Posted on Apr 21, 2019
SGT(P) Louis Bolanis
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I'm a gulf war combat veteran who served 9 years in the US Army (8 active, 1 in the CA National Guard). When I DEROS'd in 1997 from active duty at Ft. Lewis, WA...I was blessed to take part in an active attempt by the Army to true-up military medical records and automatically apply for service connected disability benefits (even though the two areas I was eligible for service connection were at zero percent). I'm pushing 50 now and both areas where I'm service connected are getting worse with age. I've also got CPTSD (diagnosed by the VA). How can I go about (e.g. what's the process) for getting the two areas where I have zero disability already evaluated for upgraded as well as adding my CPTSD and having a determination of service connection and a percentage allocated? In a nutshell, how would I go about getting (and whom would I contact to get) an updated evaluation? Is there a process that anyone else has followed that worked? Any assistance with this would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
Posted in these groups: Imagescaylm8cd Disability
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 6
CWO3 John Bell
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Submit a claim for an increase on your service connected 0% issues. For PTSD you have to have a stressor, which is combat, witnessed or have part of a traumatic event, etc. and then you need a diagnosis, which according to you, already have. Submit a claim for PTSD along with your claim for increase. Use VA Form 21-526ez and send it to your nearest VA Regional Office.
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SPC Darin Taylor
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What you are needing is a "Higher Level Review" (VA Form 20-0996) of your current 0% service-connection. Your best option would be to locate a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) that can assist you. I would be glad to assist you in locating a VSO of your choice that is closest to you. Just go to my website at http://www.disabledvetassistance.org and fill out the VSO Locator form. My services are free of charge to all Veterans.
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SGT(P) Louis Bolanis
SGT(P) Louis Bolanis
>1 y
Thanks SPC Taylor, I just submitted my info on the website you provided above. Thanks!
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LTC Jason Mackay
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Edited >1 y ago
Contact a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) such as DAV. You have zero percent...good news. They acknowledged it was Service connected but not bad enough to impact your employability or ability to care for yourself. Have your provider write a letter describing how this condition has worsened. Work with the VSO to help you write your new claim with your medical evidence. Talk to the VSO before you engage your Provider.

VSOs provide this service at no cost to you. I would be Leary of attorneys and what not promising upgrades.
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SGT(P) Louis Bolanis
SGT(P) Louis Bolanis
>1 y
Thanks LTC Mackay, great advice. I'm locating a VSO now. Appreciate the tips!
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SGT Paul Boucher
SGT Paul Boucher
>1 y
Contact the American legion or VFW
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
>1 y
SGT(P) Louis Bolanis - I used DAV and they did right by me.
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