VA Disability Compensation Affects Military Retirement Pay

Do what you feel is right! I am very appreciative that you don't want to game the system. I haven't been out that long, but I have met every SF guy ever just by going to the Long Beach VA (If you know what I mean). I would at least look into a VSO like the VFW, DAV, or others and ask their opinion. If you rate more, then take it. The worst they can say is no and then you can be right according to your current position!

Mark, I have got to say that I wish every veteran was as honest as you are. First off, I have to say that you don't have to be severely wounded in order to claim what was Rightfully deserved! Now on the other hand, this is a very controversial topic. Especially because everyone's doing it now days, as if it was the newest trend. Yes times are tough these days, and who wouldn't like some extra money in their pocket. And when these "other vets" get to find out just how much extra money they could possibly earn, along with benefits. It makes it harder. Now when you have a buddy or guy you know or talk to and find out he's done it and got 100% for sleep apnea and or nail fungus, then they think! Shit!...How'd you manage to pull that off!. It's almost too hard to say no. And at that point; if he's getting 100% for that then I damned well deserve it!!....So the vet ends up talking himself into it (if his buddies at the VA or VFW already hadn't. Look....I'm an Amputee. I lost my leg in Afghanistan to an IED during a near ambush as a 50.Cal gunner in the turret of a Hummvee. I actually received two Purple Hearts for being wounded twice only four days apart, since I also took shrapnel in my thigh from an (RPG) in another near ambush under much scarier circumstances just meters from the spot that ended my 6yr career as well as two of my buddies lives in that same explosion. Now the medals are not something to brag about, but I'm proud to say I'm still alive first of all, and the medals help to justify my injuries and cope with it mentally....Anyway, this stuff really gets me. For one...I know that our countries biggest problem next to corrupt politicians has got to be the Americans scamming the system. It's unfortunate that our most patriotic who complain about those people are just at fault.

Now after losing my leg, a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) which Im still not even rated for as well as a few other important things......You'd think I would have easily had 100%. Well after the obvious loss of my leg. And to make a long story shorter...I made my Medical retirement from the Army and was rated at a whopping: 60%! And I lost my right leg above the knee about 8in above the knee at that. And that took me 2yrs to fight for my 100% which is still Due to unemployability. So if I gain employment. It will drop down to 90%. And It's unfortunate because to get the 100% guess what I was STILL forced to do to meet those requirements.? LIE!......I had to still, exaggerate the remaining injuries in order to gain what I should have gotten to begin with. I was pissed and belittled to say the least. I'm naturally an honest person, and I hate liars. So for me to have to lie, to prove that I'm 100% Disabled when I'm missing a freakin leg was just pathetic. But that's how the system is. When I've been through hell and back (and I keep in mind of how many others had and have it worst than myself) and I hear guys that are disabled vets for minute bullshit; of course it ticks me off. But you can't judge your personal values by having to lie to the VA because the system is unfortunately set up that way. So if I had to lie; I'm sure everyone else who puts in a claim has to lie. Or "Exaggerate" if you prefer to use that word...Lmao. But if you truly deserve that my friend, regardless of how small; only you know the suffering you or your family may go through because of that sacrifice to your country. You go for it! I also try my best to put my bitching and judgement aside for those who are truly suffering. Only you know that answer. Sorry such a long rant; but I hope that helped you out a bit. I truly appreciate the consideration of those who suffer; but even though we all sacrificed one way or another, I wish more service men and women out there would put in just as much thought as yourself!! I "salute" you brother!

I appreciate your integrity in this matter. It is always wrong to game the system. I pray that I will one day be able to play golf again. Time will tell.