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

Every system has those that take advantage of it

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 !

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.

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.

All systems can and will be gamed.

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.