Proving Service Connection is about showing, not telling. (Video Quick Tip). - Veterans Law Blog

I watched the video and read the article, SSG Robin Rushlo. Looks pretty good. Thanks for sharing the link.

We were talking about this just today at work. I remarked that when I retired the VA doctor went down the list of claims I presented and asked me for each one if it prevented me from working my desk job. When I said no, it doesn't stop me from working in an office, the doctor (basically) lined through that claim and moved on to the next one.

But I'm a fairly healthy guy, and I'm glad of that. I'm also a retiree, so VA would be icing on the cake. I did get 10% for hearing loss because of a hearing test just before I retired.

In my mind, the guys and gals who really need and deserve VA support (and this is just my personal opinion) are those folks who were injured on deployment. I REALLY hope they are not treated that way -- with the doctor "knocking down" their claims of disability or injury. That would be a dirty rotten shame. I submit they should be at the proverbial head of the line when VA is doling out benefits. And I don't mean to say that others do not deserve benefits ... everybody's case is unique (as Attorney Attig said).

Again, thanks for sharing this informative resource.

I have to watch the video in the link later and do some more research. My claim was filed in August, and I have yet to receive a call for an appointment. In the mean time, I get letter thanking me for my patience, and pay for my medical appointments and medication. While my injuries don't stop me from working in the office setting, there is not a pain free day. Hopefully, I get seen soon!

If you have 30% or higher and are claiming dependents - I can probably help answer your questions. Email me on here. Remember: you have ONE YEAR from the notification letter telling you that they have made a decision on your claim to add dependents (and have the date retroactive to your effective date of claim). Or, you have ONE YEAR from the event (marriage, birth of child, child's 18th birthday) to file an update status. If it is after the one year mark, they will be added or status changed on the date of the form.
If your child is 18 and still in school - get a VA Form 21-674 sent in so you get paid for them. Yes, even in high school! They can still be on your claim if they are in school/tech school, etc until they are 23.

Please, please, please fill out the form - answer all questions. We cannot have date/year, we must have month/day/year. We have to have their SSN. :-)