Why have so many Veterans chosen not to file for disability?

LTC David Stender — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:37:11 -0400

There are a lot of Veterans who have not filed for any disability when they could have received compensation; why do you think that is?

Response by SGT Lillie M Epps made Sep 3 at 2015 2:39 PM

SGT Lillie M Epps — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:39:27 -0400

Many of them don't understand how the process works as my husband and I didn't before we even knew we could file. They need to be able to have someone explain to them what they need to do to file and how to start, how to follow through and what it entails.

Response by CPL David Salazar made Sep 3 at 2015 2:40 PM

CPL David Salazar — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:40:46 -0400

Perhaps they aren't disabled, or believe they aren't.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 3 at 2015 2:46 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:46:20 -0400

I don't need to.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 3 at 2015 2:47 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:47:32 -0400

Or like me who put it off a bit, I didn't want to be labeled with the "D" word. Combined with bad advice from the Admin shop when I transferred to the Fleet Reserve on when to file, some time was lost. At least the lock date stayed the same while they spent a year deciding that I had no health record. Make sure you copy every sheet before you punch out.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 3 at 2015 2:48 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:48:17 -0400

I'm going to echo what SGT Lillie M Epps said and add to a little bit.

There is no doubt that the system is hard to wrap your head around and for a lot of Veterans just knowing where to start is a hard. Having someone there to help point you in the general direction is always a plus. I think think the other problem is some Veterans do not want to deal with not only all that red tape but they don't want to deal with the all the craziness you see and hear about in the news. I think it is also in part to the fact that most Veterans do not want to see as "needing help". Some Veterans do not want to be labeled or looked at differently based on his or her service connected issues.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 3 at 2015 3:06 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:06:34 -0400

LTC David Stender - Many, like me, simply do not need the VA disability rating/payments and don't want to impact those who do. While I may technically be able to be classified with several service-connected disabilities, I don't look at myself as being disabled to the point that I think I should be compensated.

It is kind-of like my dad's stance on "not allowing" me to accept an ROTC 4-year scholarship. When I was offered the scholarship, he told me that he did not want me to accept it because he could afford to pay for my college education and that, if I accepted the scholarship, it may keep someone who could not afford it the opportunity to get a college education and a commission in the Army. Although he knew it was not a "need-based" scholarship, that was his stance and I honored it. I guess I have the same idea about VA disability.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Sep 3 at 2015 3:19 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:19:26 -0400

I applied when I retired, because we were advised to claim anything we could even if it was nothing more than an itchy scalp. Well I had some knee pains for a few years so I applied. We used my daughters address as home of record and we were moving around the country for a few months visiting friends and family. I received a letter finally at another daughters in Missouri that I needed to appear at a Physical in Cincinnati the following day....Needless to say that was 22 years ago and i haven't seen my records since....

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 3 at 2015 3:23 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:23:16 -0400

I think there are a lot of us that have proper health care with a private company or with our spouses employer and there are some of us who are NOT here for the $$.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 3 at 2015 3:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:46:39 -0400

Pride and inefficient system.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 3 at 2015 3:54 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:54:57 -0400

I didn't know...then when I found out I put it off for years....finally got around to doing it and was denied...now I'm putting it off to re do it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 3:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:57:35 -0400

I have friends that are disabled. PTSD pretty badly. They are paranoid.. and truly believe that if they become labeled as disabled, then the government will take their guns. The irony is that the paranoia is so evident, and that is what keeping them from help.

I would have never gone to the VA after my service, unless I was coerced for many months.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 3 at 2015 4:27 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 16:27:55 -0400

Others have a greater need.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 3 at 2015 4:39 PM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 16:39:15 -0400

My experience over the many years are some don't do it for the concern about labeling (worried about limiting career options, i.e. Law Enforcement, etc.), many don't know about it, some tried and got discouraged after initial denial or 2nd denial, but for the greatest generation, it was usually because they said the government doesn't owe them anything. When I processed out in 1980, S-1 told me to check in with the VA. I went to a Regional Office and some clerk filled out paperwork and sometime afterwards, I was found service connected. Over the years, I learn much more talking with peers at watering holes. A web site, VAWatchdog.org provided me much more information in plain language that helped me even more. Today at a few bases VA has IDES (Integrated Disability Evaluation System) whereas VA along with the DOD partner tries to enter the service connected claims of service members before they become veterans.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 6:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:00:46 -0400

I am probably healthier for having served than I would be if I had never joined the Army. I get a retirement check, I believe that's enough. My Dad retired from the Army as well and he didn't draw any disability either.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 3 at 2015 6:22 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:22:47 -0400

I only file for what I need, I left the military pretty healthy for thee most part, and everything that needed to be documented is already on file. I got some hearing loss due to working with aircraft, but it's not worth my trouble for a couple of dollars. Of course this is just me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 10:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 22:29:39 -0400

Fear reprisal laugh stock train to fight but no train to file for injuries

Response by COL Charles Williams made Sep 4 at 2015 12:10 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 00:10:03 -0400

Speed... they just want to get out.

Response by SSG Raymond Whitener made Sep 11 at 2015 9:39 AM

SSG Raymond Whitener — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 09:39:59 -0400

Sir,

I have read alot of comments below that say that people don't have any idea of when or if they should. I think this has a lot to do with where they are stationed at. I am at Fort Bliss, TX, and I start my retirement leave on the 13th of October of this year. I knew about the disability process 3 years ago, made it a priority high on my list, and then started to have the major surgeries and MRI's done in 3 month increments for the past three years, so that I could also go to the field, prepare for deployments, and other contractual binding requirements that I had left in the service. The people at ACAP/ITAP also briefed me about a dozen times on Disability services, and the process of how to request the DVD, print out the records, and then take all 685 pages to the VSO, who would go through and help me file my claim.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 11 at 2015 12:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 12:56:51 -0400

Some are so badly beat down and distrustful of the government they want nothing to do with it. Some veterans are tired of dealing with an unresponsive VA. Some veterans with ailments will feel altruistic and not claim a VA %.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 12 at 2015 4:11 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 16:11:35 -0400

Most likely because the system is not user friendly even when talking to a live person.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Mar 6 at 2016 10:17 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 22:17:03 -0500

Probably because the V.A. can take five years to get to your claim. Their hope is that the vet dies before the claim is heard.

Response by SSG William Patton made Mar 8 at 2016 11:58 AM

SSG William Patton — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 11:58:45 -0500

Many of us have lived a lifetime with a service connecte disability. I for one, only filed a claim in the last few years and had to fight the VA for the partial benefits I now receive. The battle is one reason I failed to apply and a distrust of the government that many of us who served in Vietnam harbor. A retired E-9, who is a close friend, convinced me to apply. He said this is not a handout, you earned every dime you will receive. I applied and now have 50%, with an additional claim pending.

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Mar 8 at 2016 10:57 PM

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 22:57:01 -0500

I have heard Veterans complain of the waiting process and not knowing where to go to start. Nobody seems to know. Other reason is disconnect. Some just want to be free and clear of all things military. Lastly, laziness. "I will do it later" I hear that from 2 people. Hope that helps.

Response by Joy Crider Marshall made Nov 27 at 2016 9:47 AM

Joy Crider Marshall — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 09:47:59 -0500

It is so complicated and filled with trickery and error that the process can be maddening. Its hard enough to try to get through the process, but even when you do , the rating is inacurate. After you spend a year, yes I said "1 year", waiting for the c-file records you requested...prepare yourself mentally before reading the derrogatory inaccurate and flat out erroneous information the incompetant C & P Doctors wrote in your file. If you are fortunate enough to be an employed Veteran going through this process, you will find it hard to remain employed because it is litterally a full time job to try to correct the mess the VA has made of your disability claim. NOW, just imagine trying to do this while suffering from memory loss and PTSD. I am trying to help my husband through this process and it is overwhelming. The VRO gave some advice and nowh we met with the DAV who also gave some guidance but to find a doctor who will honestly treat and document your mefical issues is next to impossible. VA doctors never want to put their name on a letter and civilian doctors just don't understand how things MUST be worded for the VA. After you pay a co-pay you see a PA, not the doctor, but the VA will not recognize anything unless it is by the Doctor, MD. He got out in 1991 and filed in 1998 only to be denied. He file again in 2015 for the exact same thing and was given 50% for PTSD and 0 % for service connected migraines. 0%? Why? Everything else was denied or lumpwd under " caused by PTSD" or no diagnosis, or caused by a "known" diagnosis, but they dont say what that diagnosis is.
We were told we had to file a New claim when we shoukd have opened his old claim from 1998. Now we are told not to do a NOD because the appeals process takes 6 years. I think we are now doing a New claim but I'm not sure. How can anyone navigate this aweful system? We signed a POA for the DAV rep to assist us. Now we have to try to find a Doctor willing to document his various medical claims the way the VA wants them documented "word for word" and that means more time missed from work, more co-payments and more frustration. Anyone know an honest doctor in Colorado Springs or Pueblo familiar with assisting honest Veterans? I'm JUST his wife and I love him and want to help him but I am exhausted. . Anyone know how to have the Special rating table (SMC) or (K) added to his claim for my assistance?

Response by PV2 Andrew Schauf- Anderson made May 24 at 2017 12:03 PM

PV2 Andrew Schauf- Anderson — Wed, 24 May 2017 12:03:31 -0400

One reason is due to the time it waits to hear a decision whether or not a person is considered service connected disabled. It originally took my first application at least 3.5 - 5 months to hear back, and then a year later I requested an increase (which was approved from 50 to 70%) and that only took 1.5 months.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Dec 20 at 2017 12:22 AM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:22:15 -0500

Many are misinformed and have heard so many bad things about being denied and the wait on appeals. I have a friend that I was stationed with who broke his leg in an accident on active duty. To this day his leg bothers him and he walks with a limp and he still won't file. I tried so hard to convince him but he said he didn't want to be bother with the entire process. It's unfortunate however I believe if the stigma of being denied even with good evidence and the wait times are removed more will file.

Peace!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 3:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:56:22 -0500

One reason for older veterans like myself could be the records have been lost or destroyed. You can't make a claim if there is no proof and current medical testing will not prove it was service related. It also takes too long.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 3 at 2018 4:10 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:10:40 -0500

I can think of a few reasons..... 1 is, not being labeled as a defective, now or when it suits the politicians
2 , VA does not compensate for pain, only disability.. That means if your in pain, even great pain but can still move that arm, that knee though the test range of motion you get ZERO compensation.. So there are those that fake range of motion, and those that say, VA You suck, and walk away with 0% on many listed line items... till one day they have the pain and lack of range or capability.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jan 3 at 2018 4:35 PM

PO3 Michael James — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:35:49 -0500

Sir; Because the Government, Congress, and the VA .. Could care less... ONE HAS A BETTER CHANCE OF WINNING ... POWERBALL ... than they have receiving help in-reference to Service-related compensation.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jan 3 at 2018 5:21 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 17:21:20 -0500

There is a lot of camps about this. One side feels it's an entitlement scam and the other side feels they earned it. Speaking from an insurance standpoint, anything you're going to want to be treated for is going to run into an agency trying to not spend any money on you at all. Just saying that you were in the military is going to null and void a lot of your treatment. Once you see the commercial on TV saying "are you suffering from...?" the insurance agency is going to wash its hands of you. I had no idea what Mesothelioma was when I joined the Navy. Now, there's not a year that goes by that I'm not getting a funeral announcement from a former shipmate's family saying he died for JUST that reason. Now that its out in the open, your civilian insurance will not cover you. Period. Nor should they.

So the moment you get out of the military, register with the VA. That way, when you're dying from agent chartreuse which the government is only just now admitting to, you'll already be "in the system" for treatment purposes. Even though you may be healthy, there will be "normal" things later on in life that normal insurance will not treat you for as you were in the military. Case in point: do you see any actors in war movies wearing ear plugs? So don't plan on civilian insurance paying for your hearing aid. The VA will tho.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 3 at 2018 5:48 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 17:48:28 -0500

Speaking just for myself... I saw too many of my friends/fellow service members that have much greater need than I. They served in combat, while I did not. My injuries, while a nuisance, are not debilitating and I can deal with them. Would have felt bad taking money/benefits from someone that truly deserved them.... for my Advil is about all I need, I can get them at Walmart. My own feelings/reason... LTC David Stender