Do you believe that some individuals exploit the VA disability ratings system?

2025-02-22T11:22:11-05:00

As I near retirement, I’ve been evaluating the VA rating system more closely. Throughout my service, I sustained numerous injuries, some of which have had lasting, lifelong effects. While browsing message boards about VA benefits, I’ve noticed what appears to be a trend of some individuals exploiting the system. I don’t intend to minimize anyone’s injuries, but when I left the Army after my first enlistment, I didn’t feel compelled to pursue a 100% disability rating from the VA. It’s frustrating to see how the VA is inundated with claims, especially from those who served only a year and were discharged for misconduct, yet still seek substantial benefits.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Feb 23 at 2025 12:01 AM

2025-02-23T00:01:51-05:00

Yes, some exploit the system. There are people in every situation in life who are exploitive.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2025 12:30 AM

2025-02-23T00:30:55-05:00

Without a doubt there are those that exploit the system. In fact, some years ago I should file a claim for PTSD caused erectile dysfunction since it's an issue not easily disproved, amd the perks being I get 10% automatically and the wife would get $650/mo just for the Hardship for diminishing intimacy

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made Feb 23 at 2025 6:40 AM

2025-02-23T06:40:06-05:00

I agree
But people are out there that are going to take advantage of any money

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 23 at 2025 6:44 AM

2025-02-23T06:44:33-05:00

Every system has those that take advantage of it

Response by SrA John Monette made Feb 23 at 2025 8:49 AM

2025-02-23T08:49:22-05:00

I see it every day in my position. Yet I have to fight like hell to get what I actually deserve

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Feb 23 at 2025 1:02 PM

2025-02-23T13:02:28-05:00

Yes, like any system where you fill out paperwork to receive govt money, or pay less money to the govt than they think you should, there is some fraud.
In none of those systems does "some" mean "most" or "all".

We've all probably seen the video of the vet receiving disability with the claim of being wheelchair-bound, doing very heavy dead lifts on camera, clearly not wheelchair-bound.

I worked with a Soldier who received 100% and bragged about how he got there with a 50% awarded for PTSD based on his claim that walking by our fallen Soldiers memorial every day gave him PTSD, (no actual deployments overseas, not even Kosovo).
And yes it's a shame that we have initial entry discharges that require VA disability, and it's equally a shame that there are other initial entry discharges who fraud their way to a claim.

Both the required reevaluations and the additional investigations root out quite a bit, but again not most or all of the fraud.

Like you and many others, I entered the service believing I would never make a VA claim.
I held firmly to that belief for the first 5 years of service. The next 25 years of service firmly and increasingly beat that belief out of me until it was completely defeated.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Feb 23 at 2025 5:19 PM

2025-02-23T17:19:02-05:00

There always those idiots who exploit the smallest or largest thing.

I hadn't intended on filing for any VA benefits or disability because I didn't have a clue about what benefits were available. It's not a big subject, Guardwise. After working for the Physical Evaluation Board for two years, I applied just before I retired.

Response by MSG Roger Watts made Feb 23 at 2025 5:48 PM

2025-02-23T17:48:19-05:00

I agree, however a large number of solders that applied have been denied who are so entitled.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 23 at 2025 6:40 PM

2025-02-23T18:40:02-05:00

The system is encouraging this. I was looking to get out and not do anything VA claims wise until I discovered the law that O4 and above do not get 5pt veteran preference but do get 10pt for disability. I was not going to let some kid who was chaptered after six months get hired before me.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Feb 24 at 2025 1:56 AM

2025-02-24T01:56:58-05:00

I Don’t Know About Other States VA Hospitals But I Was Rated At Martinsburg VA Hospital And My First Rating Was 30% After Multiple Exams For A Spinel Cord Injury, Asthma And Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Chronic Diarrhea All Rated Line Of Duty, That Was In 2002 In 2004 I Was Examined Again And Rerated At 50% Due The Conditions Getting Worse In 2007 I Was Finally Rated 100% When I Lost The Use Of Left Arm Due To The Spinal Cord Injury .
That Was 5 Years Of Fighting With VA With The Help Of A VSO .
When I Hear Stories About Veterans Getting Rated For 50-100% For Minor Medical Or Psychiatric Illnesses I Wonder HOW ?
Are Doctors At Some VA Medical Centers Giving Ratings Easier Just To Push Veterans Out Into The System Because They Are So Overwhelmed With New Patients.

Response by MAJ Micah M. made Feb 27 at 2025 9:00 AM

2025-02-27T09:00:44-05:00

What matters is that you get cared for for injuries you sustained while serving.

Response by SPC David Taylor made Mar 8 at 2025 3:58 PM

2025-03-08T15:58:18-05:00

I personally get disgusted when I hear of people who exploit the VA disability system. I have left friendships after finding out people have done that. Unfortunately, people see a way to get free money and that is what they do. I also think that the government is somewhat at fault for not taking care of veterans the way that they deserved to be taken care of.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2025 5:09 PM

2025-03-08T17:09:11-05:00

All systems can and will be gamed.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Mar 11 at 2025 7:47 AM

2025-03-11T07:47:45-04:00

I think there is a lot of exploitation with lawyers leading the way. I know of a case where the person hired a lawyer and got a rating of 80% and had never been deployed and was with the NG.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2025 7:54 AM

2025-03-21T07:54:05-04:00

I’m still in the ANG, on my 4th round of claims, and also a VA Social Worker. The thing I find funny is people will complain about others abusing the system while simultaneously asking how they get to 100% themselves.

38 CFR Part 4 -- Schedule for Rating Disabilities

Response by GySgt Clarence Moser made Mar 22 at 2025 8:25 AM

2025-03-22T08:25:48-04:00

There is abuse from both sides of the disability system. Although I do not have, nor have I seen data to support my statement, I believe that the abuse from the government in denying Veterans disability benefits far outweigh the Veterans who know how to get around the system. I have seen many men and female Veterans just break down and cry due to them being denied disability benefits. As I have learned from Veterans who have shared their journeys fighting the system, one learns to pass to the next Veteran the correct way to file claims as Uncle Sam will not be there for you. One informs Veterans to utilize reputable service organizations, such as VFW's and other disable organizations that will assist you in getting your documentations together and allow them to represent you. They are skilled at using the correct language to file claims and they establish a tracking system to follow-up on these claims. Also, be honest and do not lie to those who are there to assist you. You have to be taught how to verbalize conversations when being evaluated by the contracted Professionals whom the VA contracts with to do the examinations. And finally, one must have a ton of patience. Lastly, the key thing to remember is to have documents to prove your case or cases. For anybody who is still on active duty, please make sure that you go to sick call and document injuries, whether physical or mental. Documentation is what one need to hopefully have a smooth transition in obtaining any benefits. Don't give up! If rejected, you can always appeal.

Response by LCpl Michael Oconnell made Mar 24 at 2025 5:11 PM

2025-03-24T17:11:30-04:00

Not nearly as much as the V A exploits its own loopholes to delay, and deny veterans of their rightful compensation ! V A math is a perfect example. Comp&Pen exams for BS reasons. VBA goes out of its way to find a cause to Deny, when the actual oppisite should be true !