How to Start or Increase Your Military Veteran (Va) Disability Rating.

The first step is to register with your local VA. You'll need to bring a copy of your DD-214's and a picture ID and a copy of your service medical record (hopefully you made copies before you got out, also make sure you have two extra copies not including the one you give the VA). Once at the VA they will walk you through the process and get you a Veteran ID. Also ask who ever seems the coolest or easy going who's the best rep around the area for filing a disability case, DAV, American league etc. See if he will recommend a specific person from any of these volunteer organizations. They are free, and will represent you and your claim wit the VA.

Next, make sure you get all types of supporting documentation for whatever you are filing a claim for. If it's for back pain, highlight all the times you were seen in your medical record. Also supply any civilian doctor’s records that you went to after your discharge. Supporting letters are helpful, so start asking friends, family, co workers or your boss to write letters supporting your claim. Perhaps due to back pain you can't do everything that is asked of you at work. If you’re filing any kind of mental heath issue, PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar or any other mental issue, get supporting evidence. If you have documentation in your service record, that’s great.  Examples such as combat or something you saw or seeing a shrink while inservice.  Also get discharge information in writing. Submit information pertaining to  firings from jobs, arrests, divorcees etc. For any claim keep this in mind, you want to show a change from when you first entered the military to your present way of life. Before the military you could work and socialize well with others. Now you can't keep a job and avoid crowds and any social situations. Get it in writing; documentation is key for your claim. Provide supporting evidence of your claim and show how it has negatively impacted your life.

Now you’re ready to file your claim, the first thing you want to prove is that what ever you're filing is "service connected". This means you have to prove that it either originated in the military or became worse as a result of the military. So make sure you have supporting documentation proving this. Also if your going the PTSD, depression, etc, route get supporting letters from service buddies backing up that you saw someone killed, killed someone or what ever the trauma that is causing your issues. I know everything you saw and did isn't in your service jacket so get multiple people who were there to back up your statement.

Now that you have everything ready, you need to find some one to represent you in filing and handling your claim. Bring your medical record and any supporting documents to meet them. There are many services that do this for free. The DAV represented me and did a great job. I would find a couple of these organizations and meet with them. Interview them and ask yourself "does this guy actually care about my situation or is he just going through the motions, is he knowledgeable about the process, is he to busy for my needs?" Your rep should tell you what to say to get a specific rating as well as show you a range of motion chart that will give you a specific rating. If not use the internet, Google, "va rating system back" or what ever your claim is for. This information is crucial for when you get evaluated by a VA compensation doctor. So study it and know it especially before your appointment. Speaking of appointments, never miss or be late for a appointment It will do a great disservice to your claim. If you have to miss an appointment call ahead of time and reschedule. This is very important. All of these services are free and these people know the system inside and out so take advantage of their knowledge and expertise.

In closing don't be late or miss an appointment and get documentation supporting your claim. Research the internet for what to say and range of motion ect for you’re claim. It's a long shitty process but well worth it in the end. FYI Tinnitus or "ringing in the ears" is 10% and can't be disproved. They will make you take hearing tests but they don’t mean anything. Say any time it's quiet you hear a tone, and you can't sleep study or concentrate at work due to this noise. Also some good things that could contribute to this condition are, if you ever rode on Helos, military planes (c-130 ect) worked with heavy machine guns (50 cal, Mk 19) rocket launchers (SMAW, very loud, AT-4) , demolition’s, IED'S you get the point. Keep in mind the VA evaluator is trying to disprove you. It is his job. Example He might ask "Where do you work"? You reply "I'm a civilian gate guard for a base", then he responds " Do you hear a lot of cars back firing?" say"No" He is trying to blame your tinnitus on your current job. This makes it non service connected. So stay frosty and don't let them trick you into disproving your claim. They will try, so expect it and have an answer ready that supports your claim. All states are different and have different budgets for the VA making some states easy to get a rating and others very hard. Research your state so you know what kind of battle to expect. Comment me with any questions or concerns and I'll happily help you as best as I can. Want to get paid to write articles like this one? Click here.

For more VA information about all the benefits every Veteran should take advantage of Go here,

Some facts and benefits that every Veteran should know about.

http://socyberty.com/military/some-facts-and-benefits-that-every-military-member-and-veteran-s-know-about/

Here are some more related articles-

The Pussification of our Nation.

It's September 11 what happened then and where we are today.

Muslims should practice tolerance when it comes to building a Mosque at ground zero.

7 reasons why I carry a gun

How-to-handle-a-foreclosure-or-debit-and-actually-make-money

What-the-banks-don't-want-you-to-know-about-foreclosures-and-why-less-than-5-percent-of-the-help-for-homeowner-government-programs-are-being-approved

4-easy-ways-to-save-money-and-drastically-reduce-your-power-bill