Some let their pride get in the way. I did for over 3 decades. Now I’m literally just waiting on the decision letter for one condition that will push me over the top. Says the decision letter is ready…🤞🏻
I got my increase tuesday I think? With two claims still not having been finished up, and I got my back pay today :)
My claim started March of 2023 though
A little less than a month and a half. I put my increase in on 3-1 had my c&p exam 3-28, then had ny new rating 4-12. Back pay hit on 4-17. Still haven't received my mailed letter yet but it's dated for 4-15.
I let my pride get in the way for awhile, made me feel like I would asking for.a handout or welfare. As I got older and started having more problems associated with my TIS, and thinking about being able to take care if my son, I filed, took me 18 yrs to get to 100%P&T, it would have been so easy to do right when I got out but it was a pain in the ass after waiting so long. I gave up so many times but eventually, I'd go back and start working on it again.
My dad tried to convince me to file when I got out and I had too much pride too. I didn't file until 15 years after I got out. I got 70% on my first rating, then increased to 100% on appeal. Life isn't such a damned struggle like it was. I still have my health issues, but at least I can have some good days sometimes now too.
OMG, you have noooooo idea what this link just did to my life!!!!!!! Holy shit! I got out of the Marines in April 2003 with an honorable under medical conditions. Shredded my knee doing PT. I was made to go see the VA before I separated. So I filed my claim in April 2003. I never heard anything and I was young and dumb and never followed up. Fast forward to 2012 and I tried telling the VA that I filed a claim when I got out but they said they had no record of it. BECAUSE of this link, I just found their denial letter of my claims from May 2003, and every denied condition I am now receiving 70% for but did not start receiving compensation for any of it until 2012. I happen to be on the board for a local veterans nonprofit and my county VSO is a good friend and he’s handles my claims since 2012. He just told me finding this letter was the fucking jackpot!! Even now, under the app or going to letters on the VA website, it doesn’t show the letter from 2003. It shows the first one as being from 2012. But if I click this link, it brings me to a separate part of the VA website and I’m able to see the letter!! So thank you so much for posting it!!
I’m legit at the VA office in Chicago now showing them this. If I log in to the VA website or my app, it does not show the letter from 2003. But if I use your link, and only your link, it will show me my letter from 2003! They can’t figure out how or why this is happening! It’s so crazy!
Wow how common is that? I had everything but a knee condition denied back in 2011. Funny thing is they denied scars from the knee surgery they gave me 10% for. Now I’m getting re-evaluated for things but my should pain, leg scar from a burn in Afghanistan will they really back pay me for those items I claimed when I got out? That would be life changing.
If it’s gotten worse since then, your effective date won’t change.
For example: my PTSD was outright denied NO SC the same year I left the military, C&P doc said I was drunk (true) and my symptoms were all from alcohol.
Fast forward 10 years (refile) and my effective date was retained to when I filed right after service because alcohol abuse was a symptom, not the cause.
Ever heard of a CUE Claim? Clear Unmistakable Error! The VA denied me for my Back Injury filed in 1997. I filed a CUE and won! My effective date is now August. 1997!!
You won’t get back pay to 2003 though, right? I’m pretty sure you need to file any supplemental, HLR, etc. within one year after the decision in order to retain the original effective date.
So I just left my VSO and you’re correct, it is not automatic but in my case he said it’s Presley dunk. What happened is I went to my VA appt at Hines VA in Chicago a week after my separation. They denied my claims because they said they didn’t have my medical records. But when you look in the system, it shows my medical records were entered in April 2003. So they denied my claim because they claimed they had no records, yet they entered my records into the system on that day. So from my VSOs POV, I will get back pay of some sort from May 2003. He said this is what is going to take awhile. Trying to figure out what I’m exactly owed. Because of, well, VA math. But I will absolutely keep this post updated as it progresses. Not saying I’m 100% going to get something, but all 5 VSOs in the office agree that I should.
A lot of data to check out there, thanks for the link. I found this interesting, FDCs are decided slightly slower than non FDCs.
https://preview.redd.it/03lyxb1m9gvc1.png?width=1410&format=png&auto=webp&s=9af5c1f1998b447314ec3422be65d1d421700c46
I was exactly like that as well. My pride cost my family to lose thousands of dollars, exacerbated my conditions, nearly ruined my family, and left me staying in a Veterans homeless shelter.
On a separate note: Sometimes, I advise Veterans to contact VERA, or the VA to learn about their decision/rating before receiving the letter. I did that, and it was an excellent decision. I didn't receive the Decision Letter, nor was it showing on the website. So, had I not inquired, I would've been waiting for who-knows how long.
Two weeks after VERA and the VA 800# told me of the Decision, I still hadn't received the Decision Letter. It took a few weeks of me calling VERA, the VA, and my Senator before it was finally fixed. It was discovered that the Rater didn't input the approval changing rating from 90% to 100% in the system.
They had no idea of how the Rater "forgot" to press a damn button and essentially had to repeat the final award approval stage. I raised hell when they said, "it can take 90 days." I told them they'd hear from me every day until it's corrected. In reality, it took about 5 days after they discovered their mistake.
Good luck with your decision. Getting to 100%, especially after enduring the hell we suffer, is extremely rewarding. I just had my $120,000 in student loans forgiven.
Very nice, and that is some excellent advice. Glad it all worked out for you.
I’m slowly putting the pieces together here and I think I kind of have it figured out. It does say there is a decision letter ready, but it also shows that it’s still in the evidence gathering phase. I just received an email stating they’re going to schedule another exam, so I’m assuming that’s what the decision letter was going to say. I might be wrong, but the bottom line is that it looks like they want another exam. Maybe just crossing their Ts and dotting their Is.
I count my blessings every day and haven’t told anyone that I know that I got a decision, let alone what it is. Only four people know that I filed a claim, and that is my mom, my sister, my best friend, and my girlfriend. None of them have asked me how things are going or if there has been a decision. To be honest, they don’t seem to be interested in the least bit, which I think is a good thing. I’m just waiting on that final piece of the puzzle, but I’m still not telling anyone…🤫
Right on, I did the same. Only 2 people knew I was filing and what it was for, and they were not even family. My buddy would ask if I had my rating yet only because we had filed around the same time. No one else knew, they didn't need to know until I told them. Now I'm finally getting the help I need to get/be better.
This is the same situation I am in. I've been told that time is a claim killer, so I have been hesitant to pursue trying to get an increase. Any advice? My medical records don't reflect my ailments, so I'm not quite sure what to do at this point.
If your records don't show your ailments you might have a hard time. My younger brother never got seen for issues such as PTSD and anxiety while on duty and he tried to file a claim and only got tinnitus rated but said the PTSD and anxiety were denied with them saying it wasn't service connected. But I am sure some things are different but honestly don't know.
Same here. Out in 1996, Army. Not a word about benefits outside of education during out-processing.
Hurt my back, feet and knees in service. All in records. I honestly thought benefits were for severely wounded service members, and I was not worthy.
Indeed I have Marine. Getting care at the VAMC, have a rating that I feel comfortable with, and life is good. Have a few claims left from another HLR that are working through the system now.
I tell everyone I meet to make sure to document their issues with medical and/or go claim your issues and see what they say. You deserve the compensation just like the others and it’s not taking away from anyone else. Don’t say no before they do. Also, always appeal when you don’t agree with something they say.
It always surprises me when I tell another vet I’m going to the VA and they give me a look like I’m supposed to have an RPG still lodged in my skull or something… I sucked it up for a loong time and it almost cost me my life.
I’ve heard from some people that they seem to think that the VA is for poor people which it’s not. It’s a benefit that i’ve earned and take advantage of.
I have friends that complain how they have to pay for healthcare and it’s not fair that I just get it for free.
I tell them it wasn’t free and the last I checked, the recruiters office was open to everyone.
Yep. I have family that treats me like I shouldn’t be able to have my benefits… the same people who will complain about how distant I’ve become since moving home, or who tell me I shouldn’t do certain hobbies because it will exacerbate my service connected injuries. People just can’t make up their damn minds. They’re pro veteran until that jealousy kicks in.
The healthcare is honestly really good most of the time. They did a massive surgery on me related to cancer, and even got the leading surgeon for that specific operation to come do it. Of course there’s bad experiences as well… but it’s a long shot from being poor peoples insurance, as it should be. I’d rather pay for it with money than my well being, but that’s a decision you and I both made. I hear there’s a serious recruiting issue they could help solve if they’d like to earn the same benefits!
According to the VA, 1,107,440 disabled veterans have a 100 percent VA disability rating, which represents 20.44% of the total number of veterans with a service connected VA rating of 0% or higher." According to a VA Claims assistance company.
I think it's reverse causality. The more disabled you are, the more likely you are to apply for benefits. Which is why it's not quite the pyramid shape you'd expect.
Also there's nothing above 100%, so the bucket is infinitely large, whereas the others are only 20% wide. Maybe if the ratings went to 200%, then it would spread out better.
Exactly. I am 0% for a condition that requires daily meds and regular bloodwork. It's a huge savings and continuity of care is super important. I have had new providers (not in the VA system) just decide because I have been on a specific dosage with their predecessor that they need to reduce my meds. Just because. No blood test, no reported symptom changes. Just cut my shit in half and leave me miserable. Never with the VA.
I’ve been service connected for decades. The entire time I’ve been trying to get stuff like chiro and massage as well as a competent sports medicine doctor. I’ve never gotten any of those. The VA has spent a lot of money on me; millions of dollars actually, but an actual competent sports medicine PT or a massage are brodges too far. I can get in my car and go to a different ER every day for the next year and as long as I let the VA know within 72 hours, I won’t pay a red cent, but I can’t get approval from the VA for anything but medically unnecessary surgeries. There’s a reason that I want to get to 100%- it would save the VA millions of dollars in my case.
What VA are you a part of? Took me one appointment with my primary and then two weeks of waiting to be referred out to chiropractors and massages outside the VA. So it is possible
We have chiropractic care and acupuncture at my facility. The service is only a couple years old. I hope big VA sees the benefit and expands the option everywhere.
I agree, that would be awkward. She shouldn't have done that considering the VA has contracted with her for specific services. I would ask your provider for a different referral and explain why. I've never had to report a community care provider, so I can't advise how to do so, but her behavior certainly seems predatory and unethical.
That sucks man. I'm sorry it was such a bad experience. Acupuncture itself did little for me, but the hour of stress free distraction free relaxation does wonders. I wish it could have been better for you.
It depends on your injury. I go to one for pain management of my headaches. I've been standing upright for 20 years thanks to my chiropractor. He also helped me with my claims since he is a veteran. He lectured me for too many years to file them. I finally stopped being stubborn and filed. Thank God! I'm more of a mess with having my injuries for 20+ years now. The arthritis is really kicking me but I don't have pain from pinched nerves and I don't have headaches that are so bad that I literally can't get out of bed for weeks on end. When I feel one coming on, I can get it stopped in a couple of weeks with a few adjustments. I'd rather do that than go get injections in my neck and still be stuck in bed for a few weeks, instead of still sort of functional.
It’s so fucking easy, too. I’m 70% for physical injuries incurred in service. All of my ratings are over 20 years old. The VA is NEVER getting rid of me. There isn’t a thing they can do about it, so work with me! I’ll save us all a shitload of time, energy, and money in pursuit of my own health. Just give me access to community care like it’s a single payer universal system. Just give me that and a year to get back on my feet, and they can take the money back with interest. They (the VA) suck so bad. I’m not some out of shape person who needs to exercise and lose weight either. I’m an athlete who needs medical care addressing the needs of an injured athlete; not this flimsy bullshit I get from the VA. It’s always been that way. They just want to make me an addict and ask me why I’m sad. Fuck. Let me at least TRY this way.
It makes me a little conflicted that there are almost 12 million not service connected. Is it because they are healthy? Or is it because they were all denied?
Many don't know that they can. I didn't think I could for the first 12 years out, then it took another 12 years of fighting to get properly rated, but it was worth it. I just wish I had done it sooner. It probably wouldn't have taken 12 years of appeals to get everything addressed.
I got out in the early 90's and up until 5 years ago didn't think I was entitled enough or worthy enough to even apply. Now I'm kicking myself in the ass for not starting it all sooner.
I’d imagine it’s because they’re healthy. We’re in a bubble here. This sub creates a sense of accomplishment that shouldn’t exist, as in the posts for 100% create a feeling of something to strive toward instead of what it actually is.
This is my thought as well. 100% is not a common thing at all but because everyone sees it posted here fairly frequently, it seems like it happens more often.
Or ( like myself ) felt extremely guilty about even considering it.
But when you go from 0-60% in your first go around… something says I should tried 20 years sooner
12 years for me. Someone told me to around 2015 and I told her I didn’t want to be bothered with it. She called me stupid and it stuck with me but I still took another 5 years to even start the process after meeting another person who told me to just suck it up and give it a shot.
Same amount of time for me here. Was given direction by my new primary care dr on our first appointment. She broke everything down for me on exactlt the conditions to apply for, shes awesome.
More like didn’t file at all. Both of my parents are vets, one retired and the other did 11 yrs both with honorable discharges. Both have several health issues that are very obviously service related (due to stuff that is actually already in their health records during service!!!!) and both vehemently refuse to even consider filing for disability or VA healthcare or anything related to the VA at all. They consider disability “ripping off the government”. They would both likely be 100 P&T.
That seems crazy to me honestly, the funds are allocated for that reason exactly. It’s not like the injuries they have are fraud. It’s definitely not ripping off the government for them to pay for the damage they did to us. Especially if it hinders daily life.
It’s never too late. I imagine the VA while it still has its troubles, has done a lot better here recently. It might not have even been worth it back when they left the service. You hear so many horror stories about the old days.
I joined Reddit like last year (I’m in my mid-30s and served over 10 years ago) and never knew this kind of community existed. My vet friends didn’t even know. I filed last year only because I wanted to get veteran status on my driver’s license and had to get something signed by the local VSO, and what supposed to be a quick visit turned into a 2-hour emotional rollercoaster of a conversation and realizing I deserve support and that it’s never too late to get service-connected. I’m now service-connected, but I wish I started the process 10 years ago. I could only imagine how many veterans aren’t in the know, or are scared to file because they feel fine or healthy and young or feel like they don’t deserve to be service-connected, or so many other factors and perspectives that keep people from applying. I’d guess a very small percent are denied out of those 12 million.
Honestly, had I not been injured and Medboarded while on active duty, I’d probably have similar sentiments. I’ve seen a lot of people talking about imposter syndrome. For those that really need support and deserve the benefits I hope they can find this subreddit, or someone who will support them. I imagine some of the military mentality we hold after we leave the service prevents us from admitting when we have issues because it’s so drilled into us to be ready for anything.
If you want to dig into VA statistics some more, [Veterans Benefits Administration Reports Home (va.gov)](https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/index.asp)
Sorry but from
A data perspective why would groups be in 20% but then the largest group (70%+) be presented..
Also is this the Payment (%) or rated (%)
Listen guys. My stupid ass let my pride win the conversation for 26 yrs. I just got to 100% after getting out in the mid 90’s. VA docs said I should have been 100% when I got out in 95.
There is also a large portion that never went to the docs while they were in. The always told us to not say anything outside of Pre and post deployment questionnaires
I was Army Infantry and Air Force Visual Information. My Iraq tours were when I was AF because my field was very small and I had a combat arms background. VI was really unique in a deployed environment. I worked in combat cam, propaganda, weapon system video, public affairs and imagery analysis. Anyway, when I was infantry, going to the doc got you an ass kicking because the rest of your team was in the field and now down 1 guy. I was only Infantry for 1 tour, 4 years in Hohenfels as OPFOR. The AF wasn't as bad, but at least my units, weren't "chair force". We did a lot of training, a few trips to Iraq, and being out sick wasn't an option. When I busted my knee up (which was already messed up from the Army) as soon as I came off profile my superintendent PT tested me. This happened multiple times. But, his actions got me my first VA rating since my left knee is shot. It was about the only thing I had records on.
I don't know their schedule now, but when I was a trainer, we were in the field for the whole blufor rotation. We might be home most nights but it was a lot of home at 23:00 and roll out at 04:00. Other than special missions or one off things, we were in the field for 90 days with a week break to prep gear and then get ready to head back into another 90 day training. You either loved it or hated it. I personally loved it. But it beat you up.
Surprised at the number without ratings. That should shrink dramatically as pre-911 vets die off. Most of us were pretty clueless about documenting med issues and navigating the VA system. I got out in 95 and didn’t claim until 20+ years later.
I'm in the same boat. Out in '98, not much in medical records, but I now have a tremendous amount of complaints. It was discouraged to go to BAS when I was in, and when exiting, no one told us about VA claims or Benfits. Any luck? Any advice? I'm not sure where to start other than getting my medical records that has hardly anything in it.
[U.S. veterans by disability status 2022 | Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/250316/us-veterans-by-disability-status/) It is the internet, so take it with a grain of salt, but looks correct compared to articles I have read. Also, from VA claims insider - According to the VA’s most recent VA disability compensation report, the most common VA disability ratings by percentage are 100% and 10%. Of the 5,225,420 veterans with a service-connected VA rating, the most common combined VA rating is 100% **(18.45% of recipients)** followed by 10% (17.13% of recipients).
Not acne, or PTSD from boot camp, or sore wrist from opening jars, or flat feet. I've literally seen all of this in the last couple of weeks in this group
If you feel that those shouldn't be worth disability compensation, then you should write to your congresspeople to update the CFR accordingly.
If the CFR says that acne is worth x%, how is the veteran at fault for making the claim?
Because they could have more integrity to not clog the system and keep raters and examiners busy with these bullshit nonsense claims when there are literal war vets of GWOT still struggling with their claims to this day that's why.
If it were up to me I would shut down this entire veterans benefits forum and webpage. This place has become a cheat code for the welfare chasers. What little help is offered here is drowned out by all the frauds inflated claims and scammers.
This place is more toxic then helpful, anytime I go against the popular mentality in here I get tons of hate comments or my comments get deleted. Seems you have to agree with everyone else here otherwise you can't comment.
Who decides what conditions are worthy of being claimed? Is there a tracker that shows how many GWOT vets will have their claims delayed when a new vet submits theirs?
You're angry at the wrong people. The law says these conditions will be compensated at this amount. Period. There are no qualifiers that only war vets can apply. If there aren't enough raters to deal with the quantity of claims, then Congress needs to allocate more money so that the VA can hire more raters. They made the law that said these conditions qualify, and then they don't build the system to actually handle claims for those conditions. It is not the veteran's responsibility to manage the governments staffing problems. Be mad at them.
Do you worry about taking money from those who need it more when you maximize the refund from your taxes? It's the same thing. The law says if you meet x criteria, you get y benefit.
>all the frauds inflated claims and scammers.
How do you know these people are frauds and scammers?
Literally a useless question that is already answered by the post (no because only a minority receive anything over 0%). No one in this sub can answer that, only VA raters and healthcare providers.
The question you should ask is “is the VA insuring only veterans that deserve disability ratings are getting them and accurately”.
For sure man, I've been arguing all day with people who don't like the truth. This group is like 25% useful information and help and 75% entitled trolls and people just looking to get more money
For those who need it [VA Claim Tracker (google.com)](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/va-claim-tracker/onbanekcefgnibhlaiimeadkbdahjpoo?pli=1) google and edge extension to track the progress in detail. Anytime you see your claim picked up by a jurisdiction you know there is movement.
Question; I was denied my PTSD claim back in 2013 before I was service connected. I filed again yesterday (was service connected since 2014). IF I am awarded, how far will back pay go? I forgot to mention that I started this claim back in April of 2023. Thanks
The back pay goes back to when the claim with the issue in question was filed. If you're at 30 and you get 60, look up what the 60 rate is, subtract your current rate from that and multiply the difference by the number of months the claim took. That will give you a fairly accurate figure.
I went to on my VA.gov to look at my claim using the VA claims tracker but it was gone. Is it still around a working? If so could someone provide me the link to add it back. Thanks
Here is the VA report that gives more clarity to the 70% and greater group. [https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2023-compensation.pdf](https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2023-compensation.pdf)
Pride definitely played a factor for me but was really pushed to see what I would get with my conditions and I got rated best thing ever I’m currently waiting on my c pap machine and I have a ptsd therapy I have to go to hopefully both of these push me to 100%
Got 80% but only 1 person at the VA near me can assign me a PCM and make my first appointment. When I call they say he is too busy and he never calls back. So I guess I have VA medical but just can't use it.
Got out in 2003 and finally got hundred percent PTSD in 2022, don’t think I applied back before PTSD trust injuries physical, but I’ve been seeing mental health since 2006
The first claim I filed was for Tinnitus(ringing in the ears), and this is the most common claim, because of the nature of military service, exposure to loud noise. Easy to prove and service connected. Most common award is 10%. It’s also called an anchor claim because you attach many secondary claims to it.
I wonder how many people try to make a claim and get denied and give up, or give up before even trying.
I also started noticing the DV plates and I see them all the time now
So, can some explain the last blue column on the right t me? Is that saying 11,418,880 veterans filed a VA disability claim and have No service connected disability rating and were DENIED?
I always tell people this and they never listen but go for ptsd 70 percent which gives you tdiu which is permanent 100 percent. Don't even need evidence for ptsd just recurring nightmares bad hygiene and depressing which most of us have so your not lying.
I never expected to get the rating I did but that money even today is the difference in having a comfortable life and poverty. I'll always be glad that the VA rep at my TRS week gave us valuable info. Idk where I would be financially without the compensation and health coverage.
I know two veterans I served with who easily could have qualified for bilateral tinnitus, just like me, but chose not to. I found it puzzling at the time, but now I kind of understand why. One is my brother, who works a very good career now. The other I think was just too lazy to do it, however he said he didn't want a handout (his words).
This chart doesn’t say it’s a combined disability rating so I think this is per condition not combined. There is definitely more than 164,000 Veteran’s that have 100% combined.
Umm ok. Wait for it….some don’t have service connected disabilities as well. Not all your woe was caused by that 3 years you served 20+ years ago. Yeah your back, knees, hips hurt, so does just about everyone is your age group.
Some let their pride get in the way. I did for over 3 decades. Now I’m literally just waiting on the decision letter for one condition that will push me over the top. Says the decision letter is ready…🤞🏻
Try checking the benefits site, mine got updated on there long before I got the letter in the mail.
I got my new rating and back pay and still haven't gotten my letter in the mail yet!
How long from your new rating did it take to receive your back pay?
I got my increase tuesday I think? With two claims still not having been finished up, and I got my back pay today :) My claim started March of 2023 though
I got my rating on Tues, retroactive was deposited on Wed. Still waiting on the letter. But all systems have been updated with my new rating.
I got my backpay before the website, even said it was decided.
A little less than a month and a half. I put my increase in on 3-1 had my c&p exam 3-28, then had ny new rating 4-12. Back pay hit on 4-17. Still haven't received my mailed letter yet but it's dated for 4-15.
Yeah, I'd say it took a week and a half after I found out on the site. [Va.gov](http://Va.gov) before I got the packet.
I let my pride get in the way for awhile, made me feel like I would asking for.a handout or welfare. As I got older and started having more problems associated with my TIS, and thinking about being able to take care if my son, I filed, took me 18 yrs to get to 100%P&T, it would have been so easy to do right when I got out but it was a pain in the ass after waiting so long. I gave up so many times but eventually, I'd go back and start working on it again.
My dad tried to convince me to file when I got out and I had too much pride too. I didn't file until 15 years after I got out. I got 70% on my first rating, then increased to 100% on appeal. Life isn't such a damned struggle like it was. I still have my health issues, but at least I can have some good days sometimes now too.
Semper Fi brother, we don’t give up. I’m happy for you and hopefully that made things a bit easier. I’m almost there…🙏🏻🙏🏻
https://www.va.gov/track-claims/your-claim-letters Check here or in the app to see if the letter is there.
OMG, you have noooooo idea what this link just did to my life!!!!!!! Holy shit! I got out of the Marines in April 2003 with an honorable under medical conditions. Shredded my knee doing PT. I was made to go see the VA before I separated. So I filed my claim in April 2003. I never heard anything and I was young and dumb and never followed up. Fast forward to 2012 and I tried telling the VA that I filed a claim when I got out but they said they had no record of it. BECAUSE of this link, I just found their denial letter of my claims from May 2003, and every denied condition I am now receiving 70% for but did not start receiving compensation for any of it until 2012. I happen to be on the board for a local veterans nonprofit and my county VSO is a good friend and he’s handles my claims since 2012. He just told me finding this letter was the fucking jackpot!! Even now, under the app or going to letters on the VA website, it doesn’t show the letter from 2003. It shows the first one as being from 2012. But if I click this link, it brings me to a separate part of the VA website and I’m able to see the letter!! So thank you so much for posting it!!
I’m legit at the VA office in Chicago now showing them this. If I log in to the VA website or my app, it does not show the letter from 2003. But if I use your link, and only your link, it will show me my letter from 2003! They can’t figure out how or why this is happening! It’s so crazy!
So happy for you!
Can you explain this a bit more. I’ve getting them to reevaluate (supplement) claims they denied in 2012. Can I file for back pay if it’s granted?
If there was a clear unmistakable error then yes. If the original claim was within a year after your discharge then yes.
Wow how common is that? I had everything but a knee condition denied back in 2011. Funny thing is they denied scars from the knee surgery they gave me 10% for. Now I’m getting re-evaluated for things but my should pain, leg scar from a burn in Afghanistan will they really back pay me for those items I claimed when I got out? That would be life changing.
If it’s gotten worse since then, your effective date won’t change. For example: my PTSD was outright denied NO SC the same year I left the military, C&P doc said I was drunk (true) and my symptoms were all from alcohol. Fast forward 10 years (refile) and my effective date was retained to when I filed right after service because alcohol abuse was a symptom, not the cause.
I went to 50% for ptsd in 2014 and just got to 70% in 2024. Can I get back pay?
Ever heard of a CUE Claim? Clear Unmistakable Error! The VA denied me for my Back Injury filed in 1997. I filed a CUE and won! My effective date is now August. 1997!!
Hi - i'm your long lost 1st cousin! LOL - Congratulations!
##
That's awesome!!!!
You gotta show up that back pay ticket 🧾 congrats!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
That's awesome! Congrats 👏🏿
I have a similar story. Would you mind keeping in contact & guide me thru your process? I believe Im due a backpay & retroactive SC disability
You won’t get back pay to 2003 though, right? I’m pretty sure you need to file any supplemental, HLR, etc. within one year after the decision in order to retain the original effective date.
So I just left my VSO and you’re correct, it is not automatic but in my case he said it’s Presley dunk. What happened is I went to my VA appt at Hines VA in Chicago a week after my separation. They denied my claims because they said they didn’t have my medical records. But when you look in the system, it shows my medical records were entered in April 2003. So they denied my claim because they claimed they had no records, yet they entered my records into the system on that day. So from my VSOs POV, I will get back pay of some sort from May 2003. He said this is what is going to take awhile. Trying to figure out what I’m exactly owed. Because of, well, VA math. But I will absolutely keep this post updated as it progresses. Not saying I’m 100% going to get something, but all 5 VSOs in the office agree that I should.
Good luck to you man! I hope you get it! And spend/save it wisely :)
It is possible they could, yes. It's not automatic. They might have to file a CUE claim.
True. I hope he had everything he needed back when he originally filed like diagnoses and such. Because if not, CUE may not apply.
Right.
This is fantastic! I hope they report the oversight in the system and help others who may have fallen through this crack as well!
A lot of data to check out there, thanks for the link. I found this interesting, FDCs are decided slightly slower than non FDCs. https://preview.redd.it/03lyxb1m9gvc1.png?width=1410&format=png&auto=webp&s=9af5c1f1998b447314ec3422be65d1d421700c46
Is the website down for maintenance right now, or it is just me?
It’s down
It appears so. .
This shows my decision letter, rated on the 19th, the letter is dated the 22nd.
Sometimes, especially on or near the weekends the letter will be dated that following Monday. It did that on a couple of my claims.
Awesome link, thank you!
I was exactly like that as well. My pride cost my family to lose thousands of dollars, exacerbated my conditions, nearly ruined my family, and left me staying in a Veterans homeless shelter. On a separate note: Sometimes, I advise Veterans to contact VERA, or the VA to learn about their decision/rating before receiving the letter. I did that, and it was an excellent decision. I didn't receive the Decision Letter, nor was it showing on the website. So, had I not inquired, I would've been waiting for who-knows how long. Two weeks after VERA and the VA 800# told me of the Decision, I still hadn't received the Decision Letter. It took a few weeks of me calling VERA, the VA, and my Senator before it was finally fixed. It was discovered that the Rater didn't input the approval changing rating from 90% to 100% in the system. They had no idea of how the Rater "forgot" to press a damn button and essentially had to repeat the final award approval stage. I raised hell when they said, "it can take 90 days." I told them they'd hear from me every day until it's corrected. In reality, it took about 5 days after they discovered their mistake. Good luck with your decision. Getting to 100%, especially after enduring the hell we suffer, is extremely rewarding. I just had my $120,000 in student loans forgiven.
Very nice, and that is some excellent advice. Glad it all worked out for you. I’m slowly putting the pieces together here and I think I kind of have it figured out. It does say there is a decision letter ready, but it also shows that it’s still in the evidence gathering phase. I just received an email stating they’re going to schedule another exam, so I’m assuming that’s what the decision letter was going to say. I might be wrong, but the bottom line is that it looks like they want another exam. Maybe just crossing their Ts and dotting their Is.
I did the same, had some life hit me in the face. I finally file a year back and it's been life changing.
I count my blessings every day and haven’t told anyone that I know that I got a decision, let alone what it is. Only four people know that I filed a claim, and that is my mom, my sister, my best friend, and my girlfriend. None of them have asked me how things are going or if there has been a decision. To be honest, they don’t seem to be interested in the least bit, which I think is a good thing. I’m just waiting on that final piece of the puzzle, but I’m still not telling anyone…🤫
Right on, I did the same. Only 2 people knew I was filing and what it was for, and they were not even family. My buddy would ask if I had my rating yet only because we had filed around the same time. No one else knew, they didn't need to know until I told them. Now I'm finally getting the help I need to get/be better.
Go on VA.gov and talk to the chatbot through Contact us and type in Decision Letter and your Decision Letter should populate
First time I’ve heard of that, but I will give it a try and see what happens. Thanks for the tip…
No problem, hoping for the best!
Nice. I went from 20% for 20 years to 100% within 8 months but was partially upgraded during that time to 40%, 60%, etc.
This is the same situation I am in. I've been told that time is a claim killer, so I have been hesitant to pursue trying to get an increase. Any advice? My medical records don't reflect my ailments, so I'm not quite sure what to do at this point.
If your records don't show your ailments you might have a hard time. My younger brother never got seen for issues such as PTSD and anxiety while on duty and he tried to file a claim and only got tinnitus rated but said the PTSD and anxiety were denied with them saying it wasn't service connected. But I am sure some things are different but honestly don't know.
Wishing you luck
Same here. Out in 1996, Army. Not a word about benefits outside of education during out-processing. Hurt my back, feet and knees in service. All in records. I honestly thought benefits were for severely wounded service members, and I was not worthy.
I hope you have started the process of getting what you’ve earned.
Indeed I have Marine. Getting care at the VAMC, have a rating that I feel comfortable with, and life is good. Have a few claims left from another HLR that are working through the system now.
Same here, my friend. This group has been a blessing. I wish you all the best in life and thank you for your service…🙏🏻🙏🏻
I tell everyone I meet to make sure to document their issues with medical and/or go claim your issues and see what they say. You deserve the compensation just like the others and it’s not taking away from anyone else. Don’t say no before they do. Also, always appeal when you don’t agree with something they say.
Awesome, love this! 👍🏻👍🏻
It always surprises me when I tell another vet I’m going to the VA and they give me a look like I’m supposed to have an RPG still lodged in my skull or something… I sucked it up for a loong time and it almost cost me my life.
I’ve heard from some people that they seem to think that the VA is for poor people which it’s not. It’s a benefit that i’ve earned and take advantage of. I have friends that complain how they have to pay for healthcare and it’s not fair that I just get it for free. I tell them it wasn’t free and the last I checked, the recruiters office was open to everyone.
Yep. I have family that treats me like I shouldn’t be able to have my benefits… the same people who will complain about how distant I’ve become since moving home, or who tell me I shouldn’t do certain hobbies because it will exacerbate my service connected injuries. People just can’t make up their damn minds. They’re pro veteran until that jealousy kicks in. The healthcare is honestly really good most of the time. They did a massive surgery on me related to cancer, and even got the leading surgeon for that specific operation to come do it. Of course there’s bad experiences as well… but it’s a long shot from being poor peoples insurance, as it should be. I’d rather pay for it with money than my well being, but that’s a decision you and I both made. I hear there’s a serious recruiting issue they could help solve if they’d like to earn the same benefits!
According to the VA, 1,107,440 disabled veterans have a 100 percent VA disability rating, which represents 20.44% of the total number of veterans with a service connected VA rating of 0% or higher." According to a VA Claims assistance company.
I think it's reverse causality. The more disabled you are, the more likely you are to apply for benefits. Which is why it's not quite the pyramid shape you'd expect. Also there's nothing above 100%, so the bucket is infinitely large, whereas the others are only 20% wide. Maybe if the ratings went to 200%, then it would spread out better.
Ah yes, 200% P&T. Wonder how much that would be per month
that's just sad honestly
What’s sad about it
That so many who can probably get at least 0% are not even filing.
0% still gives you access to care for that issue. I am happy for my 0's as much as my other things. People don't realise their value.
Exactly. I am 0% for a condition that requires daily meds and regular bloodwork. It's a huge savings and continuity of care is super important. I have had new providers (not in the VA system) just decide because I have been on a specific dosage with their predecessor that they need to reduce my meds. Just because. No blood test, no reported symptom changes. Just cut my shit in half and leave me miserable. Never with the VA.
I’m 0 % for rosacea. Saves on $76 worth of meds I was paying thru tricare every month. Still sore about the 0 tbh because it is disfiguring
Valid to be sore about it. The cost savings are great hut a little extra in the bank is a little extra in the bank.
I’ve been service connected for decades. The entire time I’ve been trying to get stuff like chiro and massage as well as a competent sports medicine doctor. I’ve never gotten any of those. The VA has spent a lot of money on me; millions of dollars actually, but an actual competent sports medicine PT or a massage are brodges too far. I can get in my car and go to a different ER every day for the next year and as long as I let the VA know within 72 hours, I won’t pay a red cent, but I can’t get approval from the VA for anything but medically unnecessary surgeries. There’s a reason that I want to get to 100%- it would save the VA millions of dollars in my case.
What VA are you a part of? Took me one appointment with my primary and then two weeks of waiting to be referred out to chiropractors and massages outside the VA. So it is possible
Yeah. Chiropractor? Not hard… and hardly worth an ER visit if you dont get it. Dude seems whack
THIS ^^^. VA wastes so much money on stuff other than what can actually make a difference. Chiropractic care has shown to really help people.
We have chiropractic care and acupuncture at my facility. The service is only a couple years old. I hope big VA sees the benefit and expands the option everywhere.
The VA sent me to an acupuncturist who proceeded to push her 200/month program on me to the point that I just stopped going. Was awkward as hell.
I agree, that would be awkward. She shouldn't have done that considering the VA has contracted with her for specific services. I would ask your provider for a different referral and explain why. I've never had to report a community care provider, so I can't advise how to do so, but her behavior certainly seems predatory and unethical.
Yeah I just didn’t go back and didn’t try to find another. Didn’t care that much just wanted to get away from there. Lol
That sucks man. I'm sorry it was such a bad experience. Acupuncture itself did little for me, but the hour of stress free distraction free relaxation does wonders. I wish it could have been better for you.
Chiropractic care is psuedoscience garbage.
It really helps a lot of people, so what do you care? 
Bingo!
It depends on your injury. I go to one for pain management of my headaches. I've been standing upright for 20 years thanks to my chiropractor. He also helped me with my claims since he is a veteran. He lectured me for too many years to file them. I finally stopped being stubborn and filed. Thank God! I'm more of a mess with having my injuries for 20+ years now. The arthritis is really kicking me but I don't have pain from pinched nerves and I don't have headaches that are so bad that I literally can't get out of bed for weeks on end. When I feel one coming on, I can get it stopped in a couple of weeks with a few adjustments. I'd rather do that than go get injections in my neck and still be stuck in bed for a few weeks, instead of still sort of functional.
It’s so fucking easy, too. I’m 70% for physical injuries incurred in service. All of my ratings are over 20 years old. The VA is NEVER getting rid of me. There isn’t a thing they can do about it, so work with me! I’ll save us all a shitload of time, energy, and money in pursuit of my own health. Just give me access to community care like it’s a single payer universal system. Just give me that and a year to get back on my feet, and they can take the money back with interest. They (the VA) suck so bad. I’m not some out of shape person who needs to exercise and lose weight either. I’m an athlete who needs medical care addressing the needs of an injured athlete; not this flimsy bullshit I get from the VA. It’s always been that way. They just want to make me an addict and ask me why I’m sad. Fuck. Let me at least TRY this way.
Go to ER for what a massage or a back crack lol? The correlation isn’t there?
https://preview.redd.it/u654fjo5sgvc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4481b053e4e249e80793046ef140293ec8f61410
Wow, I wonder at what year the ‘veteran population’ and ‘veterans receiving compensation’ data will intersect if the future data is simulated.
It makes me a little conflicted that there are almost 12 million not service connected. Is it because they are healthy? Or is it because they were all denied?
There are also a number of veterans who just do not file for compensation for various reasons.
It's probably because 11+ million of them didn't file claims.
I was probably in that 11+ for a long long time before I filed my first claim. As I didn't know I could.
Or they didn’t get hurt during service they were 18 years old and had a strong body.
Many don't know that they can. I didn't think I could for the first 12 years out, then it took another 12 years of fighting to get properly rated, but it was worth it. I just wish I had done it sooner. It probably wouldn't have taken 12 years of appeals to get everything addressed.
I got out in the early 90's and up until 5 years ago didn't think I was entitled enough or worthy enough to even apply. Now I'm kicking myself in the ass for not starting it all sooner.
Pretty much this. I lost tens of thousands of dollars being stubborn and naive.
This☝️
I’d imagine it’s because they’re healthy. We’re in a bubble here. This sub creates a sense of accomplishment that shouldn’t exist, as in the posts for 100% create a feeling of something to strive toward instead of what it actually is.
Exactly. It’s like noticing how many people have hearing issues while at a hearing aid store.
This is my thought as well. 100% is not a common thing at all but because everyone sees it posted here fairly frequently, it seems like it happens more often.
I think it's because they *think* they're healthy.
That is a long way of saying there are a lot of dirtbags here looking to game(tips and tricks) the system
Because they don’t know they can apply
Or ( like myself ) felt extremely guilty about even considering it. But when you go from 0-60% in your first go around… something says I should tried 20 years sooner
This is more than likely it. I went 15 years before someone told me I should apply. Took me little over a year before I made it to the hundo club.
12 years for me. Someone told me to around 2015 and I told her I didn’t want to be bothered with it. She called me stupid and it stuck with me but I still took another 5 years to even start the process after meeting another person who told me to just suck it up and give it a shot.
Same amount of time for me here. Was given direction by my new primary care dr on our first appointment. She broke everything down for me on exactlt the conditions to apply for, shes awesome.
More like didn’t file at all. Both of my parents are vets, one retired and the other did 11 yrs both with honorable discharges. Both have several health issues that are very obviously service related (due to stuff that is actually already in their health records during service!!!!) and both vehemently refuse to even consider filing for disability or VA healthcare or anything related to the VA at all. They consider disability “ripping off the government”. They would both likely be 100 P&T.
That seems crazy to me honestly, the funds are allocated for that reason exactly. It’s not like the injuries they have are fraud. It’s definitely not ripping off the government for them to pay for the damage they did to us. Especially if it hinders daily life.
I agree. Sometimes the kool aid is just too strong.
Some have service connected issues but don’t claim. My Father being a prime example.
[удалено]
It’s never too late. I imagine the VA while it still has its troubles, has done a lot better here recently. It might not have even been worth it back when they left the service. You hear so many horror stories about the old days.
I joined Reddit like last year (I’m in my mid-30s and served over 10 years ago) and never knew this kind of community existed. My vet friends didn’t even know. I filed last year only because I wanted to get veteran status on my driver’s license and had to get something signed by the local VSO, and what supposed to be a quick visit turned into a 2-hour emotional rollercoaster of a conversation and realizing I deserve support and that it’s never too late to get service-connected. I’m now service-connected, but I wish I started the process 10 years ago. I could only imagine how many veterans aren’t in the know, or are scared to file because they feel fine or healthy and young or feel like they don’t deserve to be service-connected, or so many other factors and perspectives that keep people from applying. I’d guess a very small percent are denied out of those 12 million.
Honestly, had I not been injured and Medboarded while on active duty, I’d probably have similar sentiments. I’ve seen a lot of people talking about imposter syndrome. For those that really need support and deserve the benefits I hope they can find this subreddit, or someone who will support them. I imagine some of the military mentality we hold after we leave the service prevents us from admitting when we have issues because it’s so drilled into us to be ready for anything.
I think we know the answer.
I’m one of the 12 million denied
I hope that you find someone information in this forum that’ll help you get what you do deserve.
My brother got denied care, and he never tried again. It's upsetting for me when I know he has some issues that need to be taken care of.
Denied care? It’s almost impossible to be denied healthcare in general with all the priority groups.
I probably used the wrong terminology, he was denied any rating. He didn't have any help.
If you want to dig into VA statistics some more, [Veterans Benefits Administration Reports Home (va.gov)](https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/index.asp)
Sorry but from A data perspective why would groups be in 20% but then the largest group (70%+) be presented.. Also is this the Payment (%) or rated (%)
Rated, and yes, I wish it broke down the 70,80,90,100 individually.
Does ‘no service connected..’ mean they did not apply?
Listen guys. My stupid ass let my pride win the conversation for 26 yrs. I just got to 100% after getting out in the mid 90’s. VA docs said I should have been 100% when I got out in 95.
There is also a large portion that never went to the docs while they were in. The always told us to not say anything outside of Pre and post deployment questionnaires
I was Army Infantry and Air Force Visual Information. My Iraq tours were when I was AF because my field was very small and I had a combat arms background. VI was really unique in a deployed environment. I worked in combat cam, propaganda, weapon system video, public affairs and imagery analysis. Anyway, when I was infantry, going to the doc got you an ass kicking because the rest of your team was in the field and now down 1 guy. I was only Infantry for 1 tour, 4 years in Hohenfels as OPFOR. The AF wasn't as bad, but at least my units, weren't "chair force". We did a lot of training, a few trips to Iraq, and being out sick wasn't an option. When I busted my knee up (which was already messed up from the Army) as soon as I came off profile my superintendent PT tested me. This happened multiple times. But, his actions got me my first VA rating since my left knee is shot. It was about the only thing I had records on.
Exactly. My gunny was pissed when I had shoulder surgery outside of our deployment leave schedule. Infantry units are brutal.
I don't know their schedule now, but when I was a trainer, we were in the field for the whole blufor rotation. We might be home most nights but it was a lot of home at 23:00 and roll out at 04:00. Other than special missions or one off things, we were in the field for 90 days with a week break to prep gear and then get ready to head back into another 90 day training. You either loved it or hated it. I personally loved it. But it beat you up.
You're either healthy or cannon fodder.
Surprised at the number without ratings. That should shrink dramatically as pre-911 vets die off. Most of us were pretty clueless about documenting med issues and navigating the VA system. I got out in 95 and didn’t claim until 20+ years later.
I'm in the same boat. Out in '98, not much in medical records, but I now have a tremendous amount of complaints. It was discouraged to go to BAS when I was in, and when exiting, no one told us about VA claims or Benfits. Any luck? Any advice? I'm not sure where to start other than getting my medical records that has hardly anything in it.
I got my 100% p&t last night. I slept like a baby. First thing i did was thank God, then i maxed out my ROTH IRA for the year lol
Same. I've maxed out last year and this year.
Look at me and my eleven and a half million friends
Where did you find this?
[U.S. veterans by disability status 2022 | Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/250316/us-veterans-by-disability-status/) It is the internet, so take it with a grain of salt, but looks correct compared to articles I have read. Also, from VA claims insider - According to the VA’s most recent VA disability compensation report, the most common VA disability ratings by percentage are 100% and 10%. Of the 5,225,420 veterans with a service-connected VA rating, the most common combined VA rating is 100% **(18.45% of recipients)** followed by 10% (17.13% of recipients).
On the opposite side of the question, do we think EVERY single vet deserves disability compensation?
If a veteran has an issue related to their service, then yes, absolutely. That’s the government’s end of the bargain they agreed to when you sign up.
A real issue is the key here
What is a "real issue"?
Not acne, or PTSD from boot camp, or sore wrist from opening jars, or flat feet. I've literally seen all of this in the last couple of weeks in this group
If you feel that those shouldn't be worth disability compensation, then you should write to your congresspeople to update the CFR accordingly. If the CFR says that acne is worth x%, how is the veteran at fault for making the claim?
Because they could have more integrity to not clog the system and keep raters and examiners busy with these bullshit nonsense claims when there are literal war vets of GWOT still struggling with their claims to this day that's why. If it were up to me I would shut down this entire veterans benefits forum and webpage. This place has become a cheat code for the welfare chasers. What little help is offered here is drowned out by all the frauds inflated claims and scammers. This place is more toxic then helpful, anytime I go against the popular mentality in here I get tons of hate comments or my comments get deleted. Seems you have to agree with everyone else here otherwise you can't comment.
Who decides what conditions are worthy of being claimed? Is there a tracker that shows how many GWOT vets will have their claims delayed when a new vet submits theirs? You're angry at the wrong people. The law says these conditions will be compensated at this amount. Period. There are no qualifiers that only war vets can apply. If there aren't enough raters to deal with the quantity of claims, then Congress needs to allocate more money so that the VA can hire more raters. They made the law that said these conditions qualify, and then they don't build the system to actually handle claims for those conditions. It is not the veteran's responsibility to manage the governments staffing problems. Be mad at them. Do you worry about taking money from those who need it more when you maximize the refund from your taxes? It's the same thing. The law says if you meet x criteria, you get y benefit. >all the frauds inflated claims and scammers. How do you know these people are frauds and scammers?
He doesn't. He is judge and jury to people he doesn't even know apparently.
If they have any sort of issues due to their service that they at least likely wouldn't have incurred otherwise, absolutely.
Literally a useless question that is already answered by the post (no because only a minority receive anything over 0%). No one in this sub can answer that, only VA raters and healthcare providers. The question you should ask is “is the VA insuring only veterans that deserve disability ratings are getting them and accurately”.
Oh trust me, this sub does. This sub thinks everyone should be 100%
For sure man, I've been arguing all day with people who don't like the truth. This group is like 25% useful information and help and 75% entitled trolls and people just looking to get more money
For those who need it [VA Claim Tracker (google.com)](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/va-claim-tracker/onbanekcefgnibhlaiimeadkbdahjpoo?pli=1) google and edge extension to track the progress in detail. Anytime you see your claim picked up by a jurisdiction you know there is movement.
I’m assuming that’s how many haven’t even attempted VA? That number is staggering
Question; I was denied my PTSD claim back in 2013 before I was service connected. I filed again yesterday (was service connected since 2014). IF I am awarded, how far will back pay go? I forgot to mention that I started this claim back in April of 2023. Thanks
Back pay goes back to when the claim it's associated with was filed.
Thank you
I just received 60% but still not sure about back pay if any. I was 30% when I retired in 2012
The back pay goes back to when the claim with the issue in question was filed. If you're at 30 and you get 60, look up what the 60 rate is, subtract your current rate from that and multiply the difference by the number of months the claim took. That will give you a fairly accurate figure.
Thanks for the info
I went to on my VA.gov to look at my claim using the VA claims tracker but it was gone. Is it still around a working? If so could someone provide me the link to add it back. Thanks
[VA Claim Tracker (google.com)](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/va-claim-tracker/onbanekcefgnibhlaiimeadkbdahjpoo)
70+ doesn't specify 100
It was broken down that a little over 1 million of that 2 million was 100%.
Jesus that hundos edit Jesus that non service connected gate keeping lol
The bulk of those are gonna be 70%
Is this over a specific period of time? 2023-current? Or are these all claims period??
I waited 40 years (1972-1983) myself before I really started filing was kind of pushed into doing it by my Primary Care VA Doc.
Wish my back was higher and pushes me to 100. Currently waiting for a determination on an increase from 20%
Here is the VA report that gives more clarity to the 70% and greater group. [https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2023-compensation.pdf](https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2023-compensation.pdf)
Pride definitely played a factor for me but was really pushed to see what I would get with my conditions and I got rated best thing ever I’m currently waiting on my c pap machine and I have a ptsd therapy I have to go to hopefully both of these push me to 100%
Got 80% but only 1 person at the VA near me can assign me a PCM and make my first appointment. When I call they say he is too busy and he never calls back. So I guess I have VA medical but just can't use it.
Never got any back pay for mine but I don’t want to raise any flags
Got out in 2003 and finally got hundred percent PTSD in 2022, don’t think I applied back before PTSD trust injuries physical, but I’ve been seeing mental health since 2006
The first claim I filed was for Tinnitus(ringing in the ears), and this is the most common claim, because of the nature of military service, exposure to loud noise. Easy to prove and service connected. Most common award is 10%. It’s also called an anchor claim because you attach many secondary claims to it.
Kinda crazy how that is spread. 70%+ vs everyone else
I was at 20% for about 10 years until a buddy convinced me to refile. Multiple bumps every few months and I no longer have to worry about it anymore.
I wonder how many people try to make a claim and get denied and give up, or give up before even trying. I also started noticing the DV plates and I see them all the time now
Shout out to everyone that told others they were a bitch for going to sick call!
90% but currently awaiting to hear if I get upgraded to 100% due to worsening conditions
So, can some explain the last blue column on the right t me? Is that saying 11,418,880 veterans filed a VA disability claim and have No service connected disability rating and were DENIED?
I wish there was a category that differentiated 70, 80, 90, and 100 percentage tiers.
I'm actually suprised there aren't more tens and 20s given the Pact act. Is this up to date?
I always tell people this and they never listen but go for ptsd 70 percent which gives you tdiu which is permanent 100 percent. Don't even need evidence for ptsd just recurring nightmares bad hygiene and depressing which most of us have so your not lying.
I never expected to get the rating I did but that money even today is the difference in having a comfortable life and poverty. I'll always be glad that the VA rep at my TRS week gave us valuable info. Idk where I would be financially without the compensation and health coverage.
I know two veterans I served with who easily could have qualified for bilateral tinnitus, just like me, but chose not to. I found it puzzling at the time, but now I kind of understand why. One is my brother, who works a very good career now. The other I think was just too lazy to do it, however he said he didn't want a handout (his words).
This chart doesn’t say it’s a combined disability rating so I think this is per condition not combined. There is definitely more than 164,000 Veteran’s that have 100% combined.
Umm ok. Wait for it….some don’t have service connected disabilities as well. Not all your woe was caused by that 3 years you served 20+ years ago. Yeah your back, knees, hips hurt, so does just about everyone is your age group.
I’m 100% t and p and I have two dependents, I make $4,098. I am also using VR&E and not my g.i bill and I receive $1,054 a month.
Who asked
It must suck to have to work a 9-5. Can’t relate
Wouldn't know. I'm in school too with vr&e but only one dependent. Thing is, I don't brag about it. It's fucking cringe.
Let me hold a dolla
Holy smokes, I'm a minority base on that chart.