About to file with the VA for disability, any hints?

[HES]

It's gotten to the point to where I need to file with the VA for disability. At 43 I'm an orthopedic train wreck. Here is what I am dealing with:

Two bad shoulders (AC joint problems, bursitis, arthritis)
Blown disc at L5 / S1
High frequency hearing loss in the right ear (neurological, not physical, verified by the VA)
Left pelvis fusing with the left hip, bursitis, arthritis.

My time was 2 years active duty, 7 years guard. I realize that the guard time won't count. I never was involved in any other activities that could have caused these injuries.

So with all that in mind, when I apply I know they are gonna try their best to make me run around in circles. So any tips or things I should be aware of when I file?

ETA: I forget how, but I am in possession of my original medical records.

[sinister]

Get with one of the disabled veteran group advocates (VFW, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc.). They have folks on-staff (some even in the VA Benefits Office Building) whose full-time volunteer jobs are to help vets file their applications.

You will need every original record you have (any sick call or owie slip) to show service-related. If you were on jump status you might want to bring jump logs or orders directing you to jump status.

Get with them and file as soon as possible -- benefits start the day of application (back-dated) if your injuries were indeed deemed service-related or aggravated.

Even if you're granted a 0% rating for a particular condition if it ever gets worse (and they usually do) then VA acknowledgment it happened while you were in uniform means they may eventually cover and treat it.

[C-grunt]

Like stated above get help from a group. I got helped by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

[Don Robison]

Get with one of the disabled veteran group advocates (VFW, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc.). They have folks on-staff (some even in the VA Benefits Office Building) whose full-time volunteer jobs are to help vets file their applications.

You will need every original record you have (any sick call or owie slip) to show service-related. If you were on jump status you might want to bring jump logs or orders directing you to jump status.

Get with them and file as soon as possible -- benefits start the day of application (back-dated) if your injuries were indeed deemed service-related or aggravated.

Even if you're granted a 0% rating for a particular condition if it ever gets worse (and they usually do) then VA acknowledgment it happened while you were in uniform means they may eventually cover and treat it.

This^^^^^^

[T2C]

As everyone else suggested, get an advocate from a Veteran's organization to guide you through the process.

You might want to organize your records, so you can quickly provide answers as to where you served, what injuries you suffered and where you were treated, before approaching the VA about your claim. If you are not organized before you file your claim, you may forget to document something the VA needs and would benefit you. If you recall what other military personnel were present when you were injured, you may want to write that information down as well so you have it in case it is needed.

Keep meticulous records on who you speak to, what was said and the date and time.

I would never relinquish my original copies of any documents I had on hand that proved my military service and medical issues. I would provide them with photocopies. The VA should be able to get their own certified copies through their own channels.

Having a copy of your medical file is a good thing. A photocopy of mine fell off the Senior Chief's desk before I was discharged in 1985.

At times, dealing with the VA can be like pushing a rope.

Good Luck !

[Apricotshot]

In tampa (Hillsborough County) the county VA organization will help you with any filing for free. There are offices all over the county. Also, why have you waited this long to file? Make sure you have all of your .mil med records and make sure all of your paper work you submit you keep a copy. They love to lose stuff.

[HES]

Thanks guys. Why have I waited so long? Combination of stubbornness (I'm not really that bad off) and the idea that all of this occurred during peace time (there are guys more deserving, don't want to clog the system). Thankfully for as anal retentive, my wife is a bazillion times worse. So being organized is not a problem. The biggest PITA is copying my medical records. That's gonna be time consuming.

[Eurodriver]

Good luck
I've been waiting 20 months. Just had my C&P exam and the doctor never showed up.

I'm convinced the VA is incompetent. I don't even care anymore.

[Apricotshot]

Good luck
I've been waiting 20 months. Just had my C&P exam and the doctor never showed up.

I'm convinced the VA is incompetent. I don't even care anymore.

That's crazy. I did all my VA bull crap at Lejeune before I got out.

[Don Robison]

Good luck
I've been waiting 20 months. Just had my C&P exam and the doctor never showed up.

I'm convinced the VA is incompetent. I don't even care anymore.

That's nuts, in 2011 I started the process 6 months before my retirement and the civilian doc they sent me to was actually helpful and gave me a more comprehensive physical than I had been given since my initial flight physical. He found two additional potential issues and documented them which led to them being rated 0% which should make it a little easier in the future if they become bigger problems. It took them 14 months from my retirement date to make a determination and another 30 days to straighten out pay issues.