How long after retirement do you have to submit a disability claim? What is a good organization to assist with this?

1SG Christopher Turk — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 11:34:19 -0500

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 9:58 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:58:03 -0500

As soon as possible and you can go to any Veterans Service Office in your local community and they will help you there. You can also go to an American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars office.

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 26 at 2013 2:22 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:22:58 -0500

You can file at anytime you desire, it just depends on how quick you want compensation and benefits, when I was in DC a few years back getting validated for upgrade on the eBenefits site, there was a Vietnam vet there starting his process for the first time. It is best to start before retirement now for many since the program is set up to help with easier transition. I would say most of them are about the same, it just depends on the circumstances and what you need help with or done.

Response by 1SG Christopher Turk made Jan 3 at 2014 8:01 PM

1SG Christopher Turk — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 20:01:19 -0500

All,

filed my disability today. thanks for all the feedback. I did learn that when you file within 180 days of retirement it is till considered Benefits Before Discharge (BBD). that was good to know. I was told this process is much faster than the other. Thanks again.

Response by 1SG Christopher Whiten made Jan 4 at 2014 10:59 PM

1SG Christopher Whiten — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 22:59:07 -0500

I filed my claim 180 days out from retirement July 6, 2011 and did not get a rating until June 9, 2012. Like one of the other comments sign up for the VA Benefits page so you can track it.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2014 10:57 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 10:57:36 -0500

I have gone through this process recently. You can submit your claim up to I believe 180 days prior to exist which is recommended. Start preparing a year out to ensure everything is in your records. The claim can take 6-9 months before approval, you can track the process through ebenefits. Use AMVETS, they can help big time!

Response by 1SG Christopher Turk made Jan 18 at 2014 1:10 PM

1SG Christopher Turk — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 13:10:00 -0500

All thanks for the feedback. You have been helpful.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Mar 12 at 2014 11:11 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 23:11:34 -0400

1SG, I don't know the time window on filing for a claim, but many of the Service organizations like VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vietnam Veterans, etc. can help you with that information. Many of these organizations have offices INSIDE VA hospitals to help you. Typically you bring your documentation, DD 214, medical records, etc, and they can enter your information onto the forms via computer and deliver the claim directly to the proper person. I used the VFW representative, but any of the organizations will be helpful.

One more thing, regarding documentation, it is often overlooked to have statements from a spouse, or a family member describing how your disability has an effect on your life, or your relationships. Even disabilities such as tinnitus or hearing loss takes a toll on family members with one's inability to hear some sounds, or with the inability to get to sleep with that incessant ringing in one's ears. These can be valuable insights to those evaluating your claim.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 22 at 2014 12:09 AM

SPC Michael Hunt — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:09:14 -0400

I think you have 12 years... you should talk to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), they'll square you away Top.

Response by 1SG Rich Martinez made Aug 10 at 2014 2:31 AM

1SG Rich Martinez — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:31:41 -0400

There is no time limit but the sooner the better. If you get it submitted with-in one year of your retirement date you will be paid back pay for that year regardless of your file date. If you wait to submit it after your one year after your retirement date then your time starts from the date you file your claim. I did my claim submission directly with the local VA office in the town I live in. It took me three months to get my first set of medical exams by the VA Docs.

Response by 1SG Rich Martinez made Aug 10 at 2014 2:33 AM

1SG Rich Martinez — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:33:14 -0400

If you are still active its better do file prior to getting out of the service. You can file within six months of your retirement date.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 12:01 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:01:52 -0400

I was a little late in filing. I didn't even think I was qualified to apply until I ran into somebody that worked for the VA. I filed six years after discharge October 2010 and it took them until this June to finalize everything to a point. I was awarded 40% with back pay to 2010 and now I'm in the process of appealing what was denied. I'm looking for a VSO now. I did everything on my own to this point.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Oct 23 at 2014 12:08 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:08:12 -0400

If you submit your claim within 364 days of getting out, you get back pay. I would say that doing it before that would be a good idea. Its the old "hurry up and wait" thing. I submitted the claim and then waited 25 months for a rating, and they still owe me half my back pay...going on 4 years now

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 21 at 2015 12:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:52:43 -0400

Are you still able to work?