Have any of you had a strictly positive experience with filing for VA Disability?

2017-04-25T21:44:57-04:00

We all have heard or read of, or worse experienced, VA Disabilty Application horror stories. Seems at times that's all there is. Maybe I'm the luckiest guy ever, but I've had nothing but a good experience through my process over the last 6 months. Anyone else?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-04-25T21:47:17-04:00

I need to apply.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Apr 25 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-04-25T21:56:33-04:00

Never had to use them thank gosh. As the MAO we have issues with members getting records. Smaller area so smaller probs.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 25 at 2017 10:02 PM

2017-04-25T22:02:15-04:00

Well I'll say my experience was good because they did all the work. All I did was have to show up for the appointments while they poked and prodded me.

The only thing that I would probably say was bad about my experience was that I felt more broken after leaving the doctors office than I did before I went in.

Doc "OK I want you to bend your leg as far as you can before it starts to hurt"
Me (bends leg until I feel discomfort)
Doc "OK good. Good. But you should be able to bend your leg this far (proceeds to push my leg well past the point of pain). Does that hurt?
Me (with tears in my eyes) Yes Doctor.

Obviously not verbatim, but that was a pretty good summary of my VA experience.

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Apr 25 at 2017 10:22 PM

2017-04-25T22:22:41-04:00

The first time I ever went to a VA facility, the Dr I was sent to made it perfectly clear he had NO time to waste on females who never saw combat. Roseburg Oregon, but---- then I ETS'd and had to go to Omaha NE - I've never been treated better by anyone, civilian or Military. Now I'd told I have to go to KC MO - but I have to have my DD214 - which I don't have after all these years - WHY? When I have my VA ID? And both are over 100 miles from my home.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Apr 25 at 2017 11:09 PM

2017-04-25T23:09:06-04:00

Yes I have. They kind of rushed me thru the first time. A big blizzard was hitting Nebraska but since I had made it to Omaha they ran me thru. Got 40% without even trying. Then kept working at it, am now at 90% and getting g ready for another eval on my neck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 11:17 PM

2017-04-25T23:17:16-04:00

Haven't had the need to use them myself. But they sure are happy folks when your sent over to get a release for someone else your advocateing for as they hand you packet to fill out for your own VA benefits!... lol... So not yet MSgt George Cater. Maybe one day.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 25 at 2017 11:32 PM

2017-04-25T23:32:48-04:00

MSgt George Cater I had a great experience when I went thru retirement process and my retirement BDD (Feb 14). That process alone took from August 12 to Feb 14.... But, there were some gaps, and my attempts to get them fixed have been laborious and a waste of time. My belief is the VA's modus operandi is to disprove all claims vs. listen and find a way. Luckily my BDD was good.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 2:03 AM

2017-04-26T02:03:35-04:00

Well it's been over 23 years since I first filed for my VA Compensation here in San Diego, CA. After I retired from the Marine Corps in 1994, I was informed by one of my Gunny's to file for VA Comp because he knew of my situation overseas pertaining to my low back. So I did. It just took 3 months to have my VA Comp completed and I got 10 different disabilities with a 10 % overall rating. Well since that time I became a VFW Service Officer, Paralyzed Veterans of America National Service Officer and finally a County Veterans Service Representative for San Diego. I'm now fully retired and 100% Permanent and Total by the VA after I had retired from the County. It took a lot of time and effort on my part and my Representative who helped me. I give all the credit to my Representative and some of the folks that I had served and worked with at San Diego and Los Angeles VARO and their VA MC. But now days it's taken way too long and not enough effort by some people within the VA Department to get things right. I can complain all I want but the bottom line is that you are your own representative of your own case file. I was just lucky to have a boss who was not only a Marine, but an Attorney and my good friend who was my mentor with VA benefits and claims processing. All of the Old Guys and Gals that I had worked with during my 16 years of doing this job should know what I'm talking about. Way too many rules and regulations, way too many people's opinions and not enough intellectual knowledge of the 38 CFR and Title 38. Enough said.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Apr 26 at 2017 2:43 AM

2017-04-26T02:43:24-04:00

The VA has some great overworked doctor and medical staff. I go to VA for mandatory compensation examinations but use my private civilian physician for everything else.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 26 at 2017 6:42 AM

2017-04-26T06:42:49-04:00

I started back in late 2007 as I was clearing Fort Drum. Because of the time and I was leaving in less than 3 weeks, I got a folder with copies of what had been done a couple of days before I left. Everything had been transferred to my home state already so meeting with a VA rep was the next step. It was early 2008 when I got my award letter, but I didn't have any issues.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 9:15 AM

2017-04-26T09:15:16-04:00

Actually it took time but mine experience was not that bad, I file online, several months later they made an appointment at the local VA clinic about 50 miles away, the doctor check everything and said good bye. Several months later I got a letter detailing my claim and what they would pay.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Apr 26 at 2017 9:16 AM

2017-04-26T09:16:00-04:00

This is why I believe I'm so lucky, blessed, etc. etc.
Retired in 93, did the recommended VA eval and got 10% for a skin disease from Vietnam. Was very heathy for decades. Got diabetes in 2012 and a year or so later, noticed it was an Agent Orange ailment. Applied, got 20% more. July 2014, while on a 25 mile bike ride had a odd chest pressure, told my wife & was immediately dragged to Tampa General for a stent in my widow-maker. Did rehab and later on noticed THAT was an Agent Orange thing too. Applied and got 10% initially. No problem. I thought I wasn't near as bad off as many others. Then one day last fall, the lightbulb came on that Agent Orange ailments were in a combat zone. Duh... I was thinking Purple Heart stuff only.
Emailed the form with copies of my SRB pages to the CRSC board at HQMC and they approved it in about 10 days. 20% of the VA offset back to me tax free. When I got the VA letter with the 10% for CAD, I sent a updated form and they upped it to 30% right away.
Meanwhile last NOV, I reapplied for reconsideration of the CAD, some secondary diabetes things & tinnitus. Email submitted all my pertinent Med records to the VA & the doctors to contact for documentation. Had 3 D&C exams the end of March and sat back expecting to wait til late summer at best for a decision.
Surprise! Last week I went on line to pay a bill and our checking acct had a $3400 deposit from the VA. Picked up jaw from the deck and logged on to eBenefits. In shock reading and rereading for about 30 mikes before going inside to tell my wife. It now says 100% including SMC-1R. Less than one month after the D&C exams, they approved all of my declared illnesses.
I know I'm blessed remarkably, but last night as I was falling asleep, I was thinking it's great the VA offset of reducing my USMC retirement no longer applies due to Concurrent Receipt Disability Pay (CRDP). Then the lightbulb lit again. I realized the CAD they rated at 100% is still an Agent Orange combat thing (their rules), which means 100% of retirement pay is now CRSC - tax free.
Only advice I can offer anyone applying is to do your homework, obtain your own records and submit them (don't depend on them to get them, they may miss some), approach it with all the zeal and attention to detail that you would a combat deployment.
Best of luck to all my RP brothers an sisters.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 26 at 2017 9:32 AM

2017-04-26T09:32:01-04:00

I am a rare account. When I was doing all my separations classes and prep before retirement I also submitted my VA claims at the same time. I had all my exams and physicals done before I retired. I received my rating before I was officially retired. Two months after I officially retired I received a check with two months back pay. I have not tried to submit any claims since I have been out though.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 10:16 AM

2017-04-26T10:16:58-04:00

Speaking from a VA perspective, I will say that you as a service member or discharged SM can do a few things to make things much more smooth should you file a disability claim:
1. File an Intent to File (VA 21-0966) as soon as you are about to begin the process of exams, paperwork, etc. This is important as it establishes your start date on that day, not when you get to the point of having your packet together.
2. Make copies of everything. EVERYTHING. Military, civilian, and VA paperwork alike. And always keep a full spare copy that is untouchable and put away somewhere safe. The VA system is pretty fair at talking between offices and not losing things, but Murphy's Law...
3. Utilize a Veteran's Service Organization to help you prepare your documents and navigate the process. It is new to you, but not to them. There are hundreds of VSOs out there to help get you through the maze. Don't do it yourself. In my observation, VSO-prepared claims are far more complete, legible, and stand a better chance of success than DIY packets.
4. If you insist on DIY (or even if you don't) the MyBenefits portal is a great resource to get forms and track progress on your claim. The alternative is snail mail, and it has around a week of lag time before it hits the national queue from the scan vendor in Jaynesville, WI.
5. Watch your mail. If anything is amiss or your VSR needs questions answered, you will receive it via snail mail most of the time. Respond promptly.
6. Don't miss appointments. I know, I know... VA and appointments. Having said that, your claim will have suspenses tied to scheduled appointments, and missing one can cause delays or even have your claim closed incomplete or unfavorably for missing time windows. Communicate with VBA if you encounter issues with scheduling in order to get extensions on suspenses.
7. Try and get it right the first time, but don't hold your whole claim hostage because one medical issue is unresolved. That extra 10% for tinnitus waiting on a hearing specialist isn't worth making the 50% for a bad back wait. You'd be amazed how often I see that happen.
8. If the answer is no, don't take no for an answer. There are many avenues for appeal, use them.
9. If you appeal, have your stuff together. You aren't just disagreeing, you should be able to articulate why and what documents supports that assertion. Contrary to popular belief, VSRs are not trolls looking for a reason to say no. There are strict guidelines on what constitutes what percentage of disability and whether something is service-connected or not. Many claims come down to that a Veteran has symptoms, but can't show the link to an event or location that supports a SC rating. Pay particular attention to things like TDY orders or special duty assignments, as well as service treatment records.

Delays or less favorable outcomes happen, but they are often preventable. Follow my suggestions above and you will have a much better experience.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-04-26T11:53:59-04:00

My application to and acceptance by the VA in receiving my disability rating many years back was eminently assisted by the extremely capable efforts of my VA counselor in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Lori Swisher. To this day, I cannot thank her enough.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 26 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-04-26T12:53:12-04:00

I felt I had a very positive experience. I talked to the TVC and they helped me file and I had phone calls within a couple weeks arranging appointments. Withing four months I had a rating. However, it was only much later talking to a retired MSgt, that I wondered if I had the right rating. After 30 years I'm beat up. I've broken my back, destroyed a knee and have arthritis every where. Most of this is owing to airborne time or Bradley Fighting Vehicle time. The MSgt who has a 100% rating and had never been injured was shocked to learn I have an 80% rating.

Response by SGT Anna Kleinschmidt made Apr 26 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-04-26T13:13:37-04:00

I have had a great expirence with the Arkansas VA! My application was approved quickly and I received 80% later when I had to apply for an increase it was awarded without a problem. They have been thorough and caring. My doctor calls me personally once a month to check on me if not more. When I had to be sent to Memphis to have surgery the surgeons and the nursing staff was wonderful I can't say that about the travel office. He couldn't understand hat I was having to go there for a specialist that va only had 2 in the system that could do the surgery I needed and one was in Memphis. He kept thinking I was trying to drive 6 hours for a cavity! I would take me an extra day to approve my travel every time! The Oklahoma VA caused me to lose 2 teeth because the office couldn't understand that I was class 1 dental! They didn't seem to understand that mandibuler deformity due to trauma was a dental classification. I had 2 cavities that abscessed and I couldn't get in till I was in Kansas! Then it was too late.

My husband was processed for his dissability through Salt Lake City and it was a night mare. His was started before he retired and took 2 1/2 years! The lost paperwork 5 times even though it was showing uploaded. His was not approved until his was sent to another system and then it was approved at 90% after 2 months. His doctor is not as good as mine here in Arkansas but i believe that is his fault. I have told him that he needs to be more instant that she focus on certain issues that concern him and if she doesn't address them then he can request a change of doctors.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 7:46 PM

2017-04-26T19:46:06-04:00

I retired on 1 Feb 2016 from the US Army as a SFC (E7) after 24 years and 1 month of service. I forwarded my retirement paperwork/documentation via my chain-of-command to US Army Human Resources Command (HRC) on 29 Jan 2015 and received my approval for retirement on 4 March 2015. Retirement date was set for 1 Feb 2016.

During this time period many senior NCOs and military retirees told me (lets’ say “pushed” me) to apply for VA benefits. This was also pushed to us from the VA representatives during my Transition Assistance Program (TAP) course. For those that don’t know, TAP is a mandatory 3-5 day course for all Soldiers that separate from the Army. I was extremely reluctant to apply for VA benefits at first because I was only 43 years old and still able to physically function (good/satisfactory). Yes, I was now on a walking profile due to years of wear and tear from running, but I felt fine. I also had several other medical issues that have plagued me during my Army career. I always thought, “Give those benefits to veterans who are truly having issues.”

Then an older retiree told me that you might feel fine now, but in 10 or 15 years your body may start to fall apart: Get all your symptoms/conditions to at least show a service-connection so that you won’t have huge medical bills when you turn 60. I decided to go ahead with the process.

Things I learned prior to retiring/separating that I would like to pass on for those still on active-duty and are in the process of separating in the future:

1.       Medical Documentation: Get your symptoms/conditions medically documented! Start now! I can’t stress this enough! Some might say be a “Sick-Call Ranger.” Call it what you want. Start at least one year (minimum) prior to your separation or retirement and go to sick-call when you have a flare up/ache/pain and have them put your issue into their computerized medical system. If you’re persistent enough you will get a referral to a specialist to look at your aliment (knee, back, ankle, etc.)

2.       Go to sick-call: There seems to be a social stigma in the Army that you should just, “Suck it up, take 800 milligrams of Motrin and drive on.” Yeah, I did that in my 20’s and early 30’s and my body recovered rapidly, but as you get older it’s more difficult for your body to recover as fast. Please try to get yourself fixed before you separate or at least get your aliment medically documented.

3.       Take full advantage of the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) or Quick Start while on active-duty. A lot of Soldiers I talked to who were separating just wanted to get out as quickly as possible. On the other hand, there were many who knew about BDD program extensively.

4.       VSO: Utilize them! Before I retired I went to the VA office on Fort Hood at the Copeland Center. They have a staff with very competent VSO’s. They are overwhelmed, but they are professional and do walk-ins. They took me step-by-step through the process. I owe my VSO lunch for this! Without them I would have never have been able to do this on my own. For those that were able to do your VA claim on your own and were successful, I tip my cap off to you.

5.       Additional medical info: Drop off any additional medical documentation for your existing claims to the VSO up to the day your claim is opened. What does this mean? Say you requested your medical records 6 months prior to leaving the service. Assume you get your medical records in 30 days and submit your claim immediately (VA Form 21-526EZ). You now have five months left before you separate. What if you were still being seen by a medical specialist/doctor during this five month time frame for a medical condition?
The VA would never have your MOST CURRENT medical evaluations. This is important if you have conditions that recur frequently in a 12 month timeframe and can impact your service related condition percentage. You should submit further medical evidence up to the day the VA opens your claim if this is applicable. This will not prolong the “Gathering of Evidence” phase because the VA hasn’t even opened your file yet.

Please let me post my timeline for those that are curious on how long this process took. Again, this is my timeline and is not applicable to everyone. Some people might even say I got lucky to have my VA claim completed in 75 days. I respect your opinion. I used the advice of this and various other websites to ensure I had my ‘ducks in row’. Remember that preparation is the key.

I was told by my VSO that it takes an average of 120 days from the moment the VA opens your initial claim to completion. Let me stress that every VA claim is different. I was fortunate enough to do this on active duty.

Here is my timeline:

5 October 2015: Attended VA brief at Fort Hood.   The VSO has you fill out the VA Form 21-526EZ step-by-step.
9 October 2015: Submitted a written/in-person request for my medical records through my medical clinic.
14 November2015: Received two copies of my medical records on CD via mail.
18 November 2015: VSO reviewed my medical records with me in person and submitted the VA Form 21-526EZ on the same day. I immediately signed it. I received a hardcopy with the date/time stamp in the upper right-hand corner.
23 November 2015: E-benefits verified receipt of my initial claim (VA Form 21-526EZ).
1 December 2015:   Terminal leave started.
22 December 2015: First C&P appointment for my eyes. I was traveling so I had to reschedule.
14 January 2016: Second C&P appointment for my hearing and mental exam.
1 February 2016: Officially retired. VA opens my claim. Dropped off my DD-214 and additional medical documentation for my existing claims to the VSO office at Fort Hood. You can drop your DD-214 off earlier.
4 February 2016: Full blown C&P exam. Exam took about 3 hours. Doctor requested further blood tests and several evaluations by other medical specialists.
4 March 2016: Exams completed from the doctor who requested them.
17 March 2016: My DBQs were currently at the VA office in Salt Lake City for review. I did not know the exact date they got there. NOTE: A VA representative was able to show this date in the tracking system.   This individual was able to print out my 117 page DBQ/C-File, so I got lucky and got to see it. He wasn’t really authorized to do this but he went out of his way to help all veterans. Based off what he saw in the system he stated I should get a final decision in about 3-4 weeks. You can obtain this file after your claim is completed though.
4 April 2016: “Gathering of Evidence” phase ended and went to the next phase on the E-benefits website.
14 April 2016: “Notification of Benefits” phase started.
15 April 2016: E-benefits website showed that my claim was “Completed.”
15 April 2016: Completion time: 75 days – (opened on 1 Feb 2016).
16 April 2016: E-benefits website showed my combined rating, rated disabilities, and my AB8 letter.
The VSO listed 17 disabilities on the VA form 21-526EZ. I received a percentage for seven of my disabilities and 0% for 4 of them.

One time period I didn’t put down was from 30 October 2014 to 8 October 2015: During this time period I had surgery on my knee, did physical therapy, went to sick-call often for other conditions I had, and made sure that everything was medically documented. I can’t stress this enough: Go to sick-call and ensure that your aliments/issues/conditions are medically documented before separating!!

When you see a doctor do not make anything up that may be wrong with you; WARNING – Don’t malinger and pretend that you have something physically or mentally wrong with you.

Lastly, I’m a veteran of OIF and OEF: I spent an entire year deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan on separate occasions. I also have several other deployments that didn’t last as long as a year but long enough; Turkey twice, Israel, and Kuwait.   I was just doing my duty and do not feel that I was anything special. I did what thousands of military members did before me and many more to follow.

I just feel bad for our Korean War veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, Desert Storm/Desert Shield veterans, and pre-9-11 vets who have been shafted by the VA when trying to do their initial and follow-on VA claims. I’m truly thankful that the VA claim system has improved during my era, and I would never truly understand the frustration that some of our previous veterans have gone through. Without their lobbying of Congress to fix the system, I would have never been in this position. I’m truly grateful to all those past veterans who have addressed these issues.

In closing I wanted to thank everyone who helped me by providing excellent information on the VA claim process. God bless you all!

Best regards,
Mike

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Apr 27 at 2017 11:19 AM

2017-04-27T11:19:35-04:00

I was medically retired back in 1988 ( how many of the members were even born yet??? ) I was told by an E-9 (in the USMC) when the USN Medically discharged me to accept the Navy's 20% disability ( I was in a wheelchair, diminished sight, poor speech, loss of feeling/sensation, loss of my right side - all due to Multiple Sclerosis) and IMMEDIATELY go to the Veteran's Administration when I got to my Home state. I followed his recommendation, and I have found the Department of Veteran's Affairs has been nothing short of a MIRACLE for me! 20 years later, Minneapolis/St. Paul VA Hospital had a research facility & partnership with the University of Minnesota for Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as a Spinal Cord Injury clinic. I have been very Blessed to have such caring Doctors, Nurses, MRI personnel, shrinks and social workers on my side! I thank GOD EVERYDAY for the V.A.

Response by CPL Aloysius Grimaudo made Apr 27 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-04-27T13:22:37-04:00

My positive was 3 moths after my med board and final out .. I was getting my v.a. Disability.. that's the only positive.. because for the last 6 years they haven't done anything to help me except deposit a check once a month.. I have a hard time walking and getting around and they won't even give me a handicap sticker because they said I can "still" walk..

Response by SCPO Penny Douphinett made Apr 27 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-04-27T13:49:29-04:00

I had a positive experience with the VA when I was medically retired in 2001. I had copies of my medical record in hand which makes a difference. I used the DAV assistance. It did take a few months, but there wasn't a problem. The back pay was deposited before I even got the rating letter. My re-evaluations have never been a problem either. I get all my care at/through the VA so all my records are in one place which I think also helps.

I even had positive experiences with Voc Rehab. I went into my first meeting with a plan in mind and my college transcripts. I left less than an hour later with an agreement for the VA to fund my bachelor's and my master's degree. The VA even paid me back for the semester of college I had paid for myself while I was waiting for my initial review.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Apr 28 at 2017 12:00 PM

2017-04-28T12:00:36-04:00

MSgt Carter, Sir; in answer to your question ... NO ... Has been nothing but a royal Pain in my a-- from the start... 7 years and still fighting... Lets see.. 4 years Active... 45 Years.. torment, and suffering... Claim filed 7 years ago, still waiting... This is ABOVE and BEYOND the call of Duty !!!! However, one look into the eyes of any one of my grandchildren ... and WELL, I would do it ALL again, without hesitation .... Semper Fi .. Mike

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 30 at 2017 1:59 PM

2017-04-30T13:59:35-04:00

MSgt George Cater, you are not alone. I did not have issues filing for VA disability prior to retirement. No hiccups, no re-do or lost paperwork.

I met a VA Rep at our WTB about ao year out. I followed what he said and kept an identical copy of the submission just in case the file was lost.

Several apointments were countracted out to local providers. That took some time. However, in the end it was done once and correct.

I often recommend service members to read the CFR for the disabilities that apply to them to familiarize themselves with the language and descriptions for those conditions. Then use that in your statements & narratives.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made May 4 at 2017 2:15 PM

2017-05-04T14:15:06-04:00

I've been through 30 Years, a Congressional complaint, and being treated like garbage more than once has left a bad taste in my mouth as far as the adjudication side is concerned. During my first appeal the local board said they had no record of my ever having being treated for the very condition that ended my career! That was when I got my congressman involved. Decades later I finally got 100% when my health failed and I couldn't work at my second profession (teaching) any more. Even then, there is no category for my condition (Post traumatic hypothalamic obesity secondary to a head injury (TBI) - they rate me as having Hypothyroidism. That's like rating someone with Melanoma for Acne.

But I'm tired of fighting it and the system - no one wants to hear about MY residuals from my TBI because I suspect there are a lot of guys out there going through what I went through after having their bells rung by IEDs. I hit a rock head first after being dragged about a quarter of a mile by my parachute during JTX Gallant Eagle 82. I was able to manage to convince everyone I had recovered and serve another five years before it finally caught up with me. TBI (They called it Post-Closed Head Syndrome back then) is a bear. I've talked to VA folks, even my Congressional Rep - all I get is Bambi in the headlights. I'm thinking it's going to be another Agent Orange somewhere down the line.

On the healthcare side it has been a mixed bag. I've had some great doctors and practitioners. They have been frustrated by having their hands tied by the system. I was driving 175 miles to the only VA Endocrinology Clinic in Alabama. When the VA raised the mileage reimbursement for the first time in decades I started getting grief from the CASHIERS for driving so far. I actually got accused of lying one time when I stated I drove so far because it was the only clinic that could take care of my condition (That was a complaint). My wife wrote a complaint one time after going with me and hearing the way a doctor responded to a question I had as to why there was no rating for my condition. I didn't like it, but figured I choose my battles wisely.

So finally the VA B'ham shuffled me to a very good outpatient clinic close to home but the Physician's Assistant there admits she knows little about my condition. She referred me to the Diabetes Clinic there seeing if the "Endocrinologist" there could help me. But he denied my condition existed - then, after we looked it up on Google, admitted it existed but doubted I had it. This was before the guy had even taken my blood pressure.

So enough of him.

The general impression I got the last few times I visited is the VA has its hands full with the "new' generation of vets and doesn't have the time or facilities for us old geezers. That's fine with me. I haven't been to the VA clinic in - I realize now it's been over two years. As long as the prescriptions for the meds I get through them stay current that's fine with me. I am thankful for my private health insurance and handle most of my health issues on the private side. The crap isn't worth it.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 17 at 2017 10:43 AM

2017-06-17T10:43:55-04:00

Yes ... filed a Fully Developed Claim against Vietnam era TBI, shrapnel scaring, and hearing loss. 14 weeks later I was in a C&P exam. 21 weeks after filing I was awarded 70%. If you have your ducks in line the process actually works!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2017 7:11 PM

2017-09-26T19:11:33-04:00

Mine whole experience has gone very smoothly. The biggest problem I’ve ran into is my enlistment in the national guard causing complications with benefit payments. Anybody in my situation should expect the first year of payments to go smoothly, followed by a year to year and a half of confusion, and then everything should smooth out. Kind of like working the kinks out of an escrow payment on a home loan.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Sep 26 at 2017 7:59 PM

2017-09-26T19:59:02-04:00

I to had nothing but a good experience with Filing with the VA. I lead by example with my soldiers through out the year to make sure their records where up to date, telling them the bottom line is no one takes care of you but you.
There is a difference how VA is handle in every State. Wisconsin is a good state but you have to go to the County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) to get the ball rolling.
You also must request Compensation and Pension Physical.
I go to the Tomah WI VA which I receive great care!!

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Jan 4 at 2018 3:10 PM

2018-01-04T15:10:30-05:00

I applied in 2014 but didn't get a final approval until 2015 when I was medically retired at 25 yrs. It was a long hard road but with all the Units Harassment it was worth it. Everyone's situation is going to be different depending on the medical issues, mine was complicated.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 5 at 2018 12:46 AM

2018-01-05T00:46:14-05:00

Yep, sure have. My very first claim got approved the first time. The key is getting with someone who knows the system, getting your write ups done correctly, worded the best possible way. I would write some, bounce it off a person who knew, make corrections and drive on. The other key is having your medical records, filing the proof with the claim helps. Don't get in a hurry to file. Once you file intent, you have one year to get the claim filed. If you don't know how to, get with a person who does. Contact the VFW, DAV, AL, all these have people who are willing and able to help.