I have been fortunate in that most of the C&P examiners understood that vets from my generation did not go to sick call. So the lack of reported issues in my service treatment record for specific conditions have not been too big of an issue. The last examiner even commented that he was shocked that I had only gone to sick call 5 times and my med records were so thin even after 13 years of active duty. I did spend several years on remote, independent assignments with no military med facilities.
Yep! Enlisted in 88-94. When I Finally got my C-file & Looked at it & Could Read Probably 80% of it. No Jump Records, Deployment, A Bunch of Stuff missing! So I Had to Hire an attorney & Beat the VA. Seems They (VA) Didn’t Care?!! Have Been 100% P&T since Late 21. Less Than a Yr I got my rating.
Got out in 2005 with 50% and thought I was lucky to have that rating even though my mind and body was falling apart. Then...I saw Combat Craig/Veterans InfoTap and CivDiv in 2022. I learned that it is simply a game that the VA requires you to understand to play, its not meant to be fair, its meant for you to be informed. I went from 50% to a combined 300%+ with one being a stand-alone 100% to move me to 100%P&T/SMC-S. Only took 18 years of my head in the sand to getting the care and ratings that I deserved and most were secondaries. And it was simple, I did it myself with ONE FILING at the end of an 11 month "intent to file" and got a max back pay and new rating. I knew what I was doing. This is known as the Informed and the Not Informed.
I was a have not because the VA didn't recognize that sleep apnea was a thing until eight years after I got out. They recognized it as a disability in 1996, I got out in 1988. Secondary evidence was two buddy letters about my snoring and gasping, plus a nexus letter from my PCP (a retired Navy doc). I filed a supplemental claim last May and was denied again in Sept. Immediately file for a HLR. It was approved last Friday. It was a long battle, but I proved it could be done
Have. Because I learned about this 3 years out from retirement, and started getting treatment…to include heart surgery…and being seen for things I had concealed the previous 30 years.
Technically I'm a HAVE NOT. No in service medical evidence, but PACT ACT qualified, VA diagnosis, 2 combat deployments and MOS (infantry) Just got my first decision letter. (12/30/2024) Service connected for PTSD Service connected for Tinnitus Service connected for hearing loss (one ear) Service connected for chronic sinusitis deferred on sarcoidosis Scheduled for a sleep study for Sleep Apnea secondary to sinusitis
Solid and yes, the PACT Act definitely fills that gap for the 'HAVE NOTS'. PTSD is a bit different as there are in-service stressors that play a huge factor versus medical evidence. - Clay
I was both. Broken time. Over a decade ago: nada. I sat in a room at Balbao Hosp. and a Navy Chief says to a room. "You all are all here for a reason. 95% of you are getting medically retired." I counted about 20 people in the room. Some 25 and below low-key looked like they hit the lotto. Others looked F'd up. Who knows. I'm hobbling with no strength in my leg. I was that 1 in 20 guy after all. I specifically remember a Dr. at that hospital a few months earlier. "You're never running again. You can't be a Marine if you can't run." I couldn't and can't. I EAS'd. Later in life a Master Gunns heard the full story with details and was like "What?!" Apply on-line. With zero faith I said "okay" but did nothing. I was like "my a$$..." ...been there done that, it's a bunch of BS. I think I got stuff documented--but it was just in case and truly thought nothing would come of it. I was seen what...? Less than 10x in two decades... but outside of the major issue where I was in a moon boot for a year and given an option not to have surgery cuz it wouldn't make a diff. I always "sucked it up..." A year after that. The MGunnz. You didn't apply? Well I uh... I ummm... he said "I've seen people that are hmmm 🤔... not judging -just sayin'. Yo, one leg's bigger than the other dude! Fill that stuff out. So I'm telling you apply." Blew him off again. Then a few months later... he sat me next to a computer... type! Aye MGunns! I remember at one of 4 exams--the main C& P exam. The Dr. said, "You got over 500 pages..." I was like... really? I thought no way. Shit would of got lost in Iraq where I 100% breathed shit or lost from training. Maybe a 100 pages cuz my leg. 500 hundred? GTFO. I got "missed" on a re-deployment exam too but it was somehow captured I was never though it was mando... it showed there was some negligence on their side. I got lost on a post deployment physical b/c my leg got jacked stateside during PT. So somehow I thank the Navy despite all the $#@/! I gave 'em that they kept all my records apparently. If I said it--it was in there somewhere and connected. Then S%$#! deteriorated over time that they could connect. And thank that MGySgt for "fireman carrying" my @$$ through the process kicking and screaming. ✌️ brethren--all branches. Good luck. (gals too of course). & S/F Clay.
I am a "Have not" Vet. However, as a retired 21 year veteran I have been very fortunate to be scheduled with C & P exams that proved beneficial. A lot in part due to my wife of 60 year's testifying on my behalf and maintaining accurate medical records.
For my PTSD initial claim I had pictures of me at triggering incidents, reports from the events, campaign ribbons/medals, and certificates/review statements all that reinforced my personal statements.
I used my psychologist a retired Army vet to do my nexus ( been seeing her for years ) . I had over 1000 pages of medical evidence- my problem was pride ( I waited years ) then on top of my 100 ptsd - I got connected for migraines ( 50) CFS ( 40 ) & IBS ( 10 ) on pact act claims . Got me a SMC on top . Life changing gents . If you’ve got issues caused by military service & I don’t care if you were a cook or an 11b go for it , what do you have to lose . I prob lost out on over a million because of pride .
Clay of my 25 service connected disabilities I would say 15 fall in the have category! Still made it to 100% P&T. My MOS & Navy Rate (since I was in the Marine Corps & Navy) helped. And my SERVICE RECORD helped me as well. My MEDALS helped as well. 1st Gulf War and Desert Shield…… served from 1978-1998……
Pre deployment health assessment? Post deployment health assessment? Annual health assessment? Exit exam?🤔 I was never offered any of these and I made 2 deployments to the Middle East in 4 years.VA claims where never discussed, trips to sick calls were looked down upon.I served in the US Navy in the early 80's.
Im a Have ....but it was generally ignored. Shrink i talked too initially at American Lake was a real bitch Drilled me for over a hour , and blamed my problems on my childhood drama....Said i was trying to hit the lottery ..told her if she was aguy talking that way to me , i be hitting something I kept filing , and about 10 yrs later, ( no shit......that long ) finally went in front of a board judge. Luckily my VSO was hip on the lingo and had pulled out the in service events and put them in the Judges face...still a couple more years till i did the C and P exama t the Gold building in Nashville.....another few years i get a ding...and see a chunk of change in my banl account...I am sure they had a system that figures out that if they delay it as long as possible........there is a good chance you die from something....
Somethings I have because I saved all the paperwork the hospital and clinic gave me. Things like hearing loss and tinnitus were automatic because of 3M lawsuit. PTSD there were witnesses to events.
I’m in the have category…but I don’t know how much. I need to get my medical records to see exactly what’s in there, Im currently rated for ptsd, I just put in a claim for an increase. I also have 0% rating for allergic rhinitis. I was a marine grunt 0331 & I deployed to Iraq twice. I have other issues, but like I said I need to see what’s in my records for medical treatment. I didn’t go to sick call much but I remember I had X-rays on my foot.
Proficiency conduct markings and missed rank up opportunities that you can tie into your claimed service connected disability are good avenues to go to get the "evidence" that you need. For instance, you had a traumatic event/injury occur, and then over the next 6 months, your profficiency and conduct markings rating your time in service take a huge dive. This COULD be tied into your traumatic event/injury, as being a catalist! It's not an excuse. it's actual PSYCHOLOGY!
I'm curious. How many claims are service connected, but rated at 0 %. Under the PACT act I'm SC for hypertension and hypothyroidism; both rated at 0%. I've talked to fellow Viet Nam vets who received the same ratings.
Would they Defer my Rheumatoid Arthritis rating? Joint Pain conditions such as RA are Presumptive for OIF/OEF veterans now. Had to do second C&P exams last month...they still got me on Step 3 'Gathering' when there is nothing else to gather. Someone screwed up.
Those health assessments you are talk about didn’t happen. I had an assessment done when I entered and when I left. There was no pre-deployment assessment or a post deployment assessment. I saw a doctor two times during my service. The infantry didn’t have time for sick call. I watched guys go two or more times and they were labeled as malingerers and they were cycled out of the army quickly. We ate Motrin like candy and kept moving. How am I going to prove things? My ears ring all day and night. There was even a memo put out for my occupation, but because I don’t have hearing loss I don’t get rated for tinnitus.
I showed a service school evaluation AKA DA Form 1059 to a C&P examiner. I was seen in the field by a medic with no paperwork, I was here at this time and this happened. Show them something and be honest
@TheCivDiv Was this not the entire video that you posted 4 days ago. I was under the impression from that video that only the VA secretary would accept C&P or VA nexus and DBQ. Did I miss that message entirely? Thanks
Old vet here...I was denied for a neck condition due to no sick call records. I asked my private primary doctor for a veteran-friendly doc who would write a nexus letter and he gave me a couple. One trip to another doc and x-rays along with my sample nexus letter with the "at least as likely as not" language and I submitted a supplemental which was also denied!!! Went to HLR and they saw the IMO and reversed the denial to award me 10% which I have subsequently turned into 50% due to secondaries. Don't give up...they want you to quit.
The thing you probably don't understand is that for you to get that 10%, a minimum of 3 doctors reviewed your claim. 2 or more doctors said no, but the final doctor said yes and that is why you're service connected. It has nothing to do with a HLR being done, but is actually due to the luck of the draw for the doctor you got.
@@kishkin8743 Wrong. If I hadn't filed the HLR in the first place, I never would have received the 10%. It had everything to do with the HLR. The HLR adjudicator even told me that she didn't understand why I didn't receive the positive rating since my IMO nexus letter actually said "at least as likely as not" in the body. She reversed it.
@sherrisanford1198 obviously I'm not telling u to move but it is easier to get claims approved in Washington and Nevada. I don't know if that will help u but from experience and talking to alot of approved vets those were the two best. Also Cali. Stay blessed
It should. My VA doctor since he can't write an opinion he put in his write up in my record that he sees "clues" as to my ptsd. When he did that, I refiled with my VA notes, and I got 50% for ptsd.
1-stop-shop for VA benefits: CivDivonline.com
Amazon CivDiv Shop: Amazon CivDiv Shop: www.amazon.com/s?k=civdiv+llc&ref=nb_sb_noss
- Clay
I have been fortunate in that most of the C&P examiners understood that vets from my generation did not go to sick call. So the lack of reported issues in my service treatment record for specific conditions have not been too big of an issue. The last examiner even commented that he was shocked that I had only gone to sick call 5 times and my med records were so thin even after 13 years of active duty. I did spend several years on remote, independent assignments with no military med facilities.
Yep! Enlisted in 88-94. When I Finally got my C-file & Looked at it & Could Read Probably 80% of it. No Jump Records, Deployment, A Bunch of Stuff missing! So I Had to Hire an attorney & Beat the VA. Seems They (VA) Didn’t Care?!! Have Been 100% P&T since Late 21. Less Than a Yr I got my rating.
Got out in 2005 with 50% and thought I was lucky to have that rating even though my mind and body was falling apart. Then...I saw Combat Craig/Veterans InfoTap and CivDiv in 2022. I learned that it is simply a game that the VA requires you to understand to play, its not meant to be fair, its meant for you to be informed. I went from 50% to a combined 300%+ with one being a stand-alone 100% to move me to 100%P&T/SMC-S. Only took 18 years of my head in the sand to getting the care and ratings that I deserved and most were secondaries. And it was simple, I did it myself with ONE FILING at the end of an 11 month "intent to file" and got a max back pay and new rating. I knew what I was doing. This is known as the Informed and the Not Informed.
Way to go after it! 😄👍
💯agree, glad for this channel and ones like it.
I was a have not because the VA didn't recognize that sleep apnea was a thing until eight years after I got out. They recognized it as a disability in 1996, I got out in 1988.
Secondary evidence was two buddy letters about my snoring and gasping, plus a nexus letter from my PCP (a retired Navy doc). I filed a supplemental claim last May and was denied again in Sept. Immediately file for a HLR. It was approved last Friday. It was a long battle, but I proved it could be done
What did the hlr consist of? New c&p or ACE review?
Have. Because I learned about this 3 years out from retirement, and started getting treatment…to include heart surgery…and being seen for things I had concealed the previous 30 years.
Technically I'm a HAVE NOT.
No in service medical evidence, but PACT ACT qualified, VA diagnosis, 2 combat deployments and MOS (infantry)
Just got my first decision letter. (12/30/2024)
Service connected for PTSD
Service connected for Tinnitus
Service connected for hearing loss (one ear)
Service connected for chronic sinusitis
deferred on sarcoidosis
Scheduled for a sleep study for Sleep Apnea secondary to sinusitis
Solid and yes, the PACT Act definitely fills that gap for the 'HAVE NOTS'. PTSD is a bit different as there are in-service stressors that play a huge factor versus medical evidence.
- Clay
how many %?
@@fanman12 PTSD 30% Tinnitus 10% the rest 0%
Direct and to the point!
I was both. Broken time. Over a decade ago: nada. I sat in a room at Balbao Hosp. and a Navy Chief says to a room. "You all are all here for a reason. 95% of you are getting medically retired." I counted about 20 people in the room. Some 25 and below low-key looked like they hit the lotto. Others looked F'd up. Who knows. I'm hobbling with no strength in my leg. I was that 1 in 20 guy after all. I specifically remember a Dr. at that hospital a few months earlier. "You're never running again. You can't be a Marine if you can't run." I couldn't and can't. I EAS'd.
Later in life a Master Gunns heard the full story with details and was like "What?!" Apply on-line. With zero faith I said "okay" but did nothing. I was like "my a$$..." ...been there done that, it's a bunch of BS. I think I got stuff documented--but it was just in case and truly thought nothing would come of it. I was seen what...? Less than 10x in two decades... but outside of the major issue where I was in a moon boot for a year and given an option not to have surgery cuz it wouldn't make a diff. I always "sucked it up..."
A year after that. The MGunnz. You didn't apply? Well I uh... I ummm... he said "I've seen people that are hmmm 🤔... not judging -just sayin'. Yo, one leg's bigger than the other dude! Fill that stuff out. So I'm telling you apply." Blew him off again. Then a few months later... he sat me next to a computer... type! Aye MGunns! I remember at one of 4 exams--the main C& P exam. The Dr. said, "You got over 500 pages..." I was like... really? I thought no way. Shit would of got lost in Iraq where I 100% breathed shit or lost from training. Maybe a 100 pages cuz my leg. 500 hundred? GTFO. I got "missed" on a re-deployment exam too but it was somehow captured I was never though it was mando... it showed there was some negligence on their side. I got lost on a post deployment physical b/c my leg got jacked stateside during PT.
So somehow I thank the Navy despite all the $#@/! I gave 'em that they kept all my records apparently. If I said it--it was in there somewhere and connected. Then S%$#! deteriorated over time that they could connect. And thank that MGySgt for "fireman carrying" my @$$ through the process kicking and screaming.
✌️ brethren--all branches. Good luck. (gals too of course).
& S/F Clay.
I am a "Have not" Vet. However, as a retired 21 year veteran I have been very fortunate to be scheduled with C & P exams that proved beneficial. A lot in part due to my wife of 60 year's testifying on my behalf and maintaining accurate medical records.
For my PTSD initial claim I had pictures of me at triggering incidents, reports from the events, campaign ribbons/medals, and certificates/review statements all that reinforced my personal statements.
I used my psychologist a retired Army vet to do my nexus ( been seeing her for years ) . I had over 1000 pages of medical evidence- my problem was pride ( I waited years ) then on top of my 100 ptsd - I got connected for migraines ( 50) CFS ( 40 ) & IBS ( 10 ) on pact act claims . Got me a SMC on top . Life changing gents . If you’ve got issues caused by military service & I don’t care if you were a cook or an 11b go for it , what do you have to lose . I prob lost out on over a million because of pride .
Clay of my 25 service connected disabilities I would say 15 fall in the have category! Still made it to 100% P&T. My MOS & Navy Rate (since I was in the Marine Corps & Navy) helped. And my SERVICE RECORD helped me as well. My MEDALS helped as well. 1st Gulf War and Desert Shield…… served from 1978-1998……
Pre deployment health assessment? Post deployment health assessment? Annual health assessment? Exit exam?🤔 I was never offered any of these and I made 2 deployments to the Middle East in 4 years.VA claims where never discussed, trips to sick calls were looked down upon.I served in the US Navy in the early 80's.
💯 P/T at 42 …. So glad I’m over all this .
Im a Have ....but it was generally ignored. Shrink i talked too initially at American Lake was a real bitch Drilled me for over a hour , and blamed my problems on my childhood drama....Said i was trying to hit the lottery ..told her if she was aguy talking that way to me , i be hitting something I kept filing , and about 10 yrs later, ( no shit......that long ) finally went in front of a board judge. Luckily my VSO was hip on the lingo and had pulled out the in service events and put them in the Judges face...still a couple more years till i did the C and P exama t the Gold building in Nashville.....another few years i get a ding...and see a chunk of change in my banl account...I am sure they had a system that figures out that if they delay it as long as possible........there is a good chance you die from something....
I halves filed a claim but I halves not recieved a rating decision yet.
Have evidence Agent Orange DD-214 proof of service in RVN
Have. Even with SC evidence and current diagnosis, my challenge is proving the chronic aspect since I self medicated post-service/pre-VHA.
When I was in front 87 to 91, I had no assessments what so ever. Including an exit assessment. I have no proof what so ever.
Subic was a nice base.
I have medical evidence in my STR i finally got my c&p exams it took me over 20years to get the C&P exams.
I had no idea I had pes planus asymptomatic at meps lol now my legs are fuked up
Somethings I have because I saved all the paperwork the hospital and clinic gave me. Things like hearing loss and tinnitus were automatic because of 3M lawsuit. PTSD there were witnesses to events.
I’m in the have category…but I don’t know how much. I need to get my medical records to see exactly what’s in there, Im currently rated for ptsd, I just put in a claim for an increase. I also have 0% rating for allergic rhinitis. I was a marine grunt 0331 & I deployed to Iraq twice. I have other issues, but like I said I need to see what’s in my records for medical treatment. I didn’t go to sick call much but I remember I had X-rays on my foot.
Proficiency conduct markings and missed rank up opportunities that you can tie into your claimed service connected disability are good avenues to go to get the "evidence" that you need.
For instance, you had a traumatic event/injury occur, and then over the next 6 months, your profficiency and conduct markings rating your time in service take a huge dive. This COULD be tied into your traumatic event/injury, as being a catalist!
It's not an excuse. it's actual PSYCHOLOGY!
I feel ya brother, I can dig it! Looking back at it.... All the pieces come together!
as you said, PTSD is a different beast. thank god
@@Mr.eclatants it is! The evidence from service is a bit different with the in-service stressor
- Clay
@TheCivDiv is it normal to get a C&P exam scheduled 2 weeks after initial claim is submitted /and while on step 3 (evidence gathering)of process?
Have..and they are still trying to deny migraines that are listed in my exit exam.
I'm curious. How many claims are service connected, but rated at 0 %. Under the PACT act I'm SC for hypertension and hypothyroidism; both rated at 0%. I've talked to fellow Viet Nam vets who received the same ratings.
Would they Defer my Rheumatoid Arthritis rating? Joint Pain conditions such as RA are Presumptive for OIF/OEF veterans now. Had to do second C&P exams last month...they still got me on Step 3 'Gathering' when there is nothing else to gather. Someone screwed up.
What happened to American medical
AME. The other guy working with this company?
What about them?
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv I assume AME still one of 2 for Nexus letters.
Thanks Clay 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I was told a police report for domestic violence will not matter if alcohol was involved, is that true?
Lol. Sounds like you're reaching with that one! Yah, that's likely not going to stick!
False.
Nope, not true. Now negligence is a thing but so is alcohol abuse for those with MH.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv I thought alcohol incidents were considered willful misconduct.
@@Kenbot2 not always
- Clay
You forgot to mention Presumptive claims.
Presumptive claims have nothing to do with medical evidence from service.
- Clay
Those health assessments you are talk about didn’t happen. I had an assessment done when I entered and when I left. There was no pre-deployment assessment or a post deployment assessment. I saw a doctor two times during my service. The infantry didn’t have time for sick call. I watched guys go two or more times and they were labeled as malingerers and they were cycled out of the army quickly. We ate Motrin like candy and kept moving. How am I going to prove things? My ears ring all day and night. There was even a memo put out for my occupation, but because I don’t have hearing loss I don’t get rated for tinnitus.
I showed a service school evaluation AKA DA Form 1059 to a C&P examiner. I was seen in the field by a medic with no paperwork, I was here at this time and this happened. Show them something and be honest
I thought private nexus letters were no longer accepted.
Who told you that??
- Clay
@TheCivDiv Was this not the entire video that you posted 4 days ago. I was under the impression from that video that only the VA secretary would accept C&P or VA nexus and DBQ. Did I miss that message entirely? Thanks
Would anger management certificate from the military count as service connection?
It certainly shows you had anger management class/training during that time period. I’m sure whatever landed you there is also documented.
- Clay
@ Claiming for benefits has been a headache, for sure. I appreciate the time and knowledge you put in to help service members alike. Thank you.
Old vet here...I was denied for a neck condition due to no sick call records. I asked my private primary doctor for a veteran-friendly doc who would write a nexus letter and he gave me a couple. One trip to another doc and x-rays along with my sample nexus letter with the "at least as likely as not" language and I submitted a supplemental which was also denied!!! Went to HLR and they saw the IMO and reversed the denial to award me 10% which I have subsequently turned into 50% due to secondaries. Don't give up...they want you to quit.
The thing you probably don't understand is that for you to get that 10%, a minimum of 3 doctors reviewed your claim. 2 or more doctors said no, but the final doctor said yes and that is why you're service connected. It has nothing to do with a HLR being done, but is actually due to the luck of the draw for the doctor you got.
@@kishkin8743 Wrong. If I hadn't filed the HLR in the first place, I never would have received the 10%. It had everything to do with the HLR. The HLR adjudicator even told me that she didn't understand why I didn't receive the positive rating since my IMO nexus letter actually said "at least as likely as not" in the body. She reversed it.
What about hep-c for vietnam era vets. Are they still using just as likely as not being in favor of the vet???
Mine turned into cirrhosis of liver and it's been very bad lately, I'm at #3 for over 2 months after going to 5 n back to 3 , I'm 130 days in
I'm at #3 after 5 n back to 3 45 days ago, claim filed 9 -1 2024
I Have evidence, they are holding it hostage
What state are u in?
@@RB-ru8mv Florida
@sherrisanford1198 obviously I'm not telling u to move but it is easier to get claims approved in Washington and Nevada. I don't know if that will help u but from experience and talking to alot of approved vets those were the two best. Also Cali. Stay blessed
@@sherrisanford1198 i moved states FYI
@ thanks
Have tons of med records
My Mental health Doctor at the va wrote me a nexus statement/Aggendum to my va notes, not a nexus letter, would this help with va claim
It should. My VA doctor since he can't write an opinion he put in his write up in my record that he sees "clues" as to my ptsd. When he did that, I refiled with my VA notes, and I got 50% for ptsd.
Sounds like you're telling my story without knowing me.
Unfortunately, most veterans are HAVE NOTS
- Clay
Exactly how I feel...
I have 3 volumes of medical records
Have not…Pact Act may help
I am have.
Hopefully records made by army medic….
#TheSystem
I identify as black, gay, and disabled veteran. I deserve 100% disability pay right MEOW!!!!!!!.
what’s going on with vetcomm?