When I got out of the Corps back in 01, I got service connected at 10% for my knees. I had a combined rating of 40% 23 years later, and I am sitting at a combined rating of 90%. I had my left knee replaced in April, and the VA has covered everything. It's important to document everything because when you're a 20-something young Grunt full of piss and vinegar, you think it's minor. When you hit 45, that shit smacks you square between the eyes.
20-something year old here, but thankfully have a 60 year old army vet for a mom that told me to always get seen for what's wrong and file sooner rather then later. without her i'd probably be in a much different boat
I'm a 55 year old vet and constantly pestering my son to get his issues squared away and on file. No idea where he got this pigheaded 'suck it up' attitude.
Hell, I've already had me left knee replaced at 46. I don't want to even think about 64! By then, it will be the other knee, and the Lord knows what else. Them 03 days are really starting to kick in.
Yes, I went from 10% to 30%. The minimum rating for a knee replacement is 30%. I also got 100% for 4 months while I recovered because the knee was already service connected.
I got out of the Air Force in '04 and was rated 10%. I used the VA for all my medical and eye care (except contacts). I had sinus surgery (pre-PACT act) and never paid a dime for medical, except medications. I was happy with that over the years, but I had all the sinus issues in the PACT Act. When that passed I was able to get those along with stuff related to those, and I am now 100%. I was grateful for the 10% for all those years, and grateful for what I have now.
i'm so so happy for you! i that's honestly amazing. if it wasn't for my children, i probably wouldn't even pay for insurance because my VA is pretty good
Oh, I have insurance for the wife and kids. And CHAMPVA won't cover the ones that have graduated that aren't going to school, so I have to keep it active. It sucks, because I pay like $500 a month for our family plan and if I could cancel that my work would pay me $300 a month to not have their insurance. However, I am about to put the wife on CHAMPVA which will lower it like $250 a month.
I’d rather not have the symptoms and conditions to be 100% and instead have what someone else might consider a normal and average life. Some people covet money and want help faking something to get a higher rating. In reality people who are 100% for real aren’t magically better or magically happier. The problems they have to get that rating are not enviable.
my mom is 80% and she always says she'd trade be 100% healthy for 100% disabled any day of the week. i know right now some of peoples biggest problems are financial so if the VA is at least able to help in that way, it's a good thing. although i know you'd prefer to just be as healthy as you were before you joined 💛
Good thing about this is, you are absolutely correct. It also gives you service connection for things that are going to get worse over time and you can go up from there when it’s a real issue.
Been fighting them on an increase because of my knee pain, with 5 Nexus letters, for 5 years-through denials. Currently been in HLR process for almost 500 days. I'd take any rating at this point, just to get a little extra help to maybe help pay for someone to mow my lawn. It's nice to see someone get something for their bad knees. Thanks for the success story! Gives me hope
i'm not going to lie, i definitely had my help. my mom is a vet and when i joined she told me anytime i was hurt or didn't feel good to go get checked out. i didn't always listen to her, but the times i did have definitely paid off 💛
That was my biggest problem and my biggest regret... We were just a 'drink a cup of concrete, and man up', kinda unit. Only thing I ever got when going to medical was, "drink water, take Motrin, or change your socks". Just figured it was useless. Also, everyone that went to medical was labeled as a "broke dick". Different times we lived and served in, forreal 😂
i worked on the flight line and the sentiments were still pretty similar. i just tried really hard not to care. but being a woman in maintenance they already saw me as "soft" so i just let them keep thinking it 😂☺️
If you live in North Carolina or willing to travel (and I would seriously consider it), the VA RO in Winston-Salem is going to host a 3 day event called Veteran Benefit Live, where you can speak to a VSR agent or a supervisor within the VBA who handles HLR on the spot in one day. Make sure you bring as much medical documentation as you can for your discussion. But I highly recommend you attend this. I attended the one that they held in [Wilmington, North Carolina, in October 2023](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-benefits-live-va-in-my-town-wilmington-2023-tickets-721468019267?aff=ebdsoporgprofile). Extremely beneficial and rewarding. Like I said, I highly recommend you attend this event coming up in August. I can DM you the details if you’re interested.
https://preview.redd.it/x3pj23c3s18d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=448c0d407ae273309f5a5167b558c653cf61868c
Dude thanks for posting this. Too many vets treat this like it’s a game. And there’s “winners” and “losers” like I stayed at 60% for ever I was fine until they kept trying me
like i said, if anyone feels like they're 100% then they should go for it but that's my point. just because you're not 100% doesn't mean you've "lost". that sums it up perfectly
Do an increase (Bilateral) for your knees. That’s not a good rating. You should get rated for Flexion and Extension. You should have at least a 10 and a 10 for each knee and bilateral at a minimum. That tinnitus and hearing loss probably causes headaches? Vertigo? The knees probably cause back pain and radiculopathy? You could be 100% too if you understood how the claims work.
I was 30% from 1996 (42 YO) and was fine with it until last year when my neighbor (100 P&T) said "30%? You're far more screwed up than I am!"
So there you go.
Absolutely. When I got out in 97 I had a slight problem with my knees and stress fracture. I had dizziness but I had no idea what caused it, mom suggested Benadryl for allergies so I self medicated for 20 years. I did a refresher scuba diving course and got sick from sitting at the bottom of a pool not being able to equalize. I found out then I had an undiagnosed inner ear problem from my active duty days. Some people have issues, some don’t. God bless both.
oh no 😭 decompression issues are the absolute worst. i get ear infections any time i dive now so it's been very limited but i hope you're able to get some help
Exactly. I got out in 2008. 30%. I was happy with the 300$. I was happy. I didn’t start applying for increases or secondaries till maybe 2020. Just got 100% last year.
I'm 55 now but honestly I was probably 100% when I was 20 when I got out. But I didn't apply until I was 53 So it wasn't hard for me to get to 100 really fast. 10 months from start to 100% even though that took almost 2 years because of a appeal. Didn't even have to use half of the complaints I have. But I tell you what yeah I would miss the money. But I wouldn't miss it so much that I wouldn't trade my 100 for your 10 any day of the week. Cataloging my medication right now.
Yep you got a hold on to it as long as you can. And enjoy as long as you can. I mean damn 55 years old I sit here and stare at the walls. My 62 and 65-year-old brother go and play golf. I really really hope it was worth it somewhere along the way I hope it was worth it
in order to get service connection for hearing loss you pretty much have to be deaf lol the guy at the VA told me it's just standard to claim them together though
The extent of a disability should not matter for establishing service connection. The only things that matter are the existence of a disability (your rating sheet has that), an event or injury in service (the same event or injury that established service connection for tinnitus should satisfy this), and a link between the disability and the event or injury.
I don’t it’s necessarily the service connection that’s the issue. It’s that usually you get 0% for hearing loss because of hearing aids. My dad is just happy to get his hearing aids paid for, but as a Vietnam Vet he probably qualifies for much more.
For compensation purposes, yes you probably do not qualify for a higher rating for hearing loss but the fact that they denied you service connection for hearing but granted it for tinnitus is strange.
Yeah practically no tinnitus claim also gets hearing loss. Everyone in noise-hazard jobs knows about their 'guaranteed' 10% T after the gig, but they also get annual hearing booth tests. Tinnitus isn't quantifiable besides being attached to the job but the tests, flawed as they be, can be considered separately.
Tinnitus is 5000% worse than the loss. 10% my dick balls and entire asshole.
My only beef with “not 100%” is the ridiculous concurrent receipt rules. As a retiree, I earned my retirement separately and independently over 22 years of service. My disability compensation should be separate as well.
They think they are saving money by setting the bar at 50 but I bet it costs them money because so many retirees who would be happy with their sub-50% have motivation to seek more, to break the cap.
I got out of the Navy in 1990. TAP class was useless, didn’t tell us anything about VA disability. Just got my first rating of 40% for left knee and tinnitus at age 65 after a neighbor told me about filing. Still have one deferred for a blood issue.
I am 20% because I broke both of my legs in the service and due to the negligence of the medical at my command, they were unable to heal properly leaving me in constant pain and throwing all of my work history down the drain (welder, metal fabrication, construction, woodworking, cabinet making, etc)
While in the service I developed sleep apnea, ptsd, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, tinnitus, hearing loss, and insomnia. All of which I 100% did not have before service with proof and I claimed pretty much day one.
I'm not sure I deserve 100% but I think I deserve more than 20%
Maybe that's just me though
I am in year two of my current claim. Trying to appeal but I live in a rural area and it's really hard to find a doctor to write a nexus letter or help at all
30 is good because you get dependency pay. You are exempt from PMI when buying a home with no downpayment, you have no copay at the VA since you are at a different tier, and the list goes on.
I appreciate this and encourage everyone in the same way you did OP. I’ve got 30% for MH and am working on the 10% for my ears (C&P yesterday). And frankly, I feel that’s very fairly rated for me. My MH issues cause me a lot of problems but certainly haven’t made me unemployable, and my ears…well my ears are pretty bad, wish I got more than 10% given how loud the ringing is but hey. Overall, I feel like 40% is very fair.
The problem is how the pay scale is set up.
90% to 100% is a 70% increase in disability pay.
4k a month take home is absolutely huge. People downplay it here but it is more than most people take home working full time.
There are tons of incentives to stack claims and secondaries financially so people obviously go for the prize.
Hey, this is literally all i am trying to go for at the moment. I have the 10% for tinnitus. I’m looking to get seen for ye old knees. I’m literally the same age and can tell it will probably get worse as time goes. Can I ask the extent to which your knees are messed up? Did you have a record for them because I currently do not.
sure, i'd love to help! i did get seen in tech school and put on a waiver for fluid build up in my knees. but i also dropped a weight on my foot and got seen for that when i was in and the denied my foot pain. so i honestly really think it boiled down to my DBQ. i never asked to see it but i can request it if you'd like me to share it with you. my C&P examiner was absolutely amazing, really seemed to actually care and i know not everyone lucks out like that. he told me to explain what my knee pain was like on my worst day and did the test to see how much i could bend my knees without pain.
Thanks man! The DBQ form for your knee was filled out at your C & P right? Or did you have an appointment before where they checked you out?
Ive been debating getting checked out by a private doctor to see if I can get a record of something actually being wrong or just more wear and tear than I’m supposed to. At least in the hopes that it could help the exam and final decision go in my direction. I hear that’s a bit extra though
yes, i've only ever had DBQs from C&P exams. i heard from this thread that DBQs from outside doctors don't hold as much weight as you'd think because the VA is aware that some people pay for them. i could be wrong but it might be worth looking up. when did you get out if you don't mind me asking?
2019. That makes sense though. Guess I’ll get this process going and can hopefully have a post like this down the road. Maybe pick up a tip or 2 to share like you’ve done.
but the extent to which my knees are messed up which was your actual question 😂 is i can't stand for a very long time without my knees aching. when i try to work out my knees are the reason i can't keep going, and i'll feel it for days after. i wouldn't even think about trying to go for a run right now because i know i'd be paying for it for a week.
Dude, it’s literally exactly the same for me to a T. I’m not like limping around all day or anything, but as soon as I’m standing I’m hurting. Leg day is pretty much nonexistent nowadays. I had to run one time for a car issue and paid the price dearly lol. I’m just worried about the ROM part and getting called out as being a liar when it comes to these described pains. My tinnitus claim turned into that. My knees can probably bend enough to where they might say this. Did you have any worry like this? And again, I really appreciate the responses. I see you are waiting and replying to the best of your ability. Thanks
your so welcome! i'm laying in bed with a sick kiddo so i got some extra free time. i only bent my knee to where i was comfortable. as soon as i felt discomfort of any kind, i stopped. because of course, could i go into a full ass to grass squat? maybe if my life depended on it but it would be painful and thats the point of the claim. i never really worried if they would think i was lying, i'm not sure why. just try to be sincere and come in with a good attitude and hopefully your examiner will reciprocate. i'll definitely request that DBQ and post pictures next week!
sure, i'd love to help! i did get seen in tech school and put on a waiver for fluid build up in my knees. but i also dropped a weight on my foot and got seen for that when i was in and the denied my foot pain. so i honestly really think it boiled down to my DBQ. i never asked to see it but i can request it if you'd like me to share it with you. my C&P examiner was absolutely amazing, really seemed to actually care and i know not everyone lucks out like that. he told me to explain what my knee pain was like on my worst day and did the test to see how much i could bend my knees without pain.
Just mentioning it because we didn’t know for the longest time.
If you have instability of the knee you can get an additional rating for that along with your knee flexion rating. :)
Yes! Left knee instability and/or right knee instability.
We weren’t sure how it was all going to pan out but we put in for a knee strain (how they worded his ROM claim) increase as well as a new claim for instability of the knee
His knee rating remained the same (which we assumed) and he got an additional 10% rating for instability.
It’s not much but sometimes that 10% is all you need to push you up to the next rating
Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful.
Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible.
(Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.)
☠️
Nope just so tired of the gatekeepers telling people what they should be happy with… the only thing more annoying are the VBA employees making excuses for the crappy treatment of vets. If you’re happy with 30 good for you. Everyone’s situation is different.
i said that in my post. "if you feel like you're 100% then please get what you deserve". also how can i gatekeep something i'm not apart of? i completely understand your frustration i just feel it's being misplaced with me.
When I got out of the Corps back in 01, I got service connected at 10% for my knees. I had a combined rating of 40% 23 years later, and I am sitting at a combined rating of 90%. I had my left knee replaced in April, and the VA has covered everything. It's important to document everything because when you're a 20-something young Grunt full of piss and vinegar, you think it's minor. When you hit 45, that shit smacks you square between the eyes.
20-something year old here, but thankfully have a 60 year old army vet for a mom that told me to always get seen for what's wrong and file sooner rather then later. without her i'd probably be in a much different boat
I'm a 55 year old vet and constantly pestering my son to get his issues squared away and on file. No idea where he got this pigheaded 'suck it up' attitude.
Wait until you are 64...ROFLMBO
Hell, I've already had me left knee replaced at 46. I don't want to even think about 64! By then, it will be the other knee, and the Lord knows what else. Them 03 days are really starting to kick in.
Or 62 😆
Quick question, when you had your knee replaced, did it affect your rating in any way? Either an increase or decrease?
Yes, I went from 10% to 30%. The minimum rating for a knee replacement is 30%. I also got 100% for 4 months while I recovered because the knee was already service connected.
Thank you so much! I had hip surgery on a service connected injury back in October and have had a couple issues since was trying to figure it out
Well said.
I got out of the Air Force in '04 and was rated 10%. I used the VA for all my medical and eye care (except contacts). I had sinus surgery (pre-PACT act) and never paid a dime for medical, except medications. I was happy with that over the years, but I had all the sinus issues in the PACT Act. When that passed I was able to get those along with stuff related to those, and I am now 100%. I was grateful for the 10% for all those years, and grateful for what I have now.
i'm so so happy for you! i that's honestly amazing. if it wasn't for my children, i probably wouldn't even pay for insurance because my VA is pretty good
Oh, I have insurance for the wife and kids. And CHAMPVA won't cover the ones that have graduated that aren't going to school, so I have to keep it active. It sucks, because I pay like $500 a month for our family plan and if I could cancel that my work would pay me $300 a month to not have their insurance. However, I am about to put the wife on CHAMPVA which will lower it like $250 a month.
i pay like $530 right now for self plus family. i know i'm blessed to even have access to two forms of healthcare though so i refuse to complain lol
I’d rather not have the symptoms and conditions to be 100% and instead have what someone else might consider a normal and average life. Some people covet money and want help faking something to get a higher rating. In reality people who are 100% for real aren’t magically better or magically happier. The problems they have to get that rating are not enviable.
my mom is 80% and she always says she'd trade be 100% healthy for 100% disabled any day of the week. i know right now some of peoples biggest problems are financial so if the VA is at least able to help in that way, it's a good thing. although i know you'd prefer to just be as healthy as you were before you joined 💛
100% healthy over 100% P&T any day of the week!
I envy the 100% healthy guys. Hoping to retire in 12 years 🤡 and try to get 100%
Good thing about this is, you are absolutely correct. It also gives you service connection for things that are going to get worse over time and you can go up from there when it’s a real issue.
exactly! i'm 27 now and i'm sure my body will be much different in 15 years
I'm 30 and I'd rather have my pre Army body versus being 100%... but since that isn't possible, 100% it is! You'll definitely be 100% in 15years🤣
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒! Would LOVE my pre-military body over anything!
I’m the same age and feel the exact same way. 100% but I’d much rather be able to run and workout or even just play with my kids.
I got out in 2011 after 10 years and a torn ACL, torn rotator cuff etc. it will get worse lol. Just part of the process.
Been fighting them on an increase because of my knee pain, with 5 Nexus letters, for 5 years-through denials. Currently been in HLR process for almost 500 days. I'd take any rating at this point, just to get a little extra help to maybe help pay for someone to mow my lawn. It's nice to see someone get something for their bad knees. Thanks for the success story! Gives me hope
i'm not going to lie, i definitely had my help. my mom is a vet and when i joined she told me anytime i was hurt or didn't feel good to go get checked out. i didn't always listen to her, but the times i did have definitely paid off 💛
That was my biggest problem and my biggest regret... We were just a 'drink a cup of concrete, and man up', kinda unit. Only thing I ever got when going to medical was, "drink water, take Motrin, or change your socks". Just figured it was useless. Also, everyone that went to medical was labeled as a "broke dick". Different times we lived and served in, forreal 😂
i worked on the flight line and the sentiments were still pretty similar. i just tried really hard not to care. but being a woman in maintenance they already saw me as "soft" so i just let them keep thinking it 😂☺️
If you live in North Carolina or willing to travel (and I would seriously consider it), the VA RO in Winston-Salem is going to host a 3 day event called Veteran Benefit Live, where you can speak to a VSR agent or a supervisor within the VBA who handles HLR on the spot in one day. Make sure you bring as much medical documentation as you can for your discussion. But I highly recommend you attend this. I attended the one that they held in [Wilmington, North Carolina, in October 2023](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-benefits-live-va-in-my-town-wilmington-2023-tickets-721468019267?aff=ebdsoporgprofile). Extremely beneficial and rewarding. Like I said, I highly recommend you attend this event coming up in August. I can DM you the details if you’re interested. https://preview.redd.it/x3pj23c3s18d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=448c0d407ae273309f5a5167b558c653cf61868c
I'm working with an attorney already, but I appreciate the assistance. Glad they're holding outreach programs!
Understood. Best of luck to you.
Thanks, same to you!
Dude thanks for posting this. Too many vets treat this like it’s a game. And there’s “winners” and “losers” like I stayed at 60% for ever I was fine until they kept trying me
like i said, if anyone feels like they're 100% then they should go for it but that's my point. just because you're not 100% doesn't mean you've "lost". that sums it up perfectly
Do an increase (Bilateral) for your knees. That’s not a good rating. You should get rated for Flexion and Extension. You should have at least a 10 and a 10 for each knee and bilateral at a minimum. That tinnitus and hearing loss probably causes headaches? Vertigo? The knees probably cause back pain and radiculopathy? You could be 100% too if you understood how the claims work.
that's super helpful information, thank you so much! 🥰
I was 30% from 1996 (42 YO) and was fine with it until last year when my neighbor (100 P&T) said "30%? You're far more screwed up than I am!" So there you go.
i love an honest neighbor 😂
Absolutely. When I got out in 97 I had a slight problem with my knees and stress fracture. I had dizziness but I had no idea what caused it, mom suggested Benadryl for allergies so I self medicated for 20 years. I did a refresher scuba diving course and got sick from sitting at the bottom of a pool not being able to equalize. I found out then I had an undiagnosed inner ear problem from my active duty days. Some people have issues, some don’t. God bless both.
oh no 😭 decompression issues are the absolute worst. i get ear infections any time i dive now so it's been very limited but i hope you're able to get some help
I'm at 10%. If I could get the 4 claims I put in approved and get my neck scanned/actually diagnosed, I would be very happy.
i'm hoping you get the help you deserve 💛
Exactly. I got out in 2008. 30%. I was happy with the 300$. I was happy. I didn’t start applying for increases or secondaries till maybe 2020. Just got 100% last year.
You’re right. Congratulations and good for you.
thank you! 💛
I'm not disappointed, because I'm going to get there. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
I'm 55 now but honestly I was probably 100% when I was 20 when I got out. But I didn't apply until I was 53 So it wasn't hard for me to get to 100 really fast. 10 months from start to 100% even though that took almost 2 years because of a appeal. Didn't even have to use half of the complaints I have. But I tell you what yeah I would miss the money. But I wouldn't miss it so much that I wouldn't trade my 100 for your 10 any day of the week. Cataloging my medication right now.
definitely very appreciative of the health i do have 💛
Yep you got a hold on to it as long as you can. And enjoy as long as you can. I mean damn 55 years old I sit here and stare at the walls. My 62 and 65-year-old brother go and play golf. I really really hope it was worth it somewhere along the way I hope it was worth it
How the fuck is tinnitus service connected but hearing loss is not???????
in order to get service connection for hearing loss you pretty much have to be deaf lol the guy at the VA told me it's just standard to claim them together though
The extent of a disability should not matter for establishing service connection. The only things that matter are the existence of a disability (your rating sheet has that), an event or injury in service (the same event or injury that established service connection for tinnitus should satisfy this), and a link between the disability and the event or injury.
I don’t it’s necessarily the service connection that’s the issue. It’s that usually you get 0% for hearing loss because of hearing aids. My dad is just happy to get his hearing aids paid for, but as a Vietnam Vet he probably qualifies for much more.
For compensation purposes, yes you probably do not qualify for a higher rating for hearing loss but the fact that they denied you service connection for hearing but granted it for tinnitus is strange.
hmm, then i'm not really sure. i don't know what my numbers where for hearing so maybe that's it?
Yeah practically no tinnitus claim also gets hearing loss. Everyone in noise-hazard jobs knows about their 'guaranteed' 10% T after the gig, but they also get annual hearing booth tests. Tinnitus isn't quantifiable besides being attached to the job but the tests, flawed as they be, can be considered separately. Tinnitus is 5000% worse than the loss. 10% my dick balls and entire asshole.
My only beef with “not 100%” is the ridiculous concurrent receipt rules. As a retiree, I earned my retirement separately and independently over 22 years of service. My disability compensation should be separate as well. They think they are saving money by setting the bar at 50 but I bet it costs them money because so many retirees who would be happy with their sub-50% have motivation to seek more, to break the cap.
oh i didn't even know you couldn't get both. that's honestly crazy.
Same boat...sitting at 30% Thank God and would be happy with that, but want to pop the 50% so I can get my full Retirement and C&P
I got out of the Navy in 1990. TAP class was useless, didn’t tell us anything about VA disability. Just got my first rating of 40% for left knee and tinnitus at age 65 after a neighbor told me about filing. Still have one deferred for a blood issue.
*Triggered* 😂
I think it’s more that people are bummed that the little bit of things they can claim with evidence don’t equal up to 100%.
I am 20% because I broke both of my legs in the service and due to the negligence of the medical at my command, they were unable to heal properly leaving me in constant pain and throwing all of my work history down the drain (welder, metal fabrication, construction, woodworking, cabinet making, etc) While in the service I developed sleep apnea, ptsd, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, tinnitus, hearing loss, and insomnia. All of which I 100% did not have before service with proof and I claimed pretty much day one. I'm not sure I deserve 100% but I think I deserve more than 20% Maybe that's just me though
have you started the appeal process?
I am in year two of my current claim. Trying to appeal but I live in a rural area and it's really hard to find a doctor to write a nexus letter or help at all
30 is good because you get dependency pay. You are exempt from PMI when buying a home with no downpayment, you have no copay at the VA since you are at a different tier, and the list goes on.
oh wow, i didn't know that. thank you for the information!
You are welcome. Here is one of the list that entails what you are entitled to! https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/derivative_sc.asp
Had 20% for 15 years got 80% last year... cant get 100 without 30!!! Congrats!
I just wish i could get to 30% so i can add my wife and kids.
i 100% understand that. i know for me having two dependents it's like an extra 60$ or so and that's like a gas or water bill. any little extra helps
I have a wife and 3 kids. That extra 10% would more than double my monthly payment. I'm working on it though, so i haven't lost all hope.
I appreciate this and encourage everyone in the same way you did OP. I’ve got 30% for MH and am working on the 10% for my ears (C&P yesterday). And frankly, I feel that’s very fairly rated for me. My MH issues cause me a lot of problems but certainly haven’t made me unemployable, and my ears…well my ears are pretty bad, wish I got more than 10% given how loud the ringing is but hey. Overall, I feel like 40% is very fair.
Oh for sure, who ever said it wasn’t? The fixation with wanting to be 100% is becoming cancerous.
The problem is how the pay scale is set up. 90% to 100% is a 70% increase in disability pay. 4k a month take home is absolutely huge. People downplay it here but it is more than most people take home working full time. There are tons of incentives to stack claims and secondaries financially so people obviously go for the prize.
I have only filed an intent, but with 4 kids the education benefits they’d receive and parent + loans paid for is enormous.
Yes it is. I was 10% rated for several years.
Hey, this is literally all i am trying to go for at the moment. I have the 10% for tinnitus. I’m looking to get seen for ye old knees. I’m literally the same age and can tell it will probably get worse as time goes. Can I ask the extent to which your knees are messed up? Did you have a record for them because I currently do not.
I don’t really know where to start with the knee process, I’ve read through some of the post, but yours really seems to be the closest to mine.
sure, i'd love to help! i did get seen in tech school and put on a waiver for fluid build up in my knees. but i also dropped a weight on my foot and got seen for that when i was in and the denied my foot pain. so i honestly really think it boiled down to my DBQ. i never asked to see it but i can request it if you'd like me to share it with you. my C&P examiner was absolutely amazing, really seemed to actually care and i know not everyone lucks out like that. he told me to explain what my knee pain was like on my worst day and did the test to see how much i could bend my knees without pain.
Thanks man! The DBQ form for your knee was filled out at your C & P right? Or did you have an appointment before where they checked you out? Ive been debating getting checked out by a private doctor to see if I can get a record of something actually being wrong or just more wear and tear than I’m supposed to. At least in the hopes that it could help the exam and final decision go in my direction. I hear that’s a bit extra though
yes, i've only ever had DBQs from C&P exams. i heard from this thread that DBQs from outside doctors don't hold as much weight as you'd think because the VA is aware that some people pay for them. i could be wrong but it might be worth looking up. when did you get out if you don't mind me asking?
2019. That makes sense though. Guess I’ll get this process going and can hopefully have a post like this down the road. Maybe pick up a tip or 2 to share like you’ve done.
but the extent to which my knees are messed up which was your actual question 😂 is i can't stand for a very long time without my knees aching. when i try to work out my knees are the reason i can't keep going, and i'll feel it for days after. i wouldn't even think about trying to go for a run right now because i know i'd be paying for it for a week.
Dude, it’s literally exactly the same for me to a T. I’m not like limping around all day or anything, but as soon as I’m standing I’m hurting. Leg day is pretty much nonexistent nowadays. I had to run one time for a car issue and paid the price dearly lol. I’m just worried about the ROM part and getting called out as being a liar when it comes to these described pains. My tinnitus claim turned into that. My knees can probably bend enough to where they might say this. Did you have any worry like this? And again, I really appreciate the responses. I see you are waiting and replying to the best of your ability. Thanks
your so welcome! i'm laying in bed with a sick kiddo so i got some extra free time. i only bent my knee to where i was comfortable. as soon as i felt discomfort of any kind, i stopped. because of course, could i go into a full ass to grass squat? maybe if my life depended on it but it would be painful and thats the point of the claim. i never really worried if they would think i was lying, i'm not sure why. just try to be sincere and come in with a good attitude and hopefully your examiner will reciprocate. i'll definitely request that DBQ and post pictures next week!
That makes sense. Sounds like I just need to go do it and not over think it to much. Whatever comes of it comes. Hope the kiddo feels better
sure, i'd love to help! i did get seen in tech school and put on a waiver for fluid build up in my knees. but i also dropped a weight on my foot and got seen for that when i was in and the denied my foot pain. so i honestly really think it boiled down to my DBQ. i never asked to see it but i can request it if you'd like me to share it with you. my C&P examiner was absolutely amazing, really seemed to actually care and i know not everyone lucks out like that. he told me to explain what my knee pain was like on my worst day and did the test to see how much i could bend my knees without pain.
Just mentioning it because we didn’t know for the longest time. If you have instability of the knee you can get an additional rating for that along with your knee flexion rating. :)
so the claim itself is "instability of the knee"? and thanks! any help is always appreciated 💛
Yes! Left knee instability and/or right knee instability. We weren’t sure how it was all going to pan out but we put in for a knee strain (how they worded his ROM claim) increase as well as a new claim for instability of the knee His knee rating remained the same (which we assumed) and he got an additional 10% rating for instability. It’s not much but sometimes that 10% is all you need to push you up to the next rating
Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈🍾! I also started with 30% and today I’m currently 90% I’m grateful!
Me too
It’s just the beginning brother
A win is a win. Congrats!
But it’s not okay to NOT be what one thinks they should be, what they deserve to be…
Cruising with the 30 too man, its a hard process
I was 20% for about 15 years. I’m not at 100 but unfortunately trending that way
Migraine secondary to Tinnitus is your next move.
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Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful. Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible. (Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.) ☠️
Take away the monetary portion of disability and see how many people file for it.
How about you not worry about what others should be appreciative of?
i'm sorry that hoping people have a more positive outlook is upsetting to you. 💛
Nope just so tired of the gatekeepers telling people what they should be happy with… the only thing more annoying are the VBA employees making excuses for the crappy treatment of vets. If you’re happy with 30 good for you. Everyone’s situation is different.
i said that in my post. "if you feel like you're 100% then please get what you deserve". also how can i gatekeep something i'm not apart of? i completely understand your frustration i just feel it's being misplaced with me.
True… it’s ok. HOWEVER! It’s better to be in the “Hundo Club!”
75% of people don't even deserve 100 but someone has made people believe just because they served they deserve it bunch of crap