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Everything you need to get the Veteran's Benefits you earned and are entitled to. We're here to help. Let's get started!

This sub is all about America's military veteran and their Department of Veterans Affairs (The VA) benefits. We may also be able help you with Social Security benefits questions.

You may ask questions, provide answers or just sound off. Your opinion counts here. We won't censure what you have to say unless you go way over the line, our rules are here. Tell us how you feel!

If you have questions about your VA benefits or if you have comments about the VA, you're at the right place.

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0

What docket number are they at for the appeals?

Id love to see how soon im up, its been 2 years so far. That check is going to be legit!!

0 Comments
2025/01/02
02:06 UTC

1

First time using the VA home loan

Could someone explain to me like I am a 5 year old what all I need to do and have to use the VA loan this year.

I have the coe? I think that’s what it is. Credit is at a 600. I’ve saved up money to pay off all the bad debt this year. I am just gonna tackle everything that’s on my report.

I got a raise at work. I make about 65k a year with my disability rating.

Would really like to buy a house this year, what all do I need to do and have. How much money saved? How much could I look around for, 200k 300k? What determines that amount you can use.

Anyways thanks

0 Comments
2025/01/02
02:02 UTC

0

What Vet benefits are there for Disneyland (Anaheim, CA)? 100% P&T

I've been searching online but only thing I have managed to find is programs and discounts for the one in Florida. Also I don't live near a base where I can get tickets. Closest base that I can think of is 90+ miles away

2 Comments
2025/01/02
01:51 UTC

0

Your rating with your VA PCP.

Just had a buddy state during his appointment that he is excited for a high rating while talking to his PCP. Would that be put in the notes for the provider because when they told me this I was laughing my ass off and said why they do that.

1 Comment
2025/01/02
01:47 UTC

1

MOS matter

I am a former 11B Infantryman that served in a combat zone. During my time overseas I had received my cib. I filed for my very first claim during April of 2024 for PTSD, GERD, IBS, and other physical conditions that I deal with. I am currently still on step 5 and am starting to get very anxious about what is going to happen next. I filed my claim within the 365 days after my active duty time. These listed below, will they be counted as “presumptive “?

My PTSD C&P exam went well and was marked at the 70% range with many symptoms checked. I have a nexus letter, buddy letter, and combat infantryman badge for my PTSD as well as for my GERD and IBS. Although, for my back, knees, neck, etc when I went into my C&P for those physical injuries, I never got any treatment for the lower back, neck, right shoulder etc… I’ve only been getting treatment with the VA for a year now for ptsd but it hasn’t gotten better at all…

No nexus, no diagnosis for physical injuries but a C&P that my VSO said the examiner put strain for neck, lumbar strain for back, knee sprain but he never put a “Diagnosis” on me for those. We were wondering why. All he put was notes regarding what this injury is. What do you think I will be coming out with?

With my MOS of infantry, will they use any of the physical injuries I had as “presumptive “ since filing within the first year? Thanks guys.

0 Comments
2025/01/02
01:46 UTC

1

Backpay

Hi everyone I tried looking up the answer myself but I am having some trouble.

Mid-December I was granted 30% for one of my claims and given backpay from 11/2023. This week I was bumped up to 40% total from another claim.

The additional 10% came from my knee. Can anyone explain to me if there will be backpay for the additional 10%? This claim goes back to 11/2023 as well.

If there is backpay for the additional 10% could anyone let me know how much it might come out to? I am planning to hopefully pay off a very important bill so if anyone has a ballpark number I would be very grateful!

0 Comments
2025/01/02
01:45 UTC

0

Retained a veterans disability lawyer to help with my appeal and I am very excited. Any suggestions or advice?

Long story short, I submitted a PTSD/MST claim and received 30%. Despite having a very detailed C&P and a history of medical documentation that align with a higher percentage, certain factors such as being in school, working in a restaurant, and having roommates (which I think is absolutely ridiculous) were stated as being reasons that a higher rating was not warranted.

Feeling defeated and disappointed in the system, I was going to let it go.

However, in the spirit of New Years, I decided to give it a shot, especially since most of these lawyers work on contingency which, in my understanding, means they wouldn't take a case unless they felt there was money to be made. I am now being represented.

Does anybody else have any experience with this process?

4 Comments
2025/01/02
01:19 UTC

1

How long does this take?

I originally filed a disability claim in December 2020. I appealed the denial in March 2021. I was finally scheduled for a virtual hearing on 9/12/24. When I check the VA website, it still says I’m waiting for a hearing before a judge. I called the VA and they confirmed that I had my hearing in Sept. 2024. I was represented by the DAV and he informed the judge in my hearing that we did NOT need the additional 90 days to submit evidence. How long does it usually take for the appeals judge to make a decision?

0 Comments
2025/01/02
01:16 UTC

2

How does everyone get their C&P exam DBQ?

Hello everyone,

I’ve noticed many people posting their C&P exam DBQs here on the subreddit, and I’m curious about how you’re getting them. I called the VA, and they told me that the only way to obtain them is through a FOIA request. Is there a faster or more efficient way to access these reports? Any advice would be appreciated!

8 Comments
2025/01/02
01:09 UTC

5

Verify this

Anyone else receive this email here??

29 Comments
2025/01/02
01:05 UTC

2

Does the rev form with my university need to be filed annually or semester-ly?

Good evening,

I don’t remember so if someone can help an old Joe out I’d appreciate it.

0 Comments
2025/01/02
00:56 UTC

1

Vietnam Era Father

My father was drafted and completed boot but was discharged because the war was winding down and my grandfather was sick. My father now has Alzheimer’s and is deteriorating fast. He will have to go to a home soon. Does he quality for anything?

0 Comments
2025/01/02
00:51 UTC

1

Chapter 35

100% P&T here. My kid is looking to go to a private school in Indiana. It looks like Chapter 35 would cover $28k and some change. Would that replace the monthly stipend, or would both be available?

5 Comments
2025/01/02
00:50 UTC

0

ITF expiration date incorrect?

My dad and I both have been out for decades. We both have ITFs which should expire this month but they both say they expire in October 2025, which means the ITFs would have been good for 21 months…

Anyone also experiencing this or know if it is a glitch or if there is a reason it would be extended out?

6 Comments
2025/01/02
00:31 UTC

1

GI Bill for EMDR Training

Hello! I am currently finishing up my MSW and am interested in using my GI Bill for additional training. Can it be use it for EMDR training? Are there any other recommended trainings for someone in the clinical field that are convered by the GI Bill? Thanks for your help!

0 Comments
2025/01/02
00:27 UTC

2

TPD federal student loan discharge request.

I am already aware that TPD discharge requests are paused for the moment, but I still want to submit my request as they are still accepting during the pause, and I don't want to wait for the automatic discharge.

I have the request form filled out and signed, so as far as my VA documentation, can I just send the benefit summary letter that shows I am P&T, or should I send a copy of my decision letter?

Thanks!

3 Comments
2025/01/02
00:23 UTC

2

TDIU C&P exam ....WTF? Thought i would share my story!

Applied for increase and TDIU with lawyers currently 70% MST/PTSD.

I was told by my lawyers that it would be or supposed to be a 90 minute exam and many tests that need to be completed and DBQ? They both was telehealth.

The examiner for TDIU started off by telling me he reviewed my c file and first 5 minutes of the exam he told me "How i should not tell him anything about suicide etc and that he would take action on it" this guy ask me 2 questions

Are you working?

What is your daily life like?

Then he said well i have enough to submit my report to the VA ! less than 5 minutes later...

Two days later my increase exam came and she said that somehow the va messed up but we are both here . she didnt ask any questions but one.."When was the last time you drank alcohol? then told me that i wouldnt be reduced dont worry. less than 5 minute exam.

Im like what Micky mouse bull shit is going on here? I mean wtf ? did notice the same day he uploaded my dbq and im currently sitting on step 4 review of evidence. How could the guy fill out a dbq properly or know anything about my unemployability etc ? i guess for IU it might be different idk...

Just wanted to know if anybody had something similar happen to them or thoughts on this.

3 Comments
2025/01/02
00:13 UTC

1

Hip Bilateral?

I'm curious, should left/right hip conditions have a bilateral factor?

  • Service connection for left hip limitation of flexion is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective May 22, 2024.
  • Service connection for right hip limitation of flexion is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective May 22, 2024.
7 Comments
2025/01/02
00:13 UTC

1

Have ?? For educational benefits and exemptions for tuition of disabled Va spouse

My husband is 100 p & t .. we are currently trying to get him ssdi as his health is steadily declining and it's looking like i will not be able to go back to work to help financially bc of it. While we wait for all the decisions from ssdi ( we are on step 3 again and have dr appointments this Jan. for further evaluation) I thought it may be a good idea for me to go back to school completely online and get my bachelor's degree in Psychology then go back for my masters and be able to work remotely. I would like to be able to counsel veterans and their families.

Now my questions ... I know we qualify for chapter 35 but the $1548 doesn't cover my full tuition. I know Louisiana (which is where we reside) covers full tuition for p& t veterans their spouses and dependents i think it was called title 26 . My question is will it cover a completely online school fully accredited program if the main office isn't located in Lousiana? I do plan to call my local VA office and ask but wanted some input from people that have experience with it. I chose to go to South college the financial aid office mentioned I may qualify for pellets grants and military grants but they have to check.

If its not fully covered there is 100% no way I can afford to go back to school with only his disability as our income . We have 3 small kids (4 3 and 2 ) and literally every month is a struggle financially.. im just trying to figure a way out i can help even though I'm needed at home too .

1 Comment
2025/01/02
00:10 UTC

0

Best secondary choice

Currently I have 40% for TBI and 0% for occular hypertension. The VA Eye Dr recently diagnosed me with high eye pressure for glaucoma. Would my best COA be filing for glaucoma secondary to the 0% ocular hypertension, or the 40% TBI? I have two other secondaries to TBI that I'm going to file; hypertension and OSA, both diagnosed and being treated for. In my Infantry brain, I think going all 3 to TBI is best, but just because it seems "easier". What do the Gurus out here recommend?

6 Comments
2025/01/01
23:28 UTC

3

CAN I APPLY FOR VR&E AGAIN AFTER GETTING DENIED?

I just got recently denied for VR&E because I already have a college degree and a job. How long do I need to wait just to apply again?

24 Comments
2025/01/01
23:01 UTC

19

Opinions on CHAMPVA healthcare?

Hey everyone my wife is pregnant and I’m looking for healthcare that would cover my child after birth. Any reviews for the type and level of care from CHAMPVA is appreciated especially if you have experience with using it for your children. Im 100% disabled but not retired so I cant get Tricare, I know VA Healthcare doesnt cover new borns but I was wondering if CHAMPVA is better or is it the same? Thanks for any advice

71 Comments
2025/01/01
22:54 UTC

1

CRSC question

I was a Marine for 10 years and was medically retired this year with 100% p&T and 30% DoD. I have a 20% disability rating for my shoulder which I injured during Embassy Training Drill while I was on MSG duty and have all the medical documentation, but there was never an investigation into my injury. All the medical documents are from civilian doctors since i wasn’t being treated by military medicine at that time so theres no record of the injury other than the documents being scanned into my file. Is it worth it to submit for CRSC? Do I have a valid argument for CRSC?

2 Comments
2025/01/01
22:01 UTC

0

Caretaker needs

Hey everyone. 100% P/T with other conditions that I never claimed because they weren’t diagnosed when I submitted my claim originally, and I’m not poking the bear. However, I have a heart condition and POTS. So I get faint pretty often and this is a huge issue because I am the stay at home parent for our very young children (3 year and 1 year old).

How do I go about getting my wife to be a paid caretaker for me? Thanks in advance everyone.

3 Comments
2025/01/01
22:00 UTC

0

Somatic Symptom Disorder VA Rating

Hello, does anyone have any experience filing for this Mental Health Disability? If so, can you please share your experience? Similar to PTSD, but I may be experiencing this issue to to my service connected injuries, not combat related. Thank you for your input.

3 Comments
2025/01/01
21:58 UTC

0

Deferred

Hi all and happy new year! I’ve read through prior posts on this topic and the knowledge base. I’m just wondering what, if anything, I should submit that would help this along? I got deferred on something that my examiner picked up on and submitted for me after our phone conversation. I should have claimed it but didn’t, and there’s (imo) plenty of evidence for it in my medical records. Do I sit back on my heels and wait or should I submit a buddy statement and/or a supplemental claim that supports what the examiner submitted on my behalf? It was for depression (secondary) —that’s exactly how it appears in my claim letter. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

1 Comment
2025/01/01
21:48 UTC

8

20 year rule question.

In 2015 i got 80% now my rating is 100% as of 2024. Does this restart the 20 year rule from 2024 for me or am i half way through it now?

19 Comments
2025/01/01
21:41 UTC

1

Claim question

I have test results showing I have peripheral artery disease in both legs. If I file for a disability do I do one per leg or does the claim cover both legs?

2 Comments
2025/01/01
21:27 UTC

1

VA Claim Process Question

Happy New Year!

I’m currently on day 94 step 3. HAIMS STR request is pending and no C&P exams have been requested/scheduled.

Does the HAIMS STR request need to be completed first before the VA decides if I need C&Ps? Or can C&Ps be scheduled without HAIMS being completed yet?

0 Comments
2025/01/01
21:23 UTC

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