My personal mission in this life is to inform Vets, especially older Vets like myself (I’m 71), about the VA benefits they’ve earned. Many Vets simply do not have a clue.
I was approached by a man in a gas station about six years ago, who wanted to talk about my ancient Cortez RV. He had just received an unbelievable sum from the VA. He gave me some idea of the process. I had no clue – I mean NO CLUE these benefits existed.
It took years, but I am now 100%. Among other benefits, that 100% ‘rating’ gives me an ID card and the right to camp at any military campground. That’s why I’m posting here - hoping to catch your attention.
I wrote the flyer below to try to reach Vets who do not think they are eligible for VA benefits – or worse – think they’re being deprived of the benefits they think they ought to have. Most Vets I speak with who have that mind-set have yet to file a claim, mind you, – but they feel deprived just the same.
Please for a moment, forget about locating the ship you were on, or how you were exposed to Agent Orange – those issues are important, but often get in the way of filing a successful claim.
Don’t be one of those Vets who would rather have something to bitch about than reap the rewards the VA is trying to give you – humor me if you would … just for now.
Attn VETS – Is it possible you qualify for VA benefits you didn't know existed?
“You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if VA finds you have a disease, injury, or condition that resulted from service or was made worse during your military service.
Common conditions include:
• Hearing loss/ringing in the ears
• Knee, ankle, or back pain/injury
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Traumatic brain injury
• Respiratory disease
• Ulcers • Loss of range of motion
• Cancer (due to hazardous exposures)"
Above quoted from the VA official web site.
https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Did you know these conditions are considered disabilities by the VA?
Ok – the fine print - You have to prove that your current condition is tied to your military service. Given it's the VA it's complicated, but in some ways easier than you might think.
The VA is supposed to give Veterans the benefit of the doubt. The phrase 'as likely as not’ is common in the filing documents. That is typically the level of ‘proof’ they require.
Using hearing loss as an example, you first have to prove you have hearing loss. Not to worry, the VA will test your hearing. That's proof enough for that part.
Then, you have to tie this current condition to your military service in some way. This is called a 'service connection.'
If you worked around aircraft, (I was a C-130 crew chief), gun fire or other loud noise, even if it was 50 years ago, the VA typically assumes your hearing is worse today than it would have been absent your exposure to the noise.
If you had a military job that was obviously subject to a noisy environment it will probably show up on your dd214. Finding additional records to verify this kind of thing can be daunting, but certainly helps. (Ask the DAV how to do this.
www.dav.org)
It is admittedly a ROYAL PITA to do this stuff. Ask anyone who has been through the process.
It is helpful to also get a statement from your doctor(s) saying “it is as likely as not” your hearing loss started when you were in the military. This is called a ‘nexus’ letter. Generally, the more documentation, the better.
The VA often requests more information to help with your claim. They will give you plenty of time and assist in most cases. At this point you are well on your way to having a successful claim. You will find out for sure if you have provided sufficient “proof” if you are awarded a VA ‘Rating.’
Let me hasten to add how important it is to get good representation. The DAV is the only place I would go. Find your local office here -
https://www.dav.org/veterans/find-your-local-office/
You sure as heck earned these benefits. You might as well take advantage of them don't you think?
Ok – Did I mention agent orange even once? No. That’s because all it does in most cases is take your eye off the ball.
Being distrustful or angry about it all is certainly justified, but please don’t let that get in the way of you getting the benefits you’ve earned.
File a claim. If you really want to get going file an ‘intent to file’. Just Google that term. It makes any award retroactive to the date you file the intent.
Please, other Vets, jump in here – especially those who have filed successful claims.
What are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?