How do I go about getting an upgrade of a zero percent service-connected status?

SGT(P) Louis Bolanis — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 21:30:53 -0400

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.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 21 at 2019 9:39 PM

SFC George Smith — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 21:39:13 -0400

I took a certified copy of my records to the VA ( Clarksburg, WV VA Medical Center ) and Requested Evaluation It Took almost 16 months but after several Recalls for testing, I got 70%.

Response by SGT Osmundo Thompson made Apr 22 at 2019 12:03 AM

SGT Osmundo Thompson — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 00:03:35 -0400

Ok, are you trying to get an increase in your VA disability or the Army Medical Board Evaluation corrected/increased so you can get medical retirement?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 22 at 2019 12:35 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 00:35:35 -0400

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.

Response by SPC Darin Taylor made Apr 22 at 2019 11:45 AM

SPC Darin Taylor — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 11:45:03 -0400

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.

Disabled Veterans Assistance | Help Filing A VA Claim | DVA

Disabled Vet Assistance is a company dedicated to helping Veterans by providing access to information and forms needed to file VA claims and referring Veterans to a Veteran Service Organization near them when help is needed

Response by CWO3 John Bell made Apr 22 at 2019 7:29 PM

CWO3 John Bell — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 19:29:26 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 24 at 2019 4:12 PM

SSG Dale London — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 16:12:32 -0400

This is similar to my situation. I advise you to go to a nearby VSO (like the American Legion or your local VFW post). They will help you prepare the paperwork and submit it to the VA. The VA website can point you to VSO's in your area.