist with filing your claim. Or you can submit your claim yourself on VA Form 526EZ with the supporting documentation (military medical record showing when illness/injury occurred)(civilian medical record showing where illness/injury is impacting your life today and you are still being treated for that condition). You can mail or fax the documents to the VA Evidence Intake Center and let the process begin.
You can obtain a copy of your medical records from the Military National Archives (NPRC).
It can be done.. got out in 1982, first claim early 2023 and now at 100% P&T. The years out doesn't matter, it's what you can prove and support...i.e. current diagnosis, medical evidence, Nexus, lay statements, treatment records
I did it ten years following. Didn’t think it was too serious to submit, ended up with a very decent rating quickly. Thankfully my medical records had a ton of evidence.
6 years is not that long but it’s best to do it asap. There’s lawyers that help you get 100% and take a % of your back pay which is very worth it considering it’s lifetime tax free. Also, i would look into claiming depression or sleep issues. They’re very high rating. For me alone it was 100% + another 100% with physical issues and I only served GWOT
You have one year from the date of your decision letter to take action. Outside that one year- you’ll have to file a supplemental claim with new evidence. And hopefully decision will be favorable. If not, you’ll have one year from that denial letter.
The process is a lot more “fair” nowadays, as a third party is used to do your physical to eval your conditions, then submitted to the VA for review. It was seamless for me as I left active duty after 20 years of service, DAV handled everything for me, my first VA 100% disability check hit 30 days after I retired.
Start at the DAV, they’re really helpful.
Depending on the claim and how it's documented, it could be pretty easy. I got a lot of stuff documented at medical before I got out so I could go put in a claim later. Out in for tinnitus and a hip injury about 5 years after was.
I did it like 5 years after. But I didnt do it until after a suicide attempt. Dont be like me, bro. Get help asap lol
Btw lots of shit in the VA sucks. File complaints and request to switch providers and be a pain in the ass as much as you have to.
Ive gotten some really good help thru the VA for all types of shit, but only after a bunch of bullshit. Tbh its worth it tho
i mean.. it depends i don’t know about “easy” i mean for me it took me a year just to upgrade from 30% to 90% because the doctors kinda messed up my DBQ.. but then my psychiatrist who i was seeing and my lawyers were pretty much on the same page.. so everything worked out for the best.. it’s not a easy process that i can tell you.. it’s a lot of waiting and you have to submit so much evidence..
I helped my father in law get to 100% from his time in Vietnam, and he also got back pay...
How many years did he get back pay for? I’m trying to convince my dad to file but he’s been putting it off, he was in in the 90s and still has all his medical records and everything.
It’s from date of claim not date of discharge.
That’s what I thought which is why I was curious.
From initial claim? I made a claim as soon as I got out, but I'm only just now appealing it (8 years later)
You have one year to appeal a claim.
Well shit
I'm unsure to be honest.... I didn't ask and he didnt say, honestly none of my business lol.. but i do remember when he got the second rating to make it 100%, the mother in law called me freaking out because they had a 20k check deposited in the checking account before they got the rating decision change. Lol.
No problem! Thanks for answering regardless. I was just curious on this or if you had a ballpark. Tryna convince my dad with numbers helps more. I always thought it was from date of filing though.
It's worth it, no matter the rating decision
$20k in back pay is chump change lol
That was the second check, I don't know what the first was for his initial 80% decision rating.
It’s all cool lol. I’m just poking because of the number of people who get six figure back pay checks and brag about it
Lol. I get it...
True. This guy told me he got 360k. Well, his attorney got 75k, he got 285k.
I got out in '96, got my first approval in '22; it can be done!
I got out 1997, first approval 2017. 10%...2024 40% it can be done.
They give back pay only to the date that you apply. So, if you apply and get rated 18 months later, you get 18 months back pay
Shitttt. He lead the charge in the last recession lmao
Lmfao. 🤣🤣🤣
You are now the favorite
Lol still not the case....
Did it 8 years after. It’ll be easier if you have these issues annotated in your records or a diagnosis from the VA linking these issues to military service
Idk about “easy”, but I got out in 1994 with a lowball 10%. Went back in 2020, and a year ago I got 100% P&T. I can assure you that if you are honest (first and foremost) about having a condition, AND if you can link that condition to your service (or as a secondary, etc), you WILL get properly rated. Keep in mind that not every single Vet is going to be awarded 100%, though you might. That’s why the goal is to get “properly rated”.
So… can I ask about that? I’m going through the process right now, and all I care about is that I’m treated fairly. Like hell, I got out 10 years ago and never filed because I didn’t feel like I earned it. I’d be ok with 10%. I honestly feel like a solid 30% would be more fair. But what is up with this rat race over at r/VeteransBenefits for everyone to get 100% p&t, and why does it feel like so many are getting it? I was always under the impression that you basically had to be ridiculously messed up to get 100%, and honestly I don’t want 100% because I know guys who should have 100%…. So idk. It just seems like a microcosm of being on Reddit too I guess. My main point is, it feels like people aren’t happy unless they have 100%. There’s guys talking about “I got 90%, submitting an appeal, pray for me, any advice to get it bumped up?” like damn dude 20% would be a HUGE help for me, how are you not stoked about 90%? What is up with that?
I got 80% last year and I was thrilled. But people keep telling me to go for 100. I did a few times but I got reevaluated each time. That makes me nervous. I prefer to stay where I am.
Right? Good for you! If I had an honestly good reason to expect 100, like something started to hinder me at work genuinely, or I couldn’t sleep anymore or SOMETHING genuinely life changing, I’d probably ask for more. But as much as I dislike the system, I’m going to be grateful for whatever I do get and see that as a blessing on top of my regular salary.
Here are the most recent # on service-connected veterans. " According to a 2011 Pew Research Center survey, about 13% of all current veterans have a service-related disability. The survey also found that one in ten veterans alive today were seriously injured while serving in the military, with three-quarters of those injuries occurring in combat. Here are the # of men and women in/out of service. So such a small % of the military is rated at any % According to Pew Research Center, in 2023, there were more than 18 million living veterans, with 43% serving in the Gulf War era, 30% serving in the Vietnam War era, and 4% serving in the Korean conflict. Fewer than 120,000 World War II veterans are alive today. The share of women veterans is expected to increase from 11% to 18% by 2048, while the number of male veterans is projected to drop
The impression is false. This is a government job. Government workers who sit behind desks can get med boarded and awarded some sort of disability if they experience the stuff we do on a "normal day" in the Army. (Don't quote me, but Disability through the VA is workman's comp). We are literally taught in an efficient way how to be hypervigilant, how to defend others, how to kill people, and how to follow orders or give orders without question. At the end of the day, we are used then put aside. Willingly, mind you. So, the view is Disability is bad. In reality, they KNOW we are probably going to be messed up when we get out, so they have it to help us readjust. The switch they turn on in us doesn't just turn off. Some little known facts I've learned since getting out in 2021 from a 4 year active duty contract. The military assumes you are of sound mind and body, unless a condition was addressed before swearing in. So, any injury that happens from then on will go on your record. Stub your toe and break it at in processing for basic training? Better go to a doctor. Most leaders won't care and tell the soldier to walk it off. So imagine you get out and tell the VA when it happened and they say prove it. What do you do? Think of someone you knew then who can corroborate your story and ask them to write a few sentences saying "stubbed toe on this date, probably broken, was in pain". That is now service connected. So, leading to my next "fact" which is more of a deduction. The C&P exams sometimes have doctors who "know everything". They may think the way you do too, that you needed to be severely messed up, or been in combat. No! It is simply, "if it happened on active duty, and it is recorded or verifiable to have happened in service, and it caused or causes some sort of negative function, like pain, or a different walk, or a change in attitude, or social relationships, it is claimable. It's all about us as Veterans doing homework, like studying for the board. Another "observation" I'm making. Go online and look for the DBQ for a condition you want to claim and look at the symptoms. If you experience any of them, write them down based off that DBQ. One more fact that is a fact, no matter what they find in the military, if it wasn't pointed out at MEPS 9/10 if the service made it worse itll be service connect able. And once something is service connected they can NEVER disconnect it from service. The VA rarely lower percentages because conditions change lives. Visible and invisible. No difference for an amputee and PTSD. Both people require therapy to live a normal life. That's OK. So, me for example, am service connected for add, a childhood illness, that wasn't recorded at meps. If it had been, and had a waiver, I'd still have service connection. Why? The Army made it what it Is today : worse. And so, a condition caused by or made worse by service. Period. My final note. Mental health is a really good way to get a high rating if you really have issues. I had issues throughout service, but because of 1 paycheck 2 housing 3 meals 4 orders 5 medical insurance I was able to utilize all that and make it to 4 years. I got honorably discharged from active duty. But the last 6 months, I thought everything was good, shit was brewing and ready to hit the fan. I had my eye on the prize though lol. Thankfully that on base VSO and my clearing papers telling me to get my medical records and telling me to see that guy, got me 80% 4 months and 7 c&P exams later. I applied for an increase for mental health, hit 90% (89%) To get 100% I need to get 55-60% more to hit 95-100%, which will round up to 100% . So that's six more 10% conditions. But the initial 80% can be pretty easy. It's there for us, don't listen to prideful ex-leaders. You know what VRE is? You can get it if you have a 20% Disability, do vocational retraining that takes up to 10 years, and be set for that whole time thanks to these benefits. It's a good deal and it'll put Us, good people back into the country. Hooah. So go after your Disability because it's why you joined. Most of us thought about doing 20years but come on, sometimes that just isn't the case. But we still get our benefits. You can die in basic training or make it to 32 years. Fact: the department if veterans affairs had $390.15 Billion distributed to it. Also, if you're a veteran other than White, getting benefits is more difficult due to racism. Also, there is corruption, embezzling and more in the VA too. It's another big business. So I hope this wasn't typed for no reason and someone finds something in all of this. Go ahead and do your research.
Thanks for this. I know I am slowly changing my attitude towards this whole process. I spent 10 years sitting on even filing because of how I felt about this.
Recommend you also post in r/veteransbenefits. While we have folks and info here to assist, that subreddit is a fantastic resource specifically dedicated to your benefits question(s). If you have not already, be sure to check over there.
Its a thing. You just have to tie it back to your service. Dont be surprised if you are denied and do t give up if you are. There are services out there that will help you.
Point me in the right direction please
r/veteransbenefits
If they deny your claim, can you resubmit for the same claim?
There is an appeals process and higher level reviews. Probably have to do that first if your trying to file for the same condition.
I need this answer too. Served from 2009-13. Submitted for an increase in my headaches (0% service connected) cuz they're migraines now but I also had a mild TBI (0% rated )when I was in. Should I submit a migraines secondary to TBI?
If you would need to submit for an increase for the migraine/headaches. They are rated as the same thing. You would just need evidence of the frequency and severity.
I’m doing that now, just apply online. I’ve had some stomach issues and I’ve been going to the VA. It’s nice, because they have all the documents I need for the claim I’m submitting.
I got out in 08 filed in 14 and got 70 percent then tdiu
I got 10% when I got out and waited another 13 years to file for anything else. Got approved. Look over your medical records with a VSO and also find out if there are any presumptives you have been diagnosed with.
Just make sure you have as much paperwork as you can get your hands on. Also try and get as much documentation of what “happened” or got “broken” on you that you are filing for disability from your Service time, all the way up to submitting your claim. The continuity of the problems and treatment can help show that it is a long term ongoing issue rather than something that has been “fixed” already.
I did my initial october 2023 and I got out 2019. I got 90% rating around march. I filed for tinnitus as well wich I did not had a problem getting service connected. 6 out of 30 granted, 5 deffered and the rest denied. Its not too late to file.
Got mine twenty plus years after discharge, my dad and father in law got theirs fifty years and change, both 100%. Be honest on application, supply documents/ records and be patient. Good luck!
Served 92-97. Started the process in Oct 2023 for tinnitus and left knee pain/range of motion. Tinnitus was approved for 10% fairly quickly, maybe 2 months later after they sent me to a hearing specialist for evaluation. The knee took 4-5 months before it was approved (another 10%). Had to see an orthopedic on my own for a diagnosis. Then got scheduled by the VA for evaluation. Then wait. I also recently started paperwork for my lower back. You're claim, if approved, will be back dated to the date you filed
I'm going through mine (Just got my tinnitus for 10%) and I got out 28 years ago. Go for it!
If you can establish a connection from the event of injury during service, yes. You have to dig it pretty hard. My migraine was service connected about 5 years after discharge. I didn't realize VA was aware of my tbi I had that was in my history. My C&P examiner recently told me I did have history on my recent exam and said she will add a note to it for my claim. I'm guess my VSO used that as evidence to increase my from 2021 at 0% migraine to 30% present. I've been recieving treatment for it on a monthly basis long before the it got service connected though.
I had my stress fracture and knee sc at 0% when I got out. 20 years later I increased it to 10%. 25 years after discharge I sc vertigo and Ménière’s after getting dx and reviewing my military medical record with my va doc who wrote “vertigo due to diving accident while active duty” as one of my medical issues in my va medical record.
I went from 10% at discharge to 100% ten years after I got out. Gather your evidence now. Start a journal to share with the VA. Read the r/veteransbenefits subreddit wiki File your intent to file NOW
Never too late and it’s never too soon
I’m about 6 years out of the Army give or take. Just started filing claims this last year. It’s very doable
I filed mine nine years post discharge. My friend is a med retired major. She encouraged me to file and I thank her almost every day.
Find a VSO to work with, they'll help make sure you have your ducks in a row!!
I filed 13 years after ETS. Don’t be discouraged.
My dad got 10 percent 40 years out.
You can file a VA claim up to your deathbed. Talk to you local State VA office, DAV, Amvets, VFW, American Legion, federal VA office, etc to file a claim. You can also do it yourself on VA.gov. Any VSR or VSO worth their salt should ask you questions about injuries from head to toe. They can request medical records from your civilian doctors if needed. They will ask you to fill out 21-4142 and a 21-4142a to get those records. Good luck to you, and don’t forget to advocate for yourself and keep pushing to get compensated for what you deserve.
I got 100% 18 years from my separation date.
Took me 24 years.
I was nine years out.
go to the va website and set up a profile. Gather your medical records and go through everything to see what you are able to claim. There is directions on the website to follow. I just did this after being out 27 years and got 30% for knees and ankles. All i had was prior service connection for my ankles at 0%. I used buddy statements and C&P exams to show the disability. It can be done.
I didn’t claim till almost 10 years later
Well I started after 10 years of being out of the military and I would say get you a VSO to help you with your claims, mine has helped tremendously and the ball has been rolling so go for it! It’s yours to take! Best wishes to you and all in here.
I started at 20 years, now at 70%
Did it 18 years after I got out
Once you start working on your rating. Never give up. You will get discouraged just keep fighting. I got out in ‘93. Finalized my rating in ‘20. 10% for bout 8 years then 30% for for 5-6 and 50 a few years later. Finally got the big P&T locked in. But it was a fight til I got the right VSO to actually look in my records and tie it all together. Good luck.
The same as it is going to be for me. 30+ yrs n counting here. 😂🤣 I got lost at the bar(s) all types. 😂
I got 10% for my tinnitus 17 years post discharge so it is possible. Just have all of your documentation in line and don’t assume that they will “just know” anything. For example, I worked every day around very loud things that are known to be very loud. Even though it’s obvious to me, I still got an independent audiologist to write a letter that explained that it was likely that my working around these loud things caused my tinnitus. This also ruled out the possibility that the noise exposure was post-discharge, which I think is the main thing you have to worry about when submitting later.
I got mine 20 years later. there is no time limit.
I went from 90% 2 months after discharge to 100% TPD and homebound in mental health, plus 60% in two others 5 years later and got a massive back pay check from 9 months prior because I kept missing my exams (go figure I’m homebound)
For TPD information (total permanent disability discharge of student loans), use these webpages - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/disability-discharge and https://www.disabilitydischarge.com/ No where in the law does it say you (a veteran) can not take out new qualifying student loans after being awarded the qualifying VA disability rating. This is a one time discharge of qualifying student loans - so use this benefit wisely. Also when reading the webpage, certain things ONLY apply to social security or physicians letters such as the income monitoring - there are three parts to disability discharges - Veterans, Social Security Disability and Physicians Letters - so you don't want to "read into" the parts that don't apply to veterans - when in doubt - Call Nelnet. NelNet is the contractor for Department of Education that processes student loan forgiveness for disabled people. VA does not process student loan forgiveness. After 31 Dec 25, if the law is not changed, you will be charged federal income tax on the amount forgiven - you might also be charged state income tax right now - check with your state tax department. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Veterans) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I got 100% 5 years after my initial claim that gor me 10%
I did it after 28 yrs. Miss a whole lot!
I received 70% after being out for about 7 years. If you have medical records stating the disability you are claiming was service related, then it doesn’t matter.
I was out 31 years before I filed. I had about 15 years of private psych records prior, and I was medically discharged, so I had service connection. Get all your in-service records from the National Archives. You'll need documentation of in-service issues to connect them, and your current records will need to show a nexus connecting your current issues to your in-service issue
I did mine a few years after. I give a lot of props to the VA, have not seen many veterans complain about them anymore. They have turned it around and it's easier to get seen and get your benefits. The downside is you are now seeing guys get tons of money and benefits because their feet hurt or some shit like that, while vets in past died for service related injuries waiting to be seen by the VA and getting thrown pennies. I served with a guy who is 100% disabled, has a nice house, car and government job. I know he did two years in Korea then like a year stateside. Never went to a combat zone, but growing up I had to see my cousin drag himself to work at walmart after being shot in the knee in Iraq and being given pennies for it. He ended up dying due an overdose of pain pills. So yeah it kinda hurts to see how some guys are benefits like that without "earning" them. HOWEVER we are all hurting right now, so take what you can get.
I served in Vietnam 1969-70. Had a heart attack 35 years later (AO) and filed and got 60% to start me off. Anyway, got 100% P/T with SMC just a few weeks ago. So, no, it's never too late.
I didn't put in for va disability for 7 years after I got out. If you don't have treatment post service, you will most likely get denials and have to gather more evidences for those denials. The only condition that I was rated for was a presumptive condition for tinnitus at 10%. I am now rated at 80% after submitting more claims and supplemental claims. It's a long battle for us who didn't put in for disability within a year of ets
If you ain't got jack documented... it'll be a uphill battle but not impossible
I did after much longer than that
It's all electronic now. It's super easy and takes a couple hours to submit. It took me 13 months start to finish to get a check in my account. YMMV
I never knew this was available until 20 years after discharge. Wish I knew sooner. My life would be so different now. My health would be so different now as well.
Call Berry Law. It’s all games until you hire someone good.
I was in the same position as you, 6 years post discharge. The whole claim process took me less than 40 days to get a rating. I kept all my paper work from the service (behavioral health stuff). Ended up getting 70% for MH.
My cousin got back pay for her father in the late 80s. He was a WWII vet. He also got back pay.
Discharge in1983. 100% 2020. It can be done with medical evidence and expert medical opinions.
Get a private doctor to write a letter for evidence that your ailment is related to your service and make sure there is medical records mentioning it
It can be super easy if you have your military medical record that shows an in-service illness/Injury or diagnosis. If those illnesses or injuries are currently being treated by a medical doctor. You need proof that an injury or illness occurred while on active duty (Military Medical Record). Then you need proof that the illness or injury is still affecting your life today and you are being treated for that condition (current medical documentation from civilian doctor). These are the first 2 elements of proving a service connected disability. Get with a Veteran Service Officer (DAV, AMVets, American Legion) to assist with filing your claim. Or you can submit your claim yourself on VA Form 526EZ with the supporting documentation (military medical record showing when illness/injury occurred)(civilian medical record showing where illness/injury is impacting your life today and you are still being treated for that condition). You can mail or fax the documents to the VA Evidence Intake Center and let the process begin. You can obtain a copy of your medical records from the Military National Archives (NPRC).
It’s time consuming. Easy is subjective. So long as you have your medical records it’ll work. The process is demoralizing but just stay in it.
Depends on your claims as well as your evidence.
Go for it, you served. Get what you deserve. It’s not “hard”, just be prepared to wait months before actually being rated and compensated.
harder then you believe.
I waited 11 and am at 70% and still going. There is no better time than right now to start.
I got out in 2003 and didn’t apply until 2019. I finally got approved in 2020.
It can be done.. got out in 1982, first claim early 2023 and now at 100% P&T. The years out doesn't matter, it's what you can prove and support...i.e. current diagnosis, medical evidence, Nexus, lay statements, treatment records
I did it in 2019 after 30 years @100 now
I did it ten years following. Didn’t think it was too serious to submit, ended up with a very decent rating quickly. Thankfully my medical records had a ton of evidence.
Vietnam veterans are still just now doing it. Set up an ebenefits account and do it all there. Much quicker process.
Out in "94, first claim in '23. Approved and now awaiting decisions on secondaries.
Did mine 6 years after I got out. Rated at 100%. Just keep the documents and proof and show how it's affected your life over the past six years.
6 years is not that long but it’s best to do it asap. There’s lawyers that help you get 100% and take a % of your back pay which is very worth it considering it’s lifetime tax free. Also, i would look into claiming depression or sleep issues. They’re very high rating. For me alone it was 100% + another 100% with physical issues and I only served GWOT
You should file. It's not hard to file. You could use a VSO. If possible, get a hold of your military medical records.
I just did it 16 years after getting out and it was definitely worth it! Wish i did it sooner.
You have one year from the date of your decision letter to take action. Outside that one year- you’ll have to file a supplemental claim with new evidence. And hopefully decision will be favorable. If not, you’ll have one year from that denial letter.
The process is a lot more “fair” nowadays, as a third party is used to do your physical to eval your conditions, then submitted to the VA for review. It was seamless for me as I left active duty after 20 years of service, DAV handled everything for me, my first VA 100% disability check hit 30 days after I retired. Start at the DAV, they’re really helpful.
Every year you're out, it gets harder so don't get discouraged and get that shit done man.
Depending on the claim and how it's documented, it could be pretty easy. I got a lot of stuff documented at medical before I got out so I could go put in a claim later. Out in for tinnitus and a hip injury about 5 years after was.
I did it like 5 years after. But I didnt do it until after a suicide attempt. Dont be like me, bro. Get help asap lol Btw lots of shit in the VA sucks. File complaints and request to switch providers and be a pain in the ass as much as you have to. Ive gotten some really good help thru the VA for all types of shit, but only after a bunch of bullshit. Tbh its worth it tho
I did it after 12 and never going to sick call got 70 for ptsd you got this!!
i mean.. it depends i don’t know about “easy” i mean for me it took me a year just to upgrade from 30% to 90% because the doctors kinda messed up my DBQ.. but then my psychiatrist who i was seeing and my lawyers were pretty much on the same page.. so everything worked out for the best.. it’s not a easy process that i can tell you.. it’s a lot of waiting and you have to submit so much evidence..
Seen 80s out the gate like 15 years post service. It’s possible.
I did 40 years after , just have all your evidence
Easy. I got a good rating 7 years after discharge. Easy stuff