VA disability compensation benefits are a monthly, tax-free payment to Veterans who were injured, sustained a long-term illness or experienced a worsening medical condition during their military service.

In addition to compensating Veterans whose disabilities incurred while serving in the military, Veterans may also be granted compensation for specific post-service medical conditions that arose because of their military service. Known as presumptive disabilities, these conditions may not have arisen in service but may be granted as service-connected because its occurrence can been linked directly to military service.

VA recently added new medical conditions to a growing list of presumptive disabilities, which you can view here. These conditions can be presumed to have occurred because of an exposure to Agent Orange, ionizing radiation, and service in the Gulf War.

How to file a claim for disability compensation

The COVID-19 pandemic has not halted the claims process. Veterans can still file claims, and VA is still processing them. VA recommends filing a claim online, but it can still be done in person or through the mail. To get started, visit the VA disability compensation webpage and follow the steps listed below.

Step One: Prepare documents before starting your application

Gather any evidence, documentation and/or required forms that support your claim before beginning your application. This might include:

You must include both the required and (if necessary) supplementary documents or your application will be voided. In some cases, you may need to turn in one or more forms to support your claim.

Step Two: File your claim

There are three ways to file a claim: online, in person (with a VA representative, or with a Veterans Service Organization) or through the mail. Online applications are simple and easy to complete. You can access the application by visiting the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits webpage, then sign into your VA.gov account (or create a new account at the ID.me website). You can save your progress online for up to one year before the application expires.

If you do not have access to a computer or internet device, VA also accepts printed disability claim applications that can be filed either in person or through the mail. In person applications can be submitted to your local VA regional office. Visit VA.gov/find-locations to find a VA regional office in your state. If you wish to mail your application, please do so by sending it to the following address:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Claims Intake Center

PO Box 4444

Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Step Three: VA will review your claim and notify you of its decision

VA may require a few months to make a decision on claim applications. The time it takes to review your application depends on three factors:

Once your disability claim application has been reviewed and all required documentation has been received, VA will decide on your claim and send you a notification letter of its decision. The notification letter will include specific details regarding the decisions made on your claim. You can expect to receive your notification letter 7 to 10 business days after a decision is made. Please contact a VA call center if it does not arrive within this period.

Step Four: After you receive a decision

You may ask for a second review if you are not satisfied with VA’s decision. Veterans who filed a claim on or after February 19, 2019, may choose from three application review options. The first, a Supplemental Claim, allows you to add new and relevant evidence (that VA doesn’t already have). The second, a Higher-Level Review, asks for a senior reviewer to examine your case. This option does not allow you to edit or add to your current application. And lastly, a Board Appeal requests a Veterans Law Judge with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your application.

If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after submitting a request to have your decision reviewed, please visit the VA Decision Reviews and Appeals website.

For more information

Life comes with plenty of challenges, but ensuring the wellbeing of you and your family should not be one of them. Visit VA.gov to learn more about VA benefits and services.

If you wish to learn more about the claims process, visit the VAntage Point blog platform to keep up to date on disability claims and benefit eligibility requirements.

For more general information on the VA disability compensation and the process, click here. For more on eligibility, click here. You can also watch this video series produced by the Office of Information and Technology (OIT).

To request additional help filing a disability claim, learn more about accredited representatives or contact a VA regional office near you to speak with a counselor by calling 800-827-1000.

Topics in this story

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54 Comments

  1. K.I. January 12, 2022 at 18:55

    I have gone through this process several times since 2013 and it is very disappointing. Even with the meaningless apologies from the VA reps, like many of you I cannot find relief for my issues nor any commitment to provide serious assistance. It is always back to the drawing board. I wish there was more than a listening ear as we Vets are not getting any better and it seems as if the plan is that VA can only hold out longer than the time we have left. I loved my time serving and my country! The difficulty is not being made whole by the very country we chose to defend and it is exhausting and heartbreaking. I just turned 61 yesterday and have been suffering for years after retirement only to be denied time and time again. I had a total knee replacement in 2019 and got nothing for it however, there is a regulation to pay 30% for this type of surgery. I got nothing even after providing all paperwork and records. This is unbelievable!!!! If something so obvious is rejected and I am told to go to the back of the line and apply again then when will it end. I am not in position to get a lawyer like many but as I get older, the limitations are more real and the mental and emotional toll of having to live through daily pain and discomfort is depressing. I only hope I can push past this for the days I have left and that perhaps there would be real changes that would provide the attention and value to those of us who may not have paid the ultimate price but paid a price nevertheless.

  2. Timothy Dye January 10, 2022 at 09:17

    I see many of the same notes that I do. I was taken by Military Transport to the Hospital from the operational site where my accident occurred also I was Med-evacted from Iceland to have my ear drum repaired. Yet you say my injuries are not service connected. How can that be if they happened on active duty? I am waiting over a year for my appeal. By the way, Martinsburg VA lost my medical record.

  3. james henry January 9, 2022 at 21:58

    I am disabled, 70 percent. I had paperwork from the UCLA, chief neurolgist and my own doctor documenting I have neurophy in my feet,legs,hands and a loss of balance. I put in for 100 percent disability. I beiieve it was caused by Agent Orange. I can’t even write. It looks like scribble. I received a letter from the VA stating
    the infomation I had was sent to Washington DC. Never to see the light of day. I am seventy three, so I guess they are waiting for me to die of old age.

  4. Marie January 7, 2022 at 15:31

    I do not know of one person that has ever been approved without a lawyer. I do not understand why that is required now unless you are in a wheelchair but that could still be a toss up. You will spend time starting the process over because you did not start out with one originally.

  5. Marie January 7, 2022 at 15:22

    I do not know of one person that has ever been approved without a lawyer. I do not understand why that is required now unless you are in a wheelchair but that could be a toss up. You will spend time starting the process over because you did not start out with one originally.

  6. Sadler January 7, 2022 at 14:09

    Served 72-92. My work required (Technical Orders) the use of many solvents and I was not issued adequate protective equipment (no mask then paper mask in early 70s – chemical-cartridge respirators issued and water-fall paint-booth installed in late 70s). Diagnosed with chronic sinusitis 81/83/88/89/90/91 & 92 while in service, many other dates since retirement. Originally determined service-related sinusitis and in 2019 determined service-related rhinitis, back-dated to 1992 – but both at zero %. Two sinus surgeries (97, 10) for polyp removal, turbinate trim, and “windowing”. Continued chronic sinusitis (there is no “cure”). Take one pill and two sprays daily. Have many the symptoms (daily blockage/pressure/crusting/drainage/post-nasal-drip/throat-clearing/green phlegm) of chronic sinusitis (in spite of pill and sprays), and have seen three ENT physicians at Rush in Chicago, one in Utah, one in AL, two outside Chicago, one in MA. I have given up on physicians and accept there is no cure. I do not run to a doctor each time I have symptoms as that would be a daily trip.

    VSO #1 “I receive 10% for sinusitis and take one pill, no surgeries.”
    VSO #2 “I don’t understand why they denied your claim” and “Your appeal looks good to me”(appeal due to new polyp discovery – and then “I don’t understand why they denied your appeal.” (BTW an X-Ray was ordered by the VA to verify the polyp revealed by an MRI brain-scan – ordered for a different issue – to be addressed to the VA later – also due to solvents)

    I now understand why. This is NOT a medical appeal process, but a LEGAL one. That is why the examining VA physician (who wrote an excellent report and backdated my Rhinitis to 1992) is not allow to assign a RATING.

    From the VA: “Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Pensions, Bonuses and Veterans’ Relief contains the regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs which govern entitlement to all Veteran benefits.”
    Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the LAW.
    38 CFR § 4.31
    38 CFR § 4.97

    Best describes my symptoms:
    “…near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries
    50 %”
    I’m in the process of hiring an attorney. I can’t keep losing appeals until I’m DEAD.

    Additional point: WHY is the VA displaying the NAMES of those who describe their problems here?? Privacy not for Vets??

    • Sadler January 9, 2022 at 18:51

      I’d like to see the VA find a way to balance Vets claims in a fair and scientific way. For example, review all disapproved sinusitis claims from 2021. Let’s say 1,000.

      How many had physician verified “chronic sinusitis”?
      How many had polyps?
      How many had one sinus surgery?
      How many had 2?

      What was missing from each case that prevented the award of a disability percentage?
      Communicate back to each Vet the results of this analysis.
      Perhaps in the future claims could be referred back to the Vet for additional input instead of simply denying the claim. Otherwise VA disability claims are purely legal claims and best handled by an attorney.

    • Sadler January 11, 2022 at 11:16

      “The Office of Strategic Engagement coordinates and monitors all integrated communications activities across the Department and facilitates engagements with key audiences to achieve effects consistent with VA’s interests, policies, and objectives. “

      “facilitates engagements with key audiences”

      Perhaps we could define a “key audience” as any Vet who used chemical solvents in the performance of his/her duties. Perhaps a survey. Perhaps even focus on a single subset to start. A single career field, or single solvent. Need some ideas?

  7. bill matturro January 6, 2022 at 13:34

    I% was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam as proven by my Agent Orange registry letter. I have hypothroidism because of that exposure but was denied benefits. I am not even seeking a monthly disability check, just a 0% rating so I don’t have to pay the co-payments when I get treatment at VA facilities. You think the VA could do that much for an honorably discharged combat medic.

  8. Walter T Flowers Jr January 6, 2022 at 12:25

    Any and all Vietnam Veterans should be compensated for “Agent Orange” exposure from the time they hit Country (Vietnam), I fought for a lot of years to get my 100%, 1st. they took a year to deny me benefits by stating I was never in Vietnam? 2nd They granted me 10%, then nickel and dimed each time I filed to move me to 100% , I was finally granted 100% in 2012, but never received “ALL” my back (PAY) compensation! In the very early 80’s I registered for the Agent Orange registry, I told the Doctor then that I was having sever joint pain, possible chlor-acne, chest pains, was told that none of this was Agent Orange connected!?

  9. Chuck January 6, 2022 at 11:26

    I have one suggestion for every one of us that is fighting for our rights. Go to the VA weekly complaining about your issues. Also, go to your private DR. and let them know all about your problems. The more evidence you have the better the outcome. See the DR, See the DR, See the Doctor

  10. David Hamilton January 6, 2022 at 08:55

    Hi There,
    I served 5 years reserve (Air Nat Guard) and 21 years active duty between 2 branches (Navy/Air Force). I’ve been denied over and over again and I’m suffering with chronic back issues (20%) is the most I’ve gotten b/c VES doctors says my ROM doesn’t warrant any more. I have 180% of awarded disabilities. I’ve filed supplemental claims, new claims, traveled to Wash.,DC to a VA judge at my expense on 18 Dec 2018 and still not awarded anything, but was ask to return back to the Hampton VA Hospital for additional tests. COVID hit and that further delayed things. I’ve paid for assistance, I’ve seek help from the DAV and still I’m waiting for a favorable award. I don’t know how many more denials I can bare. My case with my back has been opened since 2015. I’ve made progress, but I’m suffering with pain that the VA can’t seem to recognize or I can’t seem to articulate to the VES doctors so that they can properly relate or document to the VA so that I can be properly awarded for my injuries. I trust that the Lord is able. I’ve come to far to stop now.

  11. James Simmons January 6, 2022 at 08:31

    These blogs all sound so familiar, especially of those who have been denied claims. Anyone who has filed a claim can attest to the people who do the examination for the disability that they “are employed by the VA and are going to deny claims more than they will approve them” based on not “facts” but assumptions that they have the experience to know what a vet has been subjected to and often ties back to the MOS. However, every vet goes through basic and advanced training before settling into an MOS. Things happen in those training exercises that never get reported due to the threat of being “recycled” if you go on sick call. Sadly, some have been exposed to things like “agent orange” outside of Viet Nam but were never told until claims began to get filed and knowledge gain through blogs like this. Also, hearing and tinnitus claims aren’t granted based on “facts” but based on a chart that shows a probability rate based on MOS’s. My primary MOS was 11B (infantry) as was anyone who entered the Army during the Viet Nam era or after. Not until assigned to advanced training did that change. Every soldier is exposed to loud noises during basic training that is “facts”. As for Agent Orange, it has been shown to have been used in various places outside Viet Nam on military bases, such as Fort Gordon, GA. God bless those who filed claims and receive compensation and are no longer subjective to co-payments for VA rendered services. To those who have been denied claims and still subjective to co-payments, NOT EVERYONE IS TREATED FAIRLY BY THE VA! YOU DESERVED BETTER!

  12. Frank January 5, 2022 at 22:17

    I filed a disability claim for hearing loss and tinnitus and was denied. I was in Europe in 1973 to 74 and drove a 5 ton POL tanker and hauled M60 tank ammo to firing ranges and was around live round 105 mm fire constantly and never was issued hearing protection. I can’t understand why I was denied.

    • Tom January 6, 2022 at 09:38

      Frank, Unfortunately your decision letter does not provide you with a lot of facts. I suggest you contact your VSO who filed your claim because they typically get more information. As a comm MOS during Vietnam, I was awarded 10% for both tinnitus and hearing loss. Ironically a friend who served on the flight line aboard ship in the Gulf of Tonkin was denied! Go figure!

  13. Ronald Baughman January 5, 2022 at 22:07

    Question: i’ve heard that I should join my local American Legion or VFW and have THEIR Veterans Service Officer file my claim instead of going through the VA and having them do it. I’m told that a civilian will work harder than a VA employee to get my claim approved because the VA doesn’t want to pay out any money if they don’t have to. Has anyone else heard this?

    [Editor: You are not required to join or pay a VSO to utilize their claim assistance services. In fact, many VA hospitals have service officers within them and you need only visit or make an appointment. You can find a national, state, or county VSO at https://www.va.gov/vso/. In the least, you should familiarize yourself with the process and begin to locate the documents and evidence you will need to support your claim’s conditions. You can read about this at https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction. As for your question? Patently false. VA does not have a limit to how much it can pay. You need only look at the Annual Benefits Report, and its archives, to see that VA is paying more money in compensation at higher average percentages to more Veterans for more medical conditions each year than it ever has: https://benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/. ]

    • Tom January 6, 2022 at 09:51

      Ronald, you do not have to belong to the VFW or American Legion to use their VSO’s however I would encourage you to do so for many other reasons! Most VA Clinics and hospitals have offices for your county VSO. Inquire with your county office as to where the VSO is located. Good luck and don’t give up!

  14. Sophia W. January 5, 2022 at 22:01

    Hello all,

    My personal experiences with VA has taught me that you have to be actively involved in your disability process. You much create your VA account via VA.gov. From there you will be able to track the process of your case, manage documents, send and receive responses, and most importantly upload your own documents.
    I hate to disappoint anyone, but you cannot rely on someone else to get it done for you as they are handling so many veterans.

    I will encourage contacting a VSO to kick start the process which is what I did. I don’t think I could have initiated this on my own.. After she review all my medical records (about 2 months) and filed the initial documents of an itemized list of my ailments I delved right in and uploaded all my records via VA.gov. lastly, prepare to go to a lot of Dr. appointments to support each claim.

    I hope this help and I wish you all the best.

  15. Lori Elfwood January 5, 2022 at 21:41

    It took 12 years to find someone to help me file. 14 years to get anything. I was at 50% in January and I asked the rep to appeal because I can’t work. I got 90% but no retro pay. Then the rep dropped me. Because I had to move. New DAV rep says he can’t do anything because of a procedural error with the way the other rep filed so the VA locked me out from appealing…. I’m at the point of writing to Senators and etc.

    [Editor: Your VA claim decision letter will explain the reason for its effective date, including why an earlier date (for “backpay”) couldn’t be established. A VA compensation claim decision is legally final after 365 days from the decision issuance. If you disagree with VA’s decision, you must appeal within 365 days. After that, it is not legally possible to appeal. At that point, one must file a new claim.]

  16. Victor A Juarez January 5, 2022 at 21:09

    What I don’t understand is why VA Healthcare makes it so difficult for Veterans to get a diagnosis. I understand that VA Healthcare is for treatment first, but Veterans from Vietnam and Gulf War eras are getting correspondence about registries and getting treated by VA Healthcare, but having to pull tooth and nail for a diagnosis.

  17. Julie Pruett January 5, 2022 at 20:32

    90 Minute meeting with a VA rep….disability deigned. Didn’t ask for any documents or statements from family doctor, spouse, friends, co workers. Nothing. Worthless… 20 yr veteran.

  18. Gary Wilkins January 5, 2022 at 18:56

    I applied for VA benefits about 10-12 years ago was denied but never told why. I served in the USAF from 1961-1965, honorable discharged. Now I have ALS and heard that I could be eligible for VA benefit. What do I do.

    [Editor: Every compensation claim decision letter includes the legal reasoning/explanation for how and why VA made its decision. ALS is a presumptive disability, meaning if you served on Active Duty and are later diagnosed with ALS, VA will presume that diagnosis is the result of military service. More info, here: https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumption.pdf and here: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/ ]

  19. EMILIO ROSA JR January 5, 2022 at 18:09

    looking into an increase in the v/a disability compensation. EMILIO ROSA JR.

  20. Angelo Lonzisero January 4, 2022 at 02:56

    These a holes are in the business of denying claims and hoping you die first.

  21. Mike P December 31, 2021 at 13:11

    For all the issues above I use the Vet Center, it’s a third-party organization that is accepted by the VA. They will file on your behalf

    [Editor: Vet Centers ARE VA. Fine one, here: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/ ]

  22. Linda & GARY OLSON December 30, 2021 at 13:48

    Linda – 12/30/21 – On behalf of husband, we’ve tried for YEARS to get help! The VSO that was to help us, did little but we are at 70% now,
    thank God, after 12 years of filing paper and more paper! Prostate CA, with subsequent Urinary tract and bladder problems, so severe, not much left for bladder to operate properly. Always denied further compensation, and since two years ago another diagnosis has been made: Pulmonary Fibrosis and breathing problems which are getting super painful. He cannot go outside, cannot walk dogs or do anything around the house. He gets winded just going to kitchen to eat! Many tests being done lately, and we hope someone will really LOOK and READ what doctors are saying! This PF is killing my hubby and I guess that’s when we’ll hear something! PLEASE VA Board or whoever is making decisions, look at our plea and make a positive decision before he dies! Our lives have changed so much we can’t get to church anymore, much less volunteer for anything. The 24/7 oxygen tanks muct accompany us now! Even a video conference was messed up–they could NOT transcribe it!! I probably had better records in my shorthand notes!! LOL!! Thanks for listening!

  23. Michael Nunes December 30, 2021 at 12:55

    My MOS is stated low exposure. I had to go out on the flight line and perform repairs on the C-123 aircraft that sprayed Agent Orange on a regular bases, that is what I consider exposed. I also performed additional MOS duties such as loading munitions on fighter aircraft which does not show on my form DD214. I have severe Tinitus as well as Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism was recently added to the list of presumptive conditions. I have been using a VSO for years to file claims and have been denied connection and have appealed several times. I currently have a new claim open for Hypothyroidism, been waiting several months for a response.
    If I get denied again I will go to the lawyers for another appeal.

  24. Michael Ahmic December 30, 2021 at 11:59

    As a Vietnam Vet I hear these stories all the time. It’s a shame anybody has to go through this crap. Most of these people making these decisions have never been in the military or carried a rifle in combat. They act like the piano player in a whore house that claims he doesn’t know what’s going on upstairs. Being drafted in 1966 fresh out of high school and taking the oath to service and protect our country makes me sick to my stomach to hear this kinda of stuff. Sad

  25. Steve Shackley December 30, 2021 at 10:54

    I can’t even get my health records, or any records from the National Database. I can’t really apply for disability without it, or at least have a better set of data to support my claim. I spent 1969 and 1970 in Vietnam, but we’re all forgotten now.

  26. Stephen J Frass December 30, 2021 at 10:39

    I made a claim for hearing loss in January 2021, just before Covid started. I have called on my claim close to a dozen times and have been told no one can access the national archives due to Covid. I am at a loss as to what to do after TWO years ears of being patient. Please tell me there is someone out there that can help me with my claim!

  27. Alan A Behr December 29, 2021 at 21:16

    I have 26 years split between Naval Aviation and the Air Force. I dearly love my country but never again will I go any where or do anything when the result will be judged by someone too young to be out of diapers!!! Disability pensions are a joke to these people ! We who have earned them are a big bother to those who have a job because of us!

  28. Alan A. Behr December 29, 2021 at 21:02

    After your case is filed you can sit on your butt and wait for well over a year for no answer!!!!!
    I am in the group that isn’t news worthy so the VA can pat itself on the back.
    I give up!

  29. John W Sanders December 29, 2021 at 20:45

    I have colon and liver cancer that I believe
    was caused by asbestos from pipe wrapped with insulation. There was always asbestos flecks floating and circulating in the engineroom . To me that is presumptive disability. It has been two years not a word, no letter no call, and what I understand, no calls or correspondence to my doctors or my physcologist.

  30. Michael Jay Hoyt December 29, 2021 at 19:43

    You can always file another claim. You are just unable to have multiple claims pending for the same condition.

  31. Tim December 29, 2021 at 19:29

    Hearing loss and tinnitus are two separate things. I have hearing aides for tinnitus even though my hearing loss is not great enough for hearing aids. Tinnitus is 10%

    I read a story about the VA being so backed up they needed more people to adjudicate claims. I laughed at the ignorance of a story on a self inflicted problem.

    2014 I filed for super rare skin cancer, denied.
    Appealed and was covered at zero.
    Appealed and was covered at 100%
    Now the year is 2018, they back paid me to mid 2017. while I’m happy I do not understand why not total/permanent.

    Got the doc to write notes explaining my cancer and that it’s chronic incurable and the only thing they can do is treat the symptoms so I refiled in 2019 and got a paper about a week ago, dated Oct 3 2021 saying claim approved.

    The VA is backed up because of the stories in this blog. If their first choice was not always NO and then just hope we go away, life for us veterans would be so much simpler and it would be so much easier to play the shitty hand that we’ve been delt.

    May god provide you strength and good enough health to get you all through this process with some life left. It only took me 7 years. Mortality rate on my disease is over 60% at 5 years. Yeah, we all know what they were waiting for.

  32. A.J. Eldridge December 29, 2021 at 19:25

    haf filed claim for ptsd. was. originally denied, then spoke with the VSO at my VA. they listened t what happened to me, read my records, read my docs records .then helped me file an appeal. after A LONG Process it was finally approved!!!! keep trying, don’t, give up, try to get as much in the way of records. as you can , and work with a service officer. there’s so many, if you don’t like one choose another! you can do the same with doctors, you know.

  33. Thomas December 29, 2021 at 18:38

    Veterans are almost never best served by attempting to submit a claim by themselves. VA describing the process as “simple” or “easy” is deceptive and not in veterans best interests. The smartest way to navigate the VA claims process is by using an Accredited Veterans Service Officer. Not a Post or other level representative or service officer from a veterans organization like VFW, American Legion, DAV, etc but an ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE of one of those organizations…they are very different things.
    The training, credential it and access to both knowledge and resources exceeds anything the average vet can hope to mirror on their own.
    The likelihood of a denial or other failure to prosecute a claim properly or fully developed and appropriate for VA review and rating is 7-9 times greater than if an Accredited Representative does the claim.
    These are done at no cost, are usually county or state employees and are vets themselves.
    VA is very good at some things, assisting in claims preparation is not one of them.

    • Whipple January 5, 2022 at 22:24

      I read on a forum that said 90% of veterans suffer from tinnitus, whether they get the 10% of disability or not. I can’t speak for all my other fellow vets, but I have tinnitus and I have a very hard time sleeping because of it. So I claimed insomnia as a secondary condition of tinnitus. It was approved within 5 weeks. Do your research on the internet and submit your claims. Go get that money you deserve.

  34. Byron Patterson December 28, 2021 at 17:43

    Why would Supply ever need to be ON the flightline with maintenance? I was weapons for 13 years and I never saw anyone from supply on the actual flightline, they only drove from warehouse to warehouse sometimes to get supplies, not the same. You may have been diagnosed correctly with low exposure.

    • Mitchell Bartholomew January 5, 2022 at 19:32

      After my 3rd reclass from 11B into 92Y I spent as much time doing non POG stuff as I did before the MOS change. /shrug, wasn’t there when he was on the flight line but I can easily see him being there. No one does just “their jobs”.

  35. Douglas December 28, 2021 at 00:51

    I have been doing this for three years now. For PTSD I was in the Infantry. I was interview thru an out of VA facility that Was contracted with the VA for about 30 minutes. My claim was denied the interviewer stated “I was doing this because my medical leave from work was running out” I wasn’t working I didn’t even have a JOB! I was tested for PTSD at the VA, the cut off score for mild PTSD is 33, I scored 76. I have requested a higher review and I have talk to DAV who is to advocate for you What a JOKE! Every time I talk to them, they tell me that they only process my paperwork to make sure the VA gets it. “We don’t talk to the VA” or “Push them to help make a decision for you”. In the meantime, Social Security came thru for me, 100% solely based on the VA’s paperwork!!

    • Douglas Shaffer December 28, 2021 at 16:14

      To add to my frustration with the VA. My father fought for over 10 years for his exposure to Agent Orange. He ended up dying from an ailment that you can only get from have long term exposure to Agent Orange. A month after his death the VA approved his claim! No payout, no back pays, no nothing for him or our family. Yeah, what a bunch of BS. Yeah join the service and will take care of you for life. Him and I both retired after 22 years of each of us serving our country. Now we have to fight to the death to get them to do what is right.

    • Thomas December 29, 2021 at 18:43

      Fire your DAV Rep and contact a county veterans service agency/officer. The description of what your DAV guy is giving you = lazy IMO. If he is Accredited then he is a legal advocate (once he took POA on your case) who is bound by professional ethical obligations. Yes, developing evidence to support your claim and communication with VA (&/or his Regional Office DSO) absolutely is a part of his job.

      • Douglas Shaffer December 30, 2021 at 18:19

        Well, I am guessing I am out of luck then. Our county VAO is useless too and has been, any question or help I ask for in this. He diverts me back to DAV saying it in their hands now and has no control over what they do. His basic response is “Well, these things take time you just have to let it run its course and if it is turn down then we’ll just have to file again.” Well just how many times can I do that now. Oh, and about evidence, I have given what happen, dates, locations, Unit, Names of command and witnesses of the events. Which leads to another answer I get as why when I ask why it is taking so long, “Well, they are still researching and looking for your evidence.” Wow, really, they are getting more information about all of this, than a cop gets at a crime scene.

  36. Linda December 27, 2021 at 11:49

    The same thing happened to my husband who was a plane refueler on Midway Island for 14 months during the Vietnam war. We filed a claim and it was denied. We took it as far as we could. Then, the VA set him up with a hearing doc and he got hearing aides, but was denied any disability. It seems that for them to approve the hearing aides, they admitted the hearing loss was directly related to his military service. But they denied the disability claim. This seems twisted. I wish we could refile.

    • Ray Clark December 29, 2021 at 20:07

      Hi Linda I don’t know how far you took it but I don’t think you should give up. Try to find a VSO (veterans service officer) and see if they can give you some advice. They are many times found at the VFW or another service organization. You have to have a good one though so they can guide you. They are free. Another option is to talk with an Attorney. There will be a charge here but they usually don’t charge unless you are awarded something. Don’t pay anyone upfront. I got myself to 90% by filing my own claims in a little under 2 years.. It takes some persistence and studying what needs to be filed but it can be worth it. I have now hired a law firm of Bosley and Bratch to try to help me to get 100%. They are located in Florida. They will have a phone conversation and see if they can take your case. It’s only a phone call so you really have nothing to lose. As I said don’t give up and good luck.

    • Victor A Juarez January 5, 2022 at 21:27

      Getting hearing aides from VA Healthcare does not translate to a disability claim. A claim for disability has to be submitted to the VA Benefits Admistration using medical evidence from VA Healthcare and depending on the noise exposure level based off his job in the military. Defitnetly get in contact with your county Veteran Service Office.

  37. Patricia Wiseman December 27, 2021 at 09:52

    Months huh try almost a year for a decision and calling your rep is at waste never returned my call also called the benefits line waste and was rude I have PTSD from Sexual trauma and as usual the military doesn’t give a crap about women who served and suffered

  38. Larry Seaman December 24, 2021 at 14:29

    I file a claim for insurance. I have bladder cancer and kidney cancer. The VA has me disabled from lung cancer and heart failure all from Agent Orange. I have been waiting for 9 months on their decision on a presumptive diagnoses of bladder cancer and secondary kidney cancer. Why is it taking so long when I had my heart failure and lung cancer awarded in 3-4 months?

  39. Roberto Flores December 22, 2021 at 20:16

    I had the same problem I hurt my back while I was assigned to a QM BN then I was reassigned to the AG Co and they rated me on my Clerical MOS and the help I got from the DAV did not help any as they added other disabilities I never claimed so I was turned do after I had problems getting support information from my civilian Drs

  40. Hal December 20, 2021 at 16:45

    Has he tried getting some help from the DAV or VFW. Both can do a good job.

    Hal

  41. Janet Bright December 20, 2021 at 12:21

    A Veteran that I know, had a MOS as Cook but in the unit he was in he was pulled to fly and jumped many times. Noise was loud in the planes and in training sessions as well. He has a hearing loss from this and filed a claim. When sent to the ear doctor outside the VA, here in our small town, the Doctor did not treat him with respect and joked about his hearing loss and said, “by looking at your MOS, you were a cook. Did you bang the pots and pans around to cause a hearing loss,” and tried to make a joke of it. In this mans write up that was included in with the disability papers, he stated just what he did, physically in the military. I don’t understand why he was denied and neither does he. I feel for him because I know what it’s like to have these issues that he has had since discharged many years ago. He is discouraged that they did not accept his request and of course, he now does not want to reapply for the hearing loss and feels that they will just turn it down again and again, so why bother?

    • DD788Snipe December 22, 2021 at 19:30

      Janet he need to appeal that ruling within one year from when he originally filed. Tell him to try contacting DAV.

    • Pamela December 22, 2021 at 20:10

      Hi Janet. The same thing happen to me. I am retired AF. My AFSC was Supply. Where I worked on the Flightline with maintenance, but was denied tinnitus claim. I was told my AFSC is categoruzed as low exposure. Although my private doctor stated that I have tinnitus. I am so discouraged as well

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