VA Disability

Long story short I filed a claim this past October for some lingering health issues that caused over 8 ER visits, multiple specialists, and a couple of endoscopies. I’ve done all of the appointments for what I filed but the VA came back and scheduled a gulf war exam. Has anyone done one? Should I be concerned?

Call dav at dallas va hospital. They will help you with it.

The VA crawls at times, and crawls very slow. I have a friend who applied for full disability because of Agent Orange in Vietnam. It took almost 30 years to get approval.

What ever happened to wounded bear? Anybody know

VA disability process is a miserable experience.

I’m finding out the hard way. I was always hooah hooah thinking I was ok after I got out until I was laid up in the fetal position many nights in agonizing pain.

It's been 20+ years since I filed for my VA Disability, but I remember having to go in for a review/exam. They checked some of my mobility limitations and hearing. It still took a bit of time after that for the claim to be finalized, but they back pay you to the day you initially file the claim.

You can go to the local dav for claims and they will help you with the paperwork. You’ll need your 214 and a copy of your medical records. Getting my records was a pita. Jun i would call the va closedt to you for your situation. Make sure you go to the accounting department and get riemberrssed for your travel mileage. All you got to do at the va is talk to the right person. Most of them don’t know chit. Good luck

Ahhh....


You signed the enrollment to be in the VA. Sealing the deal you'll be federal property until death.


Here's what is going to happen. If its serviced connected. They'll throw you a bone. 10%. Then as you continue to jump through the hoops (which can be years). You might get bumped up to 30%. Then 80%-100%.


And what the VA knows, they never tell you. You're never getting better. Not to the health you were before you enlisted.


Writing a letter to the processing office in Illinois. Hand written letter explaining all you've lost. Carries big weight.



You see, during your fist physical in the military. You were brand new equipment. Equipment the government used like a rental car. And if you return a rental car that's damaged. You're going to pay for the damage. Loss of revenue.. With the government, it's required they pay for the wear, tear, and damage of using you and your body.


Do not give up. Be polite and nod your head at the doctor. Start writing letters.

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This

It's taken 7.5 years for the VA to determine, after 2 appeals, my neck, spine and lower back issues that I've treated for for 20+ years are service connected. I'm now waiting for to see what the disability ratings are going to be. VA has not been Veteran friendly to me.

Is there anyone from the military that’s not on some kind of government assisted pay roll?

I have been told that if filing a claim the dav in dallas is top notch at getting things done and they are right there where they can access records etc.

I have been in the va system since march of 1974, should have filed a claim back then but was too doped up by the va to realize what I could have done.

spent 6 yrs. taking rx for 750 mg chloral hydrate (big green gelatin pills) twice a day, 15 or 20 mg valium (think they were the blue ones) every 4 hrs. or "as needed".

whole different deal goin in the va back then.

now won't live long enough to make it worth filing a claim.

Depends on what kind.

Which teir? There's 4.


#1. Service connected disabled

#2. SC and SSI

#3. Sc, SSI, retirement.

#4. Sc, SSI, retirement, still working for the gov but as a DOD employee. Working on a second retirement.


(Edit to add; the monies veterans get come out the DOD funds. So if there's enough money for war. There's enough money to take care of the people that fought it.)

I got out in 2006 and got 40% pretty easily.

2 years ago I filed for a review and they bumped me to 80%.

Lowered my property taxes, free hunting and fishing licenses and about $2700 a month check

You should look on YouTube. There is a bunch of helpful videos that explain the terminology you need to use when having the exams. Certain keywords that the examiners like to to hear to further your chances of receiving a % award.

Like search YouTube for VA C&P exam for (insert ailment) and watch the videos

Thanks Zach

It took me 18 mos. from the time I submitted my claim until I received my 100% disability rating. I used the Tarrrant County VA assistance office to start my process and to help guide me through the process. In most VA health facilites there are Non governmetal offices specifically dedicated to assisting Veterans with there claims and submissions.

I was in the Waco hospital when I was taken to some tiny office. The lady had a stack of papers.


"Sign here".


I never asked for anything. Sometimes they just give it.

Perfect responses. Educate yourself on CFR 38…just saying

Did you know non honorable discharges qualify for a disability?


Met a guy who never finished basic and ended up prison. He was getting money. There's service connected and then there's the basic disability.

The pay scale is similar to the SSID pay scale.


And somehow this guy got medical too.

Trying to get disability for jet fuel exposure is damn near impossible. Screw the VA.

Walk out the door. Enter the VA emergency room. Tell them you're having a, 'difficult' time.


Ride along to what happens next.


Inpatient with a team of doctors throwing drugs at you. Enjoy the Wii tennis drugged out your mind. Never mind the homosexual VA nurse watching you take a shower.


Ride it out. Receive your help.



But never be a dick or violent. There's a computer button for that and they will Trank you. So chill.

Served in the Army 71-74, received an honorable discharge and was never able to use any VA benefits. Always thought I would take some college courses. Carter decided if you don’t use it in 10 years you lose it. Took a buddy to San Antonio VA for surgery. While he was under knife, I went to administrative office to apply for myself. He showed me my name on the computer and said you are already in. Then said wait, you haven’t finished the financial section, go home fill it out and hit send and you are done. Next day I got a call telling me I was ineligible. Too much money, must have been my 401k. Name disappear from their site. My neighbor had been going to the VA for back problem for years, even surgery. Pain was so bad one night he went to a private hospital ER. He never left, was eat up with bone cancer and only last a few days. Have two other buddies that are now gone and was under VA care. Thank God for unanswered prayers, I finally got old enough for Medicare.

well this thread turned into a chit show

Me. And I could be for hearing (flightline 8 years). It is way too much hassle for my blood.

Reading he respones is sad and believable after working with a bunch of guys on disability.

Not at all!

June, my best advise would be to consult younger guys just getting out. I review a lot of applications and rarely see anyone that got out recently that’s not on $2700 monthly. None of these guys ever saw combat and some got out as soon as after four months due to injuries. I hate to say it and I come from a military family but it seems like a redistribution of wealth of sorts.

I saw that movie a couple years ago how the marines would get married to each other so they could draw more pay and benefits.
I went to work and started talking about the marriage scam and got laughed out of the room.
It’s a known scam and they do it right out front of everyone.
I hate a thief.
Especially one that steals from me.
Twenty five year olds with full disabilities and handicap parking stickers and absolutely nothing wrong with them.

Do you have the contact info for this Ft Worth office/ Thanks

Just sent a message with the information.

Thanks for the info. I’m definitely not trying to milk the system or ever been on any government assistance. I’m trying to live a normal life without having to make ER visits every couple of months.

Thanks again!

I went in for testing several years ago. Slight tinnitus and my hearing just plain sucks, especially if there is any background noise.

Got an appointment. Drove an hour out to the Ft Worth center. Waited about 90 minutes for my name to be called. Took a 5 minute hearing test, and the lady said I'm getting old and the flightline didn't have anything to do with it. Think I was 34 or 35 at the time.

Not me. But blame no veteran who chooses to use their benefits, nor do I expect any civilian to understand.

My advice is NOT to deal with VA C&P without talking with a VSO! I'll add a link to find a local rep below. Someone else gave great advice on researching CFR 38-4 which I also linked below. I "retired" in Jan of 2000. The concurrent laws were not passed until 2005. Since I was geographically separated for half of my 20 years active I did not get any special briefs when I left. Not taking a physical my last ten years left my records in pitiful shape. Good ole "get the mission done at all cost" ya know. Bush Jr signed the concurrent law into place around 2004 and took affect in 2005 if I am not mistaken. I was not even told I needed to talk to the VA when I separated.

I spent 14 years as a contractor helping folks separate and met MANY MANY great people along with the usual dirt bags found in society. The military is nothing more than a cross section of America. These days there are vet reps on the installation to help everyone file for disability. They should be required to have a budget and either take the transition classes in person or online. Unfortunately Uncle Sam contracts that to the lowest bidder. I was paid really well until the last year and primarily worked with senior ranking retirees. I was their reality check dude LOL. Those that wanted an easy transition just changed uniforms and kept working for the feds. I saw $$$$ signs in IT with Y2K just around the corner when I retired. Early 2000's was a great time to work in that industry.

WAY too many people think veterans get hired on preference when that is mainly for government work. We as vets only make up about 8% of society so most only know wheat they see on TV or hear from a relative which is usually outdated bad info. I messed up going into the VA blind back then and cost myself about $ 200,000 over the next 20 years. I finally took the time during Covid lock down and sought what I consider a number I can live with. Almost everyone I worked with on Post was rated 100% which I thought was ridiculous but they will answer for that not me. I wills ay some of the worst I have worked with when Campbell opened the "Wounded Warrior Unit" (you had to be injured in theatre back then) had disability that were not visible. The cats missing limbs, burned up, etc...normally had pretty good attitudes. The cats with mental issues were normally mad at the world and or shut down not caring what happened to them.

I'll quit rambling and wish you all the best. Know that most of our society does not understand how the military can really do a number on the noggin. If you would like a good read on it pick up "Tribe the Homecoming" by Junger. Once again I DO NOT recommend going to the VA without first talking with a seasoned VSO.

Retirees no longer get an "indef" card until they turn 65 and prove they are paying Part B. ACA made sure the VA was not considered creditable insurance coverage. You won't need a drug plan (Part D) but you will need Parts A&B when you turn 65. The VA ID card is just that, for the veterans affairs and not a military ID Card.


https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search
https://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/bookc.asp

Yes, actually most do their 4 or 6 and separate to go back to society. Unfortunately the takers give everyone a bad name just like your everyday society. I have watched literally thousands leave without even filing a claim....including me the first year I was retired.

Eight years documented on the flight line should have made tinnitus a presumptive disability. Go see a VSO (link in my first post above). Medicare rarely if ever covers hearing aids. This was my final straw to apply since Tri-Care also does not over them. The Veterans Affairs cover them. My hearing aids cost Joe Public $5,000.00.

They want you to give up!!!!

I took a gulf war physical. Not much different than a regular physical. Let them know what you were exposed to. Now you can get things easy that we got turned down on for 25 years. If you want more info PM me. I've been through the ringer with them and finally beat them. If they got money to give our enemies they can pay our vets.