We are trying to apply for Aid and Attendance. They say we make too much money and we don’t qualify. We worked hard to get our 100% P&T. Can you please help?
I joined combat Craig's bootcamp. I didn't know anything. I went from zero to 💯 in 9 months. I watched everything. Joined in on the group zoom talks. Filed an organized and educated claim. No BS. Thank you Combat Craig. Follower for life.
Personally, I’ve had 3 great veteran services officers, who all helped me get from 80% initially out of service to 90% and then recently into the 100% club. They were all state/county representatives, so maybe that had a positive effect on my situation. Good luck out there everyone.
Same here man. 2 of them were in a different state. Guessed it is just the luck of the draw. My 2 cents. I think they’re understaffed and overworked. Not to say there isn’t bad VSO’s. They’re only purpose is to help file a claim/appeal and state benefits. It is up to the VET to get diagnosed, report symptoms and get the nexus
I had two great VSO"s. Helped get my private medical records inputted into the VA system so I was well prepared for my c/p exam AND got my claim expedited to VA claim person I went from a early 20 percent to 100 percent p/t
I used a county sponsored VSO after having a 20% rating for 23 years. He got me increased to 40% for my lower back L5-S1, and then he got me 30% for my right hip for a total of 70%. Oddly enough, my left hip was denied, even though I was diagnosed with bi-lateral AVN of the hips. My VSO has left the area for another job, so I'm not sure how I am going to proceed n moving forward with getting my left knee rated.
I didn’t trust my VSO AT ALL. From the first minute of the conversation it was clear that she didn’t give a sht about me or my claim. I thought about it for a few minutes, emailed her a no thank you, and moved on. I filed my own claim and am satisfied with the outcome. You are your best advocate.
I talked to a VSO years ago after I got a 0% rating. He looked over my stuff and said, "yeah, you're not going to get anywhere here. But at least you're rated at 0% so your kids get free college" After talking to right people, watching this channel and doing my own claims on e-benefits, I'm now 100 T&P. I'm sure they help some, but not me.
Ladies and gents, make sure you have the main three components (diagnosis, current symptoms, and nexus), fill out your paperwork, watch CC videos (I can't stress this enough), and only use your VSO as a second set of eyeballs and to scan and electronically send your claim. If the VSO recommends a "change this line for this" type of thing then that's fine. But under NO circumstances rely on a VSO to do EVERYTHING for you; you'll be disappointed. Three weeks after your C&P exam get back to that VSO so he/she can show you on his/her VBMS what the C&P examiner recommended so you can have an idea about what the decision may be. Put an intent to file and YOU WORK YOUR CLAIM. I went from nothing to 70% by doing what I just mentioned.
You are right, man.. I did everything myself and got me to 100 P&T. Mind you, I had all of the evidence to back my claim up. I see so many Veterans not wanting to do the work or, they are lying trying to get benefits they don't rate and get mad when they get denied. If you have the diagnosis and medical evidence to what you are claiming, it isn't hard to get the rating you deserve. But alot of Veterans want a VSO to go get that evidence for them, which isn't their job to do so. I even have helped an older vet go from 10 percent to 80 percent.
Hi Craig just to let you know I was at my Veterans office that works with Veterans in our town and had a great experience with him. I was at the office for a totally different thing and had just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer I noticed a message on his desk about compensation and he immediately got to work with forms and told me what else I needed, got my c&p exam appointment and with in about 3 or 4 months was 100% P&T, was very satisfied with his knowledge and efficiency. Just to let you know there are some good ones out there. Thanks for what you do.
Are you an Agent Orange victim? I assume this because various cancers are on the presumptive list, that is, caused by Agent Orange exposure. For an "Agent Orange" claim one only has to show service in Vietnam (easily done via DD214), and a doctor's "note" (diagnosis) saying you have a disease or condition that's on the VA's "presumptive list," Anyway, IMO you had a SERIOUS claim that the VA, on confirmation of service connection, quickly and almost automatically rates at 100% P & T. Not dissing your local VSO, but IMO your kind of claim would have had a 100% P & T result no matter who you went to for help handling your claim. I was in the same situation as you. My combat injury led to my VA neurologist's Ménières syndrome diagnosis, a disease that cannot be cured, gets worse, and eventually may lead to dementia. I handled the claims process myself after the VSO dropped the ball (e.g., after a five minute phone conv. the VSO e-filed the claim form, and did nothing else after that). On my own I sent the VA my supporting evidence (my daily Ménières journals, what the VA calls "Buddy Statements," and other hard evidence). End result: My claim, like yours, was decided 2 months later, rated 100% P & T.* * The irony of all this, despite my repeatedly telling the VA I was now handling matters myself, to this day they still have me being represented by my County Veterans Service Office, so it got CC'd on everything going back and forth between me and the VA. I suspect some Veteran Service Officer promptly took credit for his/her getting a Vet his well-deserved 100% P & T rating.
GREAT video Craig. I have been saying this for years. I got out at 50% in 2002 then took myself to 100% P&T in 15 years WITHOUT a VSO. I saw how they did a claim with 1 paragraph per claim. I do a Who, what, when-where and How cover page. It's who you are, what your claim is, when and where you were injured and stationed and , How it affects you daily and in your life and body & mind. 1 full page per claim. I'm a P.A and was an Active Duty Corpsman and it helped. I have helped about 6 people so far. All have gotten at least 60% with my system by themselves. I took one guy to 100% P&T with SMC. File all claims even if a non big ticket one. Hearing loss isn't a large one but can go to Tinnitus and insomnia or chronic fatigue claims. FILE ALL CLAIMS!!!!
I was in the same boat with VSO and quickly learned I needed to be my own advocate for my claims. Now I’m in the hundo club thanks to lawyers and watching Combat Craig
After my last encounter with my VSO last year, left a bad taste in my mouth, I decided that from here on out, I wouldn’t get any more help from them… I’m also handing my father’s case as well. Within two years , I manage to bounce my claim , from 20% to 40%, on my own… Listen to this man …
I have had multiple sh!ty VSOs. The one I have now is also a disabled combat vet. He has walked me thru the whole thing. I went from 30 to 90 in a short time.
I have a buddy who was using a VSO...named Cyndi Blake, who works for the VFW...and he was having problems getting to see the doctor. When he asked her for more help she stated im not paid to do more...and left him out in the old. My experience...VSO's, i general, "do as little as they can, as often as they can." I would argue that it is a very rare thing to find one who will go the extra mile.
Yeah, not all of VSO’s are created equal and I got lucky to have a good one! He gave me some suggestions that not only got me to 100% P&T but got me my SMC.
Absolute same thing happen with me three years ago I ask the VBA to fire my VSO sent me a form and sent it in but still tell this day the VSO shows up on my Benefit letters BLA BLA , Veterans you can OWN your on Claim , Thanks Combat Craig for your service and your YT channel.
I had a great experience with the VSO at the teaxs Veterans Commission. I was med boarded in June 2019 and only got 20% VA disability. They saw that my med board was done incorrectly. Within two weeks of seeing them. They had the claim process expedited, and within the two weeks, I was moved from 20 to 90.
Tip: If you get an adverse opinion from an NP or a PA or a social worker, and you didn't submit your own independent opinion, go get one from an M.D. or a full psychiatrist/psychologist. If the nexus is appropriate and reasonable, their qualifications will have more probative value and you'll win it on a supplemental. I did that for sleep apnea, I just had an ACE from an NP, so I got my treating physician ( M.D.) to sign an opinion and won it on supplemental claim. Sometimes, getting denied initially let's you know what their hand is... And a lot of times, it's not very good.
@@cidcampeador7922 Private. VA doctors are really hesitant to write a nexus. I have a private physician and bounce back and forth between them.and the VA as needed.
@@DopamineSink Thanks! That info helps add credence to the process I'm using. I'm going through my private Dr. also. The VAMC was plagued with incompetence, corruption and lack of accountability - in my experience.
Honorably discharged Sep 2004. First claim submission and denial was April 2005. Gave up due to not being informed. -Feb 2020 - 10% -March 2024 - 40% -May 2024 - 60 to 90% I advise all veterans to never give up. I’ve known since I was discharged I needed to be at 100%.
My VSO was paid by the county Veteran’s Services Office at zero cost to me. Was a champ. Fixed everything. Highly recommend a good VSO, but hard to find good ones.
Videos like these truly makes me realize im not alone with my battles of the VA's agents who keeps sabotaging & preventing me from getting my EARNED BENEFITS🤬! Thanks again & keep going. To show my appreciation, I shared, liked, & commented👍.
When i received my first initial rating, I used a VSO, and when i went in for my increase to 100% i used a VSO for that as well. I believe it all comes down to how much work you are requesting your VSO to do for you. Both times I came in prepared, and met my VSO halfway. I feel like many veterans expect their VSO to handle everything from start to finish. Keep in mind, majority of the VSOs out there are volunteered workers. If you come to them prepared, and you have the right attitude with them, they are extremely helpful
As always CC, great info! I was lucky with my VSO, she got me from 20% to 90% and TDIU with 7 years back pay at the 70% rating! CC you are truly here for the vets, thank you for everything you have done to help me get the know how to work my way through the VA system!!!!
When I retired in 2017, I met three vso, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with them, so I started doing the claim diy, and luckily I got 100% p&t with iu.
I went to a VA satellite office and talked to a rep about making updates to my dependents. She asked if I had any claims in. I said I did but I was working with a lawyers office. She said VSOs can help. I said I’m essentially under contract and can’t break it but I wanted to continue working with them. A month later I receive a letter from the VA stating per my request, the lawyers office was removed as my representative. I called the attorneys office and asked and they said they didn’t request to break our relationship. In the end I found out that the VA rep submitted the dissolution. She stated I asked her to do that. I said he’ll no I didn’t. Then she said it was in my best interest as lawyers take a lot of fees that wasn’t necessary. I reported her to the VA and she was mad but she could’ve ruined my claim timelines!
I had never even heard of a VSO when I filed my claim. After filing, I found Combat Craig and nailed my C&P exam going from nothing to 70%. The one mistake I made was hiring a law firm, and they did NOTHING for me, but help themselves to 20% of my back pay.
My brother and myself had 2 separate VSO as we lived in different cities. My VSO refused to work harder for my case or give me legitimate advise, just the words take what you got and be happy with it etc. My brother's VSO happen to be his wife's friend's husband. He invited them over for a BBQ one day and saw him playing lightly with his kids, he back doored him and wrote his own letters to disapprove him for further evaluation of shoulder pain etc after serving 3 tours in Iraq/Afghanistan. We both hired a lawyer (same one) to get us through. VSO's are not for you, they don't want to see you achieve anything meaningful and do NOT have your better interest in mind. Thanks for bringing this up.
I was discharge with a BCD for taking a drug to cope in 1995 after serving 19.9months I never knew I had PTSD untill my wife wanted a divorce. Car accident, F-111 crash very close to where I was doing an end of runway ck after watching you I had to start getting my shit together, i went to my VSO to claim injuries during my honorable enlistment contracts, he laughed at me but filed it with a cause “keep my claim open until I get a discharge upgrade" that was wrong. I was denied due too my discharge I'm not giving up I just turned 70 Craig thank you for keeping up up to date and giving us hope.
I fired my first VSO within a month. Got a better one who was a lot more on top of the things. I still had to educate myself and be on top of the things too. I also organized all my medical evidence for each claim I filed. This took a very long time going through 400 plus pages of doctors appointments. I could have done this without a VSO but felt it was beneficial to bounce ideas off and get feed back from. I spent an enormous amount of time and effort and got a good rating. As a result, I have peace of mind.
Back in1992to1995 the VA Was not ready for desert/shield/storm personal!!! FL!!!I had to fight till 2013to 2015 for rashes and hip replacement,thank God I found a navy /army vso to help me from 10%to 82%.working on the rest now and it's not going to take long do to the pact act .thank my vso's for there help. Any other vso , I would not be where I am.!!! Truth!!
Just got my decision letter today. Went from 30% to 80% by following your video's and boot camp. There were two claims deferred, pending medical exams. I filed a fully developed claim with nexus' and current symptoms from your medical team. The big claim, I went from 10% to 70% without a C&P for my depression claim, another one was granted with a 20%, and I had an existing 20%. With the two differed claims and a sleep apnea claim in the hopper! Thanks again.. Keep up the great work!!
Oh yeah, I've run into that. Yet, I've given two Vietnam era vets info to CC' channel and found out months later they never went further than their bitches, gripes and complaints. If you're not willing to help yourself, you can't expect others to carry you the whole way.
I used VSO's. It took me 18 years to get to 100%T&P. I never thought I would get better than 90%, but fortunately I got there through a combo of a decent VSO and self- advocacy. PACT Act was huge I got 50% for sinusitis and 10% for rhinitis and what put me over was finally getting rated for tinnitus 10%!!! Nothing to insignificant I guess. Keep fighting!
I went one time to a VSO, American Legion in San Diego, Ca. The guy who was marine veteran, told me that my claim will be denied by VA so I went home and mailed my claim package to the VA, one month later I got a C&P exam about the claim and a month after my C&P exams my claim got approved by the VA and I was given extra 10% SC. Since then I never went to a VSO again, never submitted a Nexus, only lay statements from my wife, did the claims myself, watched videos, submitted Intent to file, turned in my proofs after 10 months, twice, I'm now TDIU P & T and had big back pay twice.
I learned the hard way too. My VSO failed to submit the medical evidence on time. He tried again and still failed. However, with no time to spare before my exam date, and as a form of damage control, I linked the late medical evidence to the answers on the QTC questionnaire. The QTC questionnaire didn't give enough room to answer the questions in a comprehensive manner, so I had to type about 5 pages of answers with footnotes and copies of the medical evidence attached. The examiner seemed receptive to my efforts and read the medical evidence in front of me and actually gave me feedback. Later, I had to figure out myself how to submit the medical evidence to the VA after the exam and submitted it myself - no thanks to the VSO. I'm waiting on the outcome and am in the process of getting a nexus letter from my Dr. for the secondaries I will also be filing for.
First off your videos are very helpful combat Craig. They have guided me me on how to go about dealing with my VSO but all in all I have had a great experience.. one very important thing I learned was that evidence is everything my friends.. And my vso helped me understand that rite away.. I had no argument for the claims that were immediately dismissed... All other claims I have made though have proven to be true and I feel I have gotten treated well.. Good luck guys and God bless!!
I find that since the inception of VBA (not VHA), it has allowed for more layers and layers of BS [internal and external] representations. For instance, LAS [interchangeable with PCR]; VSR, RVSR, VSO, veteran law firms, clubs, and many more to hinder our ability to be properly compensated and rated. By the way, I used to be a LAS for the VBA. Of course, I am an Army Combat Veteran.
I've had assistance from VSOs when I needed it. I had a BVA hearing back in October, 2022. My VSO had a measure of rapport and credibility with the judge. I was on edge at that point over the entire process. Frankly, I didnt want him representing me at first . . . I can't thank him enough!
Combat Craig, thanks for putting out this information, everything you said here is exactly what I have been telling veterans that I've been trying to assist. I'm already at 100%, and often try to help other vets get their just due compensation. I got 30% in 1997 when I retired because I didn't know what I was doing when I filed my claims and didn't go back until 2019 after having a retired Army nurse do my claims via the 526EZ forms, then went to 70% in early 2021, but should have gone to 100%. Then I hired a company that knows how to navigate through all the VA madness and got to 100% a few months later in the same year. I encountered each one of those stumbling blocks you mentioned before getting to the finished line of 100%. Now, that I am informed with the knowledge of what you posted here, I can better inform those who I am trying to help. I just sent this video to a buddy who has been fighting the VA for some time now, surely he will see exactly what I've been saying about the VSO he has been using. Thanks-a-million!
Mine was 50 years. YOU helped me guide my VSO and YOU helped me join the Hundo Club and for that my family and I will be forever in your debt. As I've said before You Da Man;) thank you
You need to build a relationship with your VSO and get them to work for you. A VSO can get you copies of of documents you need including your past DBQ's without having to file a FOIA request. If you need to look at those documents to file a new claim, or figure out what went wrong a VSO can help. Your VSO will allow you to file claims you should not file, and they might not file things you should. A VSO knows how to file paperwork, they do not know what paperwork you need to file or what supporting documentation you need, that is your job.
I am due at the local VSO in Xenia Ohio at 0800, and this guy " Tim Espich " is like superman without a Cape. He Has a file nearing 3 inches thick, and we go in front of a DAV Judgement at 0830 . There's lots of medical diagnostics. That said, the worst VSO Officer on earth, trashed my Claim in Michigan Years ago. So if you go VSO it's probably a roll of the dice as to how good your Guy is. Good Luck to all of you Veterans and God Bless....
You said it best in a previous video. “VSO’s are a secretary.” They can file your claim & make sure forms are filled out correctly. But you would not ask your secretary for business advice. You are the brains of the operation, like it or not.
I had a friend who was retired with 0% and I found your channel a couple years ago and started sending him links to your channel and he’s now 100% P&T. I was still active duty when I found your channel and I retired last year and I was able to file a claim by myself because watching your RUclips channel taught me everything I needed to know and I am 100% P&T.. I had multiple injuries when I was active duty and medical was just pushing me through to get me back to work as fast as possible but after watching your videos I realized if I didn’t complain enough and get my injuries documented correctly in my records I would have a hard time getting my claim so I started pushing back hard and was finally sent to specialist and they diagnosed me correctly with conditions that are more severe than what medical was trying to diagnose me with. Thank you for taking the time to put all these informative videos together and I tell all our fellow veterans and active duty friends about your channel.
I have never been so stressed out by several VSO officers. I have just given up trying anymore. I had 2 broken bones while in service. I have hearing loss in my right ear. I have hypertension. I have had 4 heart attacks with 8 stents and a triple bypass. I have sleep apnea with uvula removed and still have apnea. I have had intestinal bleeding that I have swallowed a camera and they could not find the bleeding. I have also had 4 knee surgeries and no help there. Recently I have had a diabetic wound under my great toe which will not heal and my foot doctor says it is because of the bone is malformed,this is the one bone broken in service that is allowed 10 percent. The recommended treatment is to either amputate part of the toe or surgically grind off the bottom of the toe bone. I also have been awarded another 10 percent for hearing loss which is getting worse but I am very disappointed by all of the nod refusal’s and have pretty much given up. My doctor at the VA told me that she does not make any disability claims so don’t ask. I feel pretty defeated at my attempts to get disability rates from the VA. I am 62 years old and I have a sour taste in my mouth with all of this.
My VSO was fine. I've used the American Legion for all my claims. All of my claims have been approved but I had a ton of medical evidence. I really can't complain.
My first VSO, in 2017, didn't tell me I qualified for VA Pension, tell me that my Myasthenia Gravis was on the original presumptive service connected "chronic disease list", how to get my c-file, or I could file an "intent to file" in order get time to research my claim. Once I got my C-file, I could show in my Army eye exams that I was treated for double vision, a major first symptom of MG, while in the Army. After a 3year battle, I got 100% in October. I separated from the Army in July 1974. The bottom line is that VSOs don't have the time needed to fully research your unique set of facts.
I am working with a VSO which who is provided for by the VA. They got me 30% within five weeks for a particular condition. C&P two weeks after I filed and then three weeks approval after the C&P. The other conditions are still pending. I asked if that is good or bad and was told that it's actually good and that if they found a reason to deny me they would have already said so. Also, this VSO or should I say, VSO's have two offices right in my VA clinic. Everything is by appointment but they do take walk-in's as time permits. With an appointment, you are seen right at the appointment time. As a walk in, you wait. It's kind of like taking a flight with the military on the Space Available program, but you will get seen. Just expect a three to five hour wait. I saw a VSO yesterday about a situation and she took care of it within twenty minutes. She went into my military records about a claim I wanted to file but it looked like I was just rying to scam the system since I got out in 1992 and here it is 2023. She looked and to amazement found several entries in my records and what I wanted to file for was kn one of those entries and the entry was dated 1994. What!? She asked if I had been seen by my Dr for that condition and I said yes, for many years and she said, "Let's file the claim" and she had it all done within minutes. So, just on my end, the VSO's I've been working for have been great. And to get approved for what I did just three weeks after my C&P exam for that condition was short of a miracle. The second C&P is more complicated so I can see it taking a bit longer. Either way, I've had a great experience so far. And I will have to admit that everything I turned in and the steps that I followed came primarily from watching Combat Craig videos. The information a received from your videos was essential and made it very easy for my VSO's to submit the documentation which I already had in hand. So it was not just the VSO's, it was Combat Craig that had a huge part in all of this. I am now at 60% rating (lost 10% due to VA fuzzy math, we all know how that goes) and still forging ahead.
GM...Combat Craig. I am a 70% disabled Vet. You are right in your words when u deal with a VSO. To me, their job is to file my claim, not to give medical opinions. However, I tried you guys about 3 years ago and filed a claim for Somatic system disorder. Paid the fee to speak with your Dr....claim got file and it was denied because in short the VA told me that I have no mention of this in my VA file, no notes, nothing. In hindsight, that makes sense. My exp tells me to see your VA Dr. first, make your issues known to them FIRST b4 u work with VA Claims
I was let out of the Army in 1980 because of an ankle injury. Long story short, I exited the army before receiving disability for my injury thinking I'd have no problem getting disability for it later. Within a year after my discharge I re-injured my ankle. In 1985 I put in for disability and was denied. I received a letter saying I could appeal if I had more information. I was thinking they had all the information so I ended my case. In 2017 I talked with an old friend, turned out he had been a VSO. He told me to visit the American Legion and they would help me. This was the first I had heard of any help. They got me my ankle disability but only from 2017. I was never told to file a CUE to get retro pay back to either 1980 or 1985. Later talking with a lawyer, I was told I should have filed for a Cue. I have had three operations over the years on that ankle & because of an altered gate it has messed up many other joints. I was pissed off that I let this go so many years without doing anything. I decided I would research and try to get whatever I deserved legally. I was recently awarded 100% P&T! Al the information you need is on the net. If you deserve disability you shouldn't need to pay anything out of pocket!
I retired after 30 years, I used a VSO from the VFW organization. Active duty folks are NOT educated on how the VA works at all. Chances are that you have no idea about the VA until TAP class. My VSO was decent but didn't educate me on the rules of the field I was going to be playing on...I didn't know to get into the ratings manual and learn to "speak the language of my C&P evaluator". I got 7 service connected 0% ratings, because I didn't know how to verbalize my issues. I'm GTG now, but took me 5 years to get to where I should have been on day 1.
What I learned most from the Bootcamp is the VA is being meticulous in looking for reasons to deny your claim and you have to be just as meticulous with giving them good evidence not. It’s not the VSO claim it’s yours.
I couldn’t agree with you more I learned the hard way and then I started watching you and other videos and I educated myself how the system works. I did use a VSO but I basically knew what the VA needed to see and most importantly what I needed and don’t need to say to the C&P exams, and also I continued with my doctor appointments I learned thanks to you
I was lucky I had a great VSO and a great C P examiner I went from 10 to 90 in about 3 months. Had to drive about hour or so to the exam but well worth it
I don't doubt anything you say about VSO, but I will tell you my VSO was excellent, and she got me 80% off the bat(but I fell out of a helicopter doing our annual repelling @ Ft. Campbell). Then she went back in to get my right knee included, which got me to 100%. All were service related. Combat Craig I learned a lot from watching your videos, so I am also grateful to you.
How can we get the word out! To help Verterans not even go to VSOs, b4 they committ to someone like a VSO ? BC once they committ to a VSO thats going to, at the very least b a wasted YEAR! The VSO I had out of Hines VA Chicago was a real bastard! I had to deal with that piece of shit for 2 years! The only way I bc 100 P&T was bc of Craig! Everything I have is bc of Craig!!!! Thanks Craig, I know I dont know you, but I love you for helping me! Whenever I can now, be it, Wounded Warriors, or otherwise, I always help Veterans now, no matter how long it takes, bc Craig helped me!
my vso was amazing asked what i wanted to claim then scrubbed my medical history with me and added to my claim saying the worst they can do is deny. he was very nice and helpful he is located in GA.
@justongranger - I totally concur with you. My VSO here in VA was awesome. She was overworked but, never showed me less attention at anything when I wanted to challenge my claim. She was excellent.....
I fit the example you gave. I retired in 2005 but never filed for disability. I do have a few things I could file for, but I have never had any treatment from my current Dr. for any of the issues in my military records. Not sure what I would need to do to get disability.
I started with Texas Veteran team and Disabled Veterans, they helped me understand the process, then I learned how they worked, they was good because they was always on the phone with the VA Regional Office in Waco, I met them so much until I didnt have to driv3 to see them, unless they had questions for me.
The VSO I use has been OK so far. She works for the county I live in, I believe, in their veterans services division. When I went to her the first time, she asked me my issues and told me what I was going to need. Over the next several months, I worked on getting the stuff done she had mentioned, and took it back to her. For each issue, she always asked questions and told me what the VA would be looking for. On one of my issues, she told me it was going to be a long shot as I had told her the issue wasn't going to be in my records. I'm still working on trying to get a nexus letter done. She got everything submitted and I now wait. Just went in recently for a couple of C&P exams. I think there are some VSOs out there that are just not knowledgeable enough to do a good job, or they just don't like their job. There are some out there, though, that have a good amount of experience and want to help you as best as they can. The one I have is in the latter category. I do know there is a point where she won't be able to help me anymore. I think that is some people's misconception about VSO's. They are not lawyers, but they are free. Would a lawyer be best for you? Perhaps. Lawyers know the laws and what they can and cannot do. The problem I have with using a lawyer is they have to be paid. It doesn't matter to me that it would come out of the backpay from the VA if my rating is increased. That's the money for my conditions from my time in the military that I am having to deal with everyday. If you watch the videos from Craig, and others, you'll be able to get the same thing done without having to use a lawyer. He has some great tips and knowledge for getting you through the VA process.
All VSOs are not created the same ... I would recommend a County VSO over State. State VSOs are traditionally located in VA Clinics and Hospitals, plus underpaid and turnover seems to be higher than County VSOs. County VSOs (in my area) are more likely to do "Case Management" which means you can have a better relationship than with a State VSO. Just like all other jobs there are Good and Bad VSOs so if you are not happy pull your 21-22 (POA) and look for another VSO (if needed). Just my 2 cents! 🙂
I think the 'in service' evidence is huge. I thought all my stuff was lost having two "Field Record" Med folders in Iraq & Afghanistan, but apparently those and EVERY trip to the doc had some sort of note. I even remember not fully understanding why but hearing various people along the way say stuff like, "get that (censored) documented." It was stressful and a pain; I was no "Sick Bay Commando" and aways had a "F-Ton" on my plate but retrospectively I'm unbelievably happy I got stuff looked at b/c that stuff catches up to you as you age. The C&P Doc told me as I walked in, he had been looking at 500+ pages.
My VSO was awesome, and so where my c and p examiners.. they broke it down into understanding terms.. just told me what I need and what they needed.. guess im just lucky. But I was grateful for everything they did!
I know from experience that we do not need one, I tried reach out to them but didn't even get a response and was left hanging when I needed them the most. FYI watch out with "CLAIMS INSIDER" agency they have been found to be scamming the veteran community.
@@joseochoa7043 There are considerable complaints against them on the better business bureau, they overcharge veterans and the materials provided according to some veterans, we can do it on our own.
@@joseochoa7043 Veterans have complained they are given information that is readily available and also overcharge for it. simply put they don't do anything the veteran cannot do by himself
Hi Craig, I really enjoy your videos and they've been very helpful so far. I leaned on a VSO to start my claim process, but after that he went radio silent. No help prepping for my C&Ps or anything else. On the other hand, the medical personnel I've encountered for my C&P exams (both contract and VA) have been great. Not helpful (meaning not giving me hints on how to increase my rating), but definitely not trying to screw me over. I'm not finished yet and I believe the ratings I've received so far have been fair. Pisses me off to no end to hear how some vets are getting crewed over. I'm still full-time employed and once I retire I hope to perform some kind of assistance to vets to get through this process...maybe as a VSO! :)
I worked a couple of times with DAV. First time I got screwed. Second time, worthless. I finally hired Allsup. Sure it cost me a percentage of my backpay but with the DAV, I got to keep 100% of $0.
So far i have never met a VSO that did me any good and i have had two. The only claim that i had approved was COPD with ASTHMA the vso kept telling me not to put if for it but i told him to file it anyway. Everything he told me to put in for was denied and thevone i fought for was approved 30%. Im now doing my own 4 FDC claims myself with overwhelming evedence. :) looks good
I find that VSO's who are veterans don't like it when your disability rating is higher than theirs. My last two VSO's took a jab at me saying that I shouldn't expect my rating to increase because they didn't get it either when they filed. Fast forward a couple years later I'm now 100% p&t.
I think my VSOs sucked. One kind of filed everything in my records. I believe they would have done better to educate me about what I needed for my claims instead of throwing everything at them. My other VSO never did anything, I never heard from him. I didn't get anything until I started doing my own claims.
I used to try and visit a local VSO but every time I went, I would notice that veterans would return pissed 😡 or angry 😤🤬 because they weren’t satisfied with their results & make the veteran make another appointment just to seem them..🤦🏾♂️ …Combat Craig is absolutely 💯 % right or at least from what I’d seen on how most veterans are treated dealing with the VSO. If there are any good ones, it’s surely not enough of them
The VSOs I had in Minnesota were fantastic. Very responsive, very professional, very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the VSOs here in Florida are quite the opposite. Perhaps they are overworked, as there are many more veterans in FL than in MN. As a result, I have been taking my issues directly to the VA - with mixed success. I may seek your boot camp shortly.
My husband fit ALL the criteria and was encouraged to file for the pact act because he was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and has hypertension. Requirements: register over 200/100 blood pressure which is impossible unless he goes off medicine and strokes for them. 2. Must be obliged to take blood pressure medicine daily: he does. 3. Exposure to Agent Orange. He was exposed on the battlefield in Vietnam. 4. My husband had a stroke, fell, leg amputated. After 10 months with 3 medical examines with dodgy doctors, rating: ZERO. Service caused but VA is giving you zilch for meeting all requirements. 10 month wait. My husband is very depressed. His blood pressure went up higher. We have called the lawyers you recommended.
Most veterans with hypertension are rated 0%, The main benefit of being rated 0% for hypertension are the secondary conditions that can result. Such as stroke, heart attack, memory loss, ect. If your husband has had a stroke and is now service connected for hypertension, I would look into that claim. Sorry his health is not doing well, best wishes
I was sent to a VSO from a VA social worker. I went there for assistance and direction. The guy told me that it was all up to me and he was there just to send in the application. I left there pissed off and frustrated. No education or assistance from the VSO
I went from 0 to 100% P&T in 3 years, mostly by myself. The only time I used a VSO was to file a supplemental claim or higher level review, but all the legwork was done by me. I did a lot of research and studying other claims. I even helped my mom get over the hump from 90% to 100 P&T
@sunnindawg The VA publishes all high level appeals in .txt files. I usually looked up the condition I was trying to claim and search for those .txt files and looked at what they did right and wrong
🔵 It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
❇ SUPERCHARGE your VA CLAIM!
🤠 Sign up for Boot Camp www.combatcraig.com
We are trying to apply for Aid and Attendance. They say we make too much money and we don’t qualify. We worked hard to get our 100% P&T. Can you please help?
I joined combat Craig's bootcamp. I didn't know anything. I went from zero to 💯 in 9 months. I watched everything. Joined in on the group zoom talks. Filed an organized and educated claim. No BS. Thank you Combat Craig. Follower for life.
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Welcome to the hundo club 🎉
Well I’ve tried and get nowhere but the run around
Personally, I’ve had 3 great veteran services officers, who all helped me get from 80% initially out of service to 90% and then recently into the 100% club. They were all state/county representatives, so maybe that had a positive effect on my situation. Good luck out there everyone.
Same here man. 2 of them were in a different state. Guessed it is just the luck of the draw. My 2 cents. I think they’re understaffed and overworked. Not to say there isn’t bad VSO’s. They’re only purpose is to help file a claim/appeal and state benefits. It is up to the VET to get diagnosed, report symptoms and get the nexus
You were lucky. Ive dealt with 5 so far and all of them were garbage.
@@Marasovsgirl are you sure its them?
I had two great VSO"s. Helped get my private medical records inputted into the VA system so I was well prepared for my c/p exam AND got my claim expedited to VA claim person I went from a early 20 percent to 100 percent p/t
I used a county sponsored VSO after having a 20% rating for 23 years. He got me increased to 40% for my lower back L5-S1, and then he got me 30% for my right hip for a total of 70%. Oddly enough, my left hip was denied, even though I was diagnosed with bi-lateral AVN of the hips. My VSO has left the area for another job, so I'm not sure how I am going to proceed n moving forward with getting my left knee rated.
I used the Texas Veterans Commission and went from 0% to 100$ P&T in 3 and a half years.
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What county in Texas??
Texas has been the most vet friendly state I've lived in.
Where would I find something like that in Salem Oregon?
@@P8860NM has been great as well.
I didn’t trust my VSO AT ALL. From the first minute of the conversation it was clear that she didn’t give a sht about me or my claim. I thought about it for a few minutes, emailed her a no thank you, and moved on. I filed my own claim and am satisfied with the outcome. You are your best advocate.
I talked to a VSO years ago after I got a 0% rating. He looked over my stuff and said, "yeah, you're not going to get anywhere here. But at least you're rated at 0% so your kids get free college"
After talking to right people, watching this channel and doing my own claims on e-benefits, I'm now 100 T&P. I'm sure they help some, but not me.
At 0% kids DO NOT get free college. Only at 100% P&T. Not sure if you did a typo?
@@DaveyD71 www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/College-Fee-Waiver.aspx
Check plan B
@@DaveyD71 If it’s not a typo, then it’s another bad VSO again.
@@thethirdgeneration1738 I'm 0% and my kids are tuition free in California under CalVet plan B.
Ladies and gents, make sure you have the main three components (diagnosis, current symptoms, and nexus), fill out your paperwork, watch CC videos (I can't stress this enough), and only use your VSO as a second set of eyeballs and to scan and electronically send your claim. If the VSO recommends a "change this line for this" type of thing then that's fine. But under NO circumstances rely on a VSO to do EVERYTHING for you; you'll be disappointed. Three weeks after your C&P exam get back to that VSO so he/she can show you on his/her VBMS what the C&P examiner recommended so you can have an idea about what the decision may be. Put an intent to file and YOU WORK YOUR CLAIM. I went from nothing to 70% by doing what I just mentioned.
You are right, man.. I did everything myself and got me to 100 P&T. Mind you, I had all of the evidence to back my claim up. I see so many Veterans not wanting to do the work or, they are lying trying to get benefits they don't rate and get mad when they get denied. If you have the diagnosis and medical evidence to what you are claiming, it isn't hard to get the rating you deserve. But alot of Veterans want a VSO to go get that evidence for them, which isn't their job to do so. I even have helped an older vet go from 10 percent to 80 percent.
I had an incredible VSO (Town service officer) . She phrased my claim perfectly and got me from a hard 90% to 100% super quick.
Hi Craig just to let you know I was at my Veterans office that works with Veterans in our town and had a great experience with him. I was at the office for a totally different thing and had just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer I noticed a message on his desk about compensation and he immediately got to work with forms and told me what else I needed, got my c&p exam appointment and with in about 3 or 4 months was 100% P&T, was very satisfied with his knowledge and efficiency. Just to let you know there are some good ones out there. Thanks for what you do.
Are you an Agent Orange victim? I assume this because various cancers are on the presumptive list, that is, caused by Agent Orange exposure. For an "Agent Orange" claim one only has to show service in Vietnam (easily done via DD214), and a doctor's "note" (diagnosis) saying you have a disease or condition that's on the VA's "presumptive list,"
Anyway, IMO you had a SERIOUS claim that the VA, on confirmation of service connection, quickly and almost automatically rates at 100% P & T.
Not dissing your local VSO, but IMO your kind of claim would have had a 100% P & T result no matter who you went to for help handling your claim.
I was in the same situation as you.
My combat injury led to my VA neurologist's Ménières syndrome diagnosis, a disease that cannot be cured, gets worse, and eventually may lead to dementia. I handled the claims process myself after the VSO dropped the ball (e.g., after a five minute phone conv. the VSO e-filed the claim form, and did nothing else after that). On my own I sent the VA my supporting evidence (my daily Ménières journals, what the VA calls "Buddy Statements," and other hard evidence). End result: My claim, like yours, was decided 2 months later, rated 100% P & T.*
* The irony of all this, despite my repeatedly telling the VA I was now handling matters myself, to this day they still have me being represented by my County Veterans Service Office, so it got CC'd on everything going back and forth between me and the VA. I suspect some Veteran Service Officer promptly took credit for his/her getting a Vet his well-deserved 100% P & T rating.
@@FoundingRUclipsr-2005 I have a friend with the same story.
GREAT video Craig.
I have been saying this for years. I got out at 50% in 2002 then took myself to 100% P&T in 15 years WITHOUT a VSO. I saw how they did a claim with 1 paragraph per claim. I do a Who, what, when-where and How cover page. It's who you are, what your claim is, when and where you were injured and stationed and , How it affects you daily and in your life and body & mind. 1 full page per claim. I'm a P.A and was an Active Duty Corpsman and it helped. I have helped about 6 people so far. All have gotten at least 60% with my system by themselves. I took one guy to 100% P&T with SMC. File all claims even if a non big ticket one. Hearing loss isn't a large one but can go to Tinnitus and insomnia or chronic fatigue claims.
FILE ALL CLAIMS!!!!
I was in the same boat with VSO and quickly learned I needed to be my own advocate for my claims. Now I’m in the hundo club thanks to lawyers and watching Combat Craig
After my last encounter with my VSO last year, left a bad taste in my mouth, I decided that from here on out, I wouldn’t get any more help from them… I’m also handing my father’s case as well. Within two years , I manage to bounce my claim , from 20% to 40%, on my own… Listen to this man …
I have had multiple sh!ty VSOs. The one I have now is also a disabled combat vet. He has walked me thru the whole thing. I went from 30 to 90 in a short time.
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I love my VSO. She was amazing. Now sitting at 100% P and T. God is good, praying whoever reads this get the help they need!
Same
I have a buddy who was using a VSO...named Cyndi Blake, who works for the VFW...and he was having problems getting to see the doctor. When he asked her for more help she stated im not paid to do more...and left him out in the old. My experience...VSO's, i general, "do as little as they can, as often as they can." I would argue that it is a very rare thing to find one who will go the extra mile.
Yeah, not all of VSO’s are created equal and I got lucky to have a good one! He gave me some suggestions that not only got me to 100% P&T but got me my SMC.
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That’s clutch as hell to get SMC. Congratz. I’m at 90% still trying to get to 100%
@@KBreezy_ keep going man! You’ll get it
Absolute same thing happen with me three years ago I ask the VBA to fire my VSO sent me a form and sent it in but still tell this day the VSO shows up on my Benefit letters BLA BLA , Veterans you can OWN your on Claim , Thanks Combat Craig for your service and your YT channel.
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I had a great experience with the VSO at the teaxs Veterans Commission. I was med boarded in June 2019 and only got 20% VA disability. They saw that my med board was done incorrectly. Within two weeks of seeing them. They had the claim process expedited, and within the two weeks, I was moved from 20 to 90.
Tip: If you get an adverse opinion from an NP or a PA or a social worker, and you didn't submit your own independent opinion, go get one from an M.D. or a full psychiatrist/psychologist. If the nexus is appropriate and reasonable, their qualifications will have more probative value and you'll win it on a supplemental. I did that for sleep apnea, I just had an ACE from an NP, so I got my treating physician ( M.D.) to sign an opinion and won it on supplemental claim.
Sometimes, getting denied initially let's you know what their hand is... And a lot of times, it's not very good.
Did you use a private doctor for your sleep apnea or a VA doctor? Thx.
@@cidcampeador7922 Private. VA doctors are really hesitant to write a nexus. I have a private physician and bounce back and forth between them.and the VA as needed.
@@DopamineSink Thanks! That info helps add credence to the process I'm using. I'm going through my private Dr. also. The VAMC was plagued with incompetence, corruption and lack of accountability - in my experience.
Honorably discharged Sep 2004. First claim submission and denial was April 2005. Gave up due to not being informed.
-Feb 2020 - 10%
-March 2024 - 40%
-May 2024 - 60 to 90%
I advise all veterans to never give up. I’ve known since I was discharged I needed to be at 100%.
My VSO was paid by the county Veteran’s Services Office at zero cost to me. Was a champ. Fixed everything. Highly recommend a good VSO, but hard to find good ones.
Videos like these truly makes me realize im not alone with my battles of the VA's agents who keeps sabotaging & preventing me from getting my EARNED BENEFITS🤬! Thanks again & keep going. To show my appreciation, I shared, liked, & commented👍.
When i received my first initial rating, I used a VSO, and when i went in for my increase to 100% i used a VSO for that as well. I believe it all comes down to how much work you are requesting your VSO to do for you. Both times I came in prepared, and met my VSO halfway. I feel like many veterans expect their VSO to handle everything from start to finish. Keep in mind, majority of the VSOs out there are volunteered workers. If you come to them prepared, and you have the right attitude with them, they are extremely helpful
As always CC, great info! I was lucky with my VSO, she got me from 20% to 90% and TDIU with 7 years back pay at the 70% rating! CC you are truly here for the vets, thank you for everything you have done to help me get the know how to work my way through the VA system!!!!
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When I retired in 2017, I met three vso, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with them, so I started doing the claim diy, and luckily I got 100% p&t with iu.
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I went to a VA satellite office and talked to a rep about making updates to my dependents. She asked if I had any claims in. I said I did but I was working with a lawyers office. She said VSOs can help. I said I’m essentially under contract and can’t break it but I wanted to continue working with them. A month later I receive a letter from the VA stating per my request, the lawyers office was removed as my representative. I called the attorneys office and asked and they said they didn’t request to break our relationship. In the end I found out that the VA rep submitted the dissolution. She stated I asked her to do that. I said he’ll no I didn’t. Then she said it was in my best interest as lawyers take a lot of fees that wasn’t necessary. I reported her to the VA and she was mad but she could’ve ruined my claim timelines!
I had never even heard of a VSO when I filed my claim. After filing, I found Combat Craig and nailed my C&P exam going from nothing to 70%. The one mistake I made was hiring a law firm, and they did NOTHING for me, but help themselves to 20% of my back pay.
My brother and myself had 2 separate VSO as we lived in different cities. My VSO refused to work harder for my case or give me legitimate advise, just the words take what you got and be happy with it etc. My brother's VSO happen to be his wife's friend's husband. He invited them over for a BBQ one day and saw him playing lightly with his kids, he back doored him and wrote his own letters to disapprove him for further evaluation of shoulder pain etc after serving 3 tours in Iraq/Afghanistan. We both hired a lawyer (same one) to get us through. VSO's are not for you, they don't want to see you achieve anything meaningful and do NOT have your better interest in mind. Thanks for bringing this up.
Wow!! That’s lowdown! I bet there’s more cases of this out there we don’t know about!
I was discharge with a BCD for taking a drug to cope in 1995 after serving 19.9months I never knew I had PTSD untill my wife wanted a divorce. Car accident, F-111 crash very close to where I was doing an end of runway ck after watching you I had to start getting my shit together, i went to my VSO to claim injuries during my honorable enlistment contracts, he laughed at me but filed it with a cause “keep my claim open until I get a discharge upgrade" that was wrong. I was denied due too my discharge I'm not giving up I just turned 70 Craig thank you for keeping up up to date and giving us hope.
Keep fighting man🤠
I fired my first VSO within a month. Got a better one who was a lot more on top of the things. I still had to educate myself and be on top of the things too. I also organized all my medical evidence for each claim I filed. This took a very long time going through 400 plus pages of doctors appointments. I could have done this without a VSO but felt it was beneficial to bounce ideas off and get feed back from. I spent an enormous amount of time and effort and got a good rating. As a result, I have peace of mind.
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Back in1992to1995 the VA Was not ready for desert/shield/storm personal!!! FL!!!I had to fight till 2013to 2015 for rashes and hip replacement,thank God I found a navy /army vso to help me from 10%to 82%.working on the rest now and it's not going to take long do to the pact act .thank my vso's for there help. Any other vso , I would not be where I am.!!! Truth!!
Just got my decision letter today. Went from 30% to 80% by following your video's and boot camp. There were two claims deferred, pending medical exams. I filed a fully developed claim with nexus' and current symptoms from your medical team. The big claim, I went from 10% to 70% without a C&P for my depression claim, another one was granted with a 20%, and I had an existing 20%. With the two differed claims and a sleep apnea claim in the hopper! Thanks again.. Keep up the great work!!
My first VSO in 2007 was a Vietnam Vet and had a distain for me (OIF) I got 10% (now 100) and he said that I should be happy with that and go away.
That’s sad he feels that way. Very sad.
Yeah, some older Vietnam vets think because they had it worse, younger vets of OIF and OEF shouldn't get anything.
Yup a lot of those guys are clowns for sure man.
Oh yeah, I've run into that. Yet, I've given two Vietnam era vets info to CC' channel and found out months later they never went further than their bitches, gripes and complaints.
If you're not willing to help yourself, you can't expect others to carry you the whole way.
July 22, 2023 Just received the decision on my lower back claim. Used a VSO, received 100%. Was at 50+% disabled prior.
I used VSO's. It took me 18 years to get to 100%T&P. I never thought I would get better than 90%, but fortunately I got there through a combo of a decent VSO and self- advocacy. PACT Act was huge I got 50% for sinusitis and 10% for rhinitis and what put me over was finally getting rated for tinnitus 10%!!! Nothing to insignificant I guess. Keep fighting!
I went one time to a VSO, American Legion in San Diego, Ca. The guy who was marine veteran, told me that my claim will be denied by VA so I went home and mailed my claim package to the VA, one month later I got a C&P exam about the claim and a month after my C&P exams my claim got approved by the VA and I was given extra 10% SC. Since then I never went to a VSO again, never submitted a Nexus, only lay statements from my wife, did the claims myself, watched videos, submitted Intent to file, turned in my proofs after 10 months, twice, I'm now TDIU P & T and had big back pay twice.
I learned the hard way too. My VSO failed to submit the medical evidence on time. He tried again and still failed. However, with no time to spare before my exam date, and as a form of damage control, I linked the late medical evidence to the answers on the QTC questionnaire. The QTC questionnaire didn't give enough room to answer the questions in a comprehensive manner, so I had to type about 5 pages of answers with footnotes and copies of the medical evidence attached. The examiner seemed receptive to my efforts and read the medical evidence in front of me and actually gave me feedback. Later, I had to figure out myself how to submit the medical evidence to the VA after the exam and submitted it myself - no thanks to the VSO.
I'm waiting on the outcome and am in the process of getting a nexus letter from my Dr. for the secondaries I will also be filing for.
First off your videos are very helpful combat Craig. They have guided me me on how to go about dealing with my VSO but all in all I have had a great experience.. one very important thing I learned was that evidence is everything my friends.. And my vso helped me understand that rite away.. I had no argument for the claims that were immediately dismissed... All other claims I have made though have proven to be true and I feel I have gotten treated well.. Good luck guys and God bless!!
I find that since the inception of VBA (not VHA), it has allowed for more layers and layers of BS [internal and external] representations. For instance, LAS [interchangeable with PCR]; VSR, RVSR, VSO, veteran law firms, clubs, and many more to hinder our ability to be properly compensated and rated.
By the way, I used to be a LAS for the VBA. Of course, I am an Army Combat Veteran.
Its all wasteful and typical federal government horse crap!
I've had assistance from VSOs when I needed it. I had a BVA hearing back in October, 2022. My VSO had a measure of rapport and credibility with the judge. I was on edge at that point over the entire process. Frankly, I didnt want him representing me at first . . . I can't thank him enough!
Combat Craig, thanks for putting out this information, everything you said here is exactly what I have been telling veterans that I've been trying to assist. I'm already at 100%, and often try to help other vets get their just due compensation. I got 30% in 1997 when I retired because I didn't know what I was doing when I filed my claims and didn't go back until 2019 after having a retired Army nurse do my claims via the 526EZ forms, then went to 70% in early 2021, but should have gone to 100%. Then I hired a company that knows how to navigate through all the VA madness and got to 100% a few months later in the same year. I encountered each one of those stumbling blocks you mentioned before getting to the finished line of 100%. Now, that I am informed with the knowledge of what you posted here, I can better inform those who I am trying to help. I just sent this video to a buddy who has been fighting the VA for some time now, surely he will see exactly what I've been saying about the VSO he has been using. Thanks-a-million!
I manage to go from 0% to 80% TDIU without VSO OR any other kind of help. Just reading a lot about CFR 38, and how the VA works.
Mine was 50 years. YOU helped me guide my VSO and YOU helped me join the Hundo Club and for that my family and I will be forever in your debt. As I've said before You Da Man;) thank you
ya my own VSO about 15 years ago said to me "prove it you don't have a legal leg to stand on i'm not even filing it."
You need to build a relationship with your VSO and get them to work for you. A VSO can get you copies of of documents you need including your past DBQ's without having to file a FOIA request. If you need to look at those documents to file a new claim, or figure out what went wrong a VSO can help. Your VSO will allow you to file claims you should not file, and they might not file things you should. A VSO knows how to file paperwork, they do not know what paperwork you need to file or what supporting documentation you need, that is your job.
I think you are right to a great extent....basically, my vso's filed the papers I produced...
I am due at the local VSO in Xenia Ohio at 0800, and this guy " Tim Espich " is like superman without a Cape. He Has a file nearing 3 inches thick, and we go in front of a DAV Judgement at 0830 . There's lots of medical diagnostics. That said, the worst VSO Officer on earth, trashed my Claim in Michigan Years ago. So if you go VSO it's probably a roll of the dice as to how good your Guy is. Good Luck to all of you Veterans and God Bless....
Exactly my experience Craig. Getting to my 100 P & T was nothing but my determination to not quit and,,,,, Two Higher Level Appeals!
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You said it best in a previous video. “VSO’s are a secretary.” They can file your claim & make sure forms are filled out correctly. But you would not ask your secretary for business advice. You are the brains of the operation, like it or not.
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@@CombatCraigHow can I get SMC K to SMC L or R?
My company that helped me were all retired volunteer VSO's they got me from 80 to 100pt in 4 months...
I had a friend who was retired with 0% and I found your channel a couple years ago and started sending him links to your channel and he’s now 100% P&T. I was still active duty when I found your channel and I retired last year and I was able to file a claim by myself because watching your RUclips channel taught me everything I needed to know and I am 100% P&T.. I had multiple injuries when I was active duty and medical was just pushing me through to get me back to work as fast as possible but after watching your videos I realized if I didn’t complain enough and get my injuries documented correctly in my records I would have a hard time getting my claim so I started pushing back hard and was finally sent to specialist and they diagnosed me correctly with conditions that are more severe than what medical was trying to diagnose me with. Thank you for taking the time to put all these informative videos together and I tell all our fellow veterans and active duty friends about your channel.
I have never been so stressed out by several VSO officers. I have just given up trying anymore. I had 2 broken bones while in service. I have hearing loss in my right ear. I have hypertension. I have had 4 heart attacks with 8 stents and a triple bypass. I have sleep apnea with uvula removed and still have apnea. I have had intestinal bleeding that I have swallowed a camera and they could not find the bleeding. I have also had 4 knee surgeries and no help there. Recently I have had a diabetic wound under my great toe which will not heal and my foot doctor says it is because of the bone is malformed,this is the one bone broken in service that is allowed 10 percent. The recommended treatment is to either amputate part of the toe or surgically grind off the bottom of the toe bone. I also have been awarded another 10 percent for hearing loss which is getting worse but I am very disappointed by all of the nod refusal’s and have pretty much given up. My doctor at the VA told me that she does not make any disability claims so don’t ask. I feel pretty defeated at my attempts to get disability rates from the VA. I am 62 years old and I have a sour taste in my mouth with all of this.
I've had some good and bad experiences. Make sure you are involved with your claims. And you should be fine.
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My VSO was fine. I've used the American Legion for all my claims. All of my claims have been approved but I had a ton of medical evidence. I really can't complain.
I agree with you it is the examiner who does not help guess I am a new subscriber. Thanks Craig
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Combat Craig is helping veterans by producing new videos! Thank you Combat Craig. Keep rocking that hat.
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My first VSO, in 2017, didn't tell me I qualified for VA Pension, tell me that my Myasthenia Gravis was on the original presumptive service connected "chronic disease list", how to get my c-file, or I could file an "intent to file" in order get time to research my claim. Once I got my C-file, I could show in my Army eye exams that I was treated for double vision, a major first symptom of MG, while in the Army. After a 3year battle, I got 100% in October. I separated from the Army in July 1974. The bottom line is that VSOs don't have the time needed to fully research your unique set of facts.
I am working with a VSO which who is provided for by the VA. They got me 30% within five weeks for a particular condition. C&P two weeks after I filed and then three weeks approval after the C&P. The other conditions are still pending. I asked if that is good or bad and was told that it's actually good and that if they found a reason to deny me they would have already said so. Also, this VSO or should I say, VSO's have two offices right in my VA clinic. Everything is by appointment but they do take walk-in's as time permits. With an appointment, you are seen right at the appointment time. As a walk in, you wait. It's kind of like taking a flight with the military on the Space Available program, but you will get seen. Just expect a three to five hour wait. I saw a VSO yesterday about a situation and she took care of it within twenty minutes. She went into my military records about a claim I wanted to file but it looked like I was just rying to scam the system since I got out in 1992 and here it is 2023. She looked and to amazement found several entries in my records and what I wanted to file for was kn one of those entries and the entry was dated 1994. What!? She asked if I had been seen by my Dr for that condition and I said yes, for many years and she said, "Let's file the claim" and she had it all done within minutes. So, just on my end, the VSO's I've been working for have been great. And to get approved for what I did just three weeks after my C&P exam for that condition was short of a miracle. The second C&P is more complicated so I can see it taking a bit longer. Either way, I've had a great experience so far. And I will have to admit that everything I turned in and the steps that I followed came primarily from watching Combat Craig videos. The information a received from your videos was essential and made it very easy for my VSO's to submit the documentation which I already had in hand. So it was not just the VSO's, it was Combat Craig that had a huge part in all of this. I am now at 60% rating (lost 10% due to VA fuzzy math, we all know how that goes) and still forging ahead.
I had a great experience with my VSO.
Good to hear!
GM...Combat Craig. I am a 70% disabled Vet. You are right in your words when u deal with a VSO. To me, their job is to file my claim, not to give medical opinions. However, I tried you guys about 3 years ago and filed a claim for Somatic system disorder. Paid the fee to speak with your Dr....claim got file and it was denied because in short the VA told me that I have no mention of this in my VA file, no notes, nothing. In hindsight, that makes sense. My exp tells me to see your VA Dr. first, make your issues known to them FIRST b4 u work with VA Claims
I was let out of the Army in 1980 because of an ankle injury. Long story short, I exited the army before receiving disability for my injury thinking I'd have no problem getting disability for it later. Within a year after my discharge I re-injured my ankle. In 1985 I put in for disability and was denied. I received a letter saying I could appeal if I had more information. I was thinking they had all the information so I ended my case. In 2017 I talked with an old friend, turned out he had been a VSO. He told me to visit the American Legion and they would help me. This was the first I had heard of any help. They got me my ankle disability but only from 2017. I was never told to file a CUE to get retro pay back to either 1980 or 1985. Later talking with a lawyer, I was told I should have filed for a Cue. I have had three operations over the years on that ankle & because of an altered gate it has messed up many other joints. I was pissed off that I let this go so many years without doing anything. I decided I would research and try to get whatever I deserved legally. I was recently awarded 100% P&T! Al the information you need is on the net. If you deserve disability you shouldn't need to pay anything out of pocket!
Thank u for all u do! Lookin’ smokin’ hot CC!
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I retired after 30 years, I used a VSO from the VFW organization. Active duty folks are NOT educated on how the VA works at all. Chances are that you have no idea about the VA until TAP class.
My VSO was decent but didn't educate me on the rules of the field I was going to be playing on...I didn't know to get into the ratings manual and learn to "speak the language of my C&P evaluator". I got 7 service connected 0% ratings, because I didn't know how to verbalize my issues. I'm GTG now, but took me 5 years to get to where I should have been on day 1.
I did everything on my own never used a VSO or a DAV 100% P&T with TDIU 🤞🏾💯💯💯
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What I learned most from the Bootcamp is the VA is being meticulous in looking for reasons to deny your claim and you have to be just as meticulous with giving them good evidence not. It’s not the VSO claim it’s yours.
The VSO that I used for my initial claim was very good.
I won my claim be you Craig listening to you
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I couldn’t agree with you more I learned the hard way and then I started watching you and other videos and I educated myself how the system works. I did use a VSO but I basically knew what the VA needed to see and most importantly what I needed and don’t need to say to the C&P exams, and also I continued with my doctor appointments I learned thanks to you
I guess I got lucky because the two VSOs I've worked with were excellent.
I was lucky I had a great VSO and a great C P examiner I went from 10 to 90 in about 3 months. Had to drive about hour or so to the exam but well worth it
I don't doubt anything you say about VSO, but I will tell you my VSO was excellent, and she got me 80% off the bat(but I fell out of a helicopter doing our annual repelling @ Ft. Campbell). Then she went back in to get my right knee included, which got me to 100%. All were service related. Combat Craig I learned a lot from watching your videos, so I am also grateful to you.
How can we get the word out! To help Verterans not even go to VSOs, b4 they committ to someone like a VSO ? BC once they committ to a VSO thats going to, at the very least b a wasted YEAR! The VSO I had out of Hines VA Chicago was a real bastard! I had to deal with that piece of shit for 2 years! The only way I bc 100 P&T was bc of Craig! Everything I have is bc of Craig!!!! Thanks Craig, I know I dont know you, but I love you for helping me! Whenever I can now, be it, Wounded Warriors, or otherwise, I always help Veterans now, no matter how long it takes, bc Craig helped me!
my vso was amazing asked what i wanted to claim then scrubbed my medical history with me and added to my claim saying the worst they can do is deny. he was very nice and helpful he is located in GA.
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Where at in GA? I have limited time and working on my own is going to be slow
@justongranger - I totally concur with you. My VSO here in VA was awesome. She was overworked but, never showed me less attention at anything when I wanted to challenge my claim. She was excellent.....
@@CombatCraig fort stewart base his name is churchill
@@erichall3090 what a blessing i’m Glad it went well for you brother !
My VSO and her husband was Marine veterans. She was great.
Thank you Combat Criag. I had been fighting my claims for 30 yrs and just what from 0 to 90% services connected. Working for my 100% that I am due.
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I fit the example you gave. I retired in 2005 but never filed for disability. I do have a few things I could file for, but I have never had any treatment from my current Dr. for any of the issues in my military records. Not sure what I would need to do to get disability.
I started with Texas Veteran team and Disabled Veterans, they helped me understand the process, then I learned how they worked, they was good because they was always on the phone with the VA Regional Office in Waco, I met them so much until I didnt have to driv3 to see them, unless they had questions for me.
The VSO I use has been OK so far. She works for the county I live in, I believe, in their veterans services division. When I went to her the first time, she asked me my issues and told me what I was going to need. Over the next several months, I worked on getting the stuff done she had mentioned, and took it back to her. For each issue, she always asked questions and told me what the VA would be looking for. On one of my issues, she told me it was going to be a long shot as I had told her the issue wasn't going to be in my records. I'm still working on trying to get a nexus letter done. She got everything submitted and I now wait. Just went in recently for a couple of C&P exams.
I think there are some VSOs out there that are just not knowledgeable enough to do a good job, or they just don't like their job. There are some out there, though, that have a good amount of experience and want to help you as best as they can. The one I have is in the latter category. I do know there is a point where she won't be able to help me anymore. I think that is some people's misconception about VSO's. They are not lawyers, but they are free. Would a lawyer be best for you? Perhaps. Lawyers know the laws and what they can and cannot do. The problem I have with using a lawyer is they have to be paid. It doesn't matter to me that it would come out of the backpay from the VA if my rating is increased. That's the money for my conditions from my time in the military that I am having to deal with everyday. If you watch the videos from Craig, and others, you'll be able to get the same thing done without having to use a lawyer. He has some great tips and knowledge for getting you through the VA process.
I've gotten myself from 0%-80% with 5 things deferred I'm waiting on them to finish deciding.
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All VSOs are not created the same ... I would recommend a County VSO over State. State VSOs are traditionally located in VA Clinics and Hospitals, plus underpaid and turnover seems to be higher than County VSOs. County VSOs (in my area) are more likely to do "Case Management" which means you can have a better relationship than with a State VSO. Just like all other jobs there are Good and Bad VSOs so if you are not happy pull your 21-22 (POA) and look for another VSO (if needed). Just my 2 cents! 🙂
I think the 'in service' evidence is huge. I thought all my stuff was lost having two "Field Record" Med folders in Iraq & Afghanistan, but apparently those and EVERY trip to the doc had some sort of note. I even remember not fully understanding why but hearing various people along the way say stuff like, "get that (censored) documented." It was stressful and a pain; I was no "Sick Bay Commando" and aways had a "F-Ton" on my plate but retrospectively I'm unbelievably happy I got stuff looked at b/c that stuff catches up to you as you age. The C&P Doc told me as I walked in, he had been looking at 500+ pages.
My VSO was awesome, and so where my c and p examiners.. they broke it down into understanding terms.. just told me what I need and what they needed.. guess im just lucky. But I was grateful for everything they did!
I know from experience that we do not need one, I tried reach out to them but didn't even get a response and was left hanging when I needed them the most. FYI watch out with "CLAIMS INSIDER" agency they have been found to be scamming the veteran community.
DIY is the only way to go💯👍✅🇺🇸
Have watched their videos. How exactly are they scamming vets? Genuinely curious
@@joseochoa7043 There are considerable complaints against them on the better business bureau, they overcharge veterans and the materials provided according to some veterans, we can do it on our own.
@@joseochoa7043 Veterans have complained they are given information that is readily available and also overcharge for it. simply put they don't do anything the veteran cannot do by himself
@@joseochoa7043 They have 113 complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
Hi Craig, I really enjoy your videos and they've been very helpful so far. I leaned on a VSO to start my claim process, but after that he went radio silent. No help prepping for my C&Ps or anything else. On the other hand, the medical personnel I've encountered for my C&P exams (both contract and VA) have been great. Not helpful (meaning not giving me hints on how to increase my rating), but definitely not trying to screw me over. I'm not finished yet and I believe the ratings I've received so far have been fair.
Pisses me off to no end to hear how some vets are getting crewed over. I'm still full-time employed and once I retire I hope to perform some kind of assistance to vets to get through this process...maybe as a VSO! :)
I worked a couple of times with DAV. First time I got screwed. Second time, worthless. I finally hired Allsup. Sure it cost me a percentage of my backpay but with the DAV, I got to keep 100% of $0.
So far i have never met a VSO that did me any good and i have had two. The only claim that i had approved was COPD with ASTHMA
the vso kept telling me not to put if for it
but i told him to file it anyway. Everything he told me to put in for was denied and thevone i fought for was approved 30%.
Im now doing my own 4 FDC claims myself with overwhelming evedence. :) looks good
I did all my own claims and appeals. Your best advocate is yourself.
Yep mine hasn't done crap.
I find that VSO's who are veterans don't like it when your disability rating is higher than theirs. My last two VSO's took a jab at me saying that I shouldn't expect my rating to increase because they didn't get it either when they filed. Fast forward a couple years later I'm now 100% p&t.
I think my VSOs sucked. One kind of filed everything in my records. I believe they would have done better to educate me about what I needed for my claims instead of throwing everything at them. My other VSO never did anything, I never heard from him. I didn't get anything until I started doing my own claims.
Never spoke to a decent VSO mine wouldn't return calls. Just received 70% on my own.
Yup it took me 27 years to figure this out but all mine were also losers
No VSO is perfect. But I had a positive and negative experience while educating myself on Title 38. Educating oneself is the key.
I used to try and visit a local VSO but every time I went, I would notice that veterans would return pissed 😡 or angry 😤🤬 because they weren’t satisfied with their results & make the veteran make another appointment just to seem them..🤦🏾♂️ …Combat Craig is absolutely 💯 % right or at least from what I’d seen on how most veterans are treated dealing with the VSO. If there are any good ones, it’s surely not enough of them
The VSOs I had in Minnesota were fantastic. Very responsive, very professional, very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the VSOs here in Florida are quite the opposite. Perhaps they are overworked, as there are many more veterans in FL than in MN. As a result, I have been taking my issues directly to the VA - with mixed success. I may seek your boot camp shortly.
I did not have a great experience with ST. Paul VA. Minnesota was not a vet friendly state in my experience when I was living there.
@@P8860 I suppose it depends where in Minnesota. I was in a smaller town (Elk River), away from the Twin Cities.
My husband fit ALL the criteria and was encouraged to file for the pact act because he was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and has hypertension. Requirements: register over 200/100 blood pressure which is impossible unless he goes off medicine and strokes for them. 2. Must be obliged to take blood pressure medicine daily: he does. 3. Exposure to Agent Orange. He was exposed on the battlefield in Vietnam. 4. My husband had a stroke, fell, leg amputated. After 10 months with 3 medical examines with dodgy doctors, rating: ZERO. Service caused but VA is giving you zilch for meeting all requirements. 10 month wait. My husband is very depressed. His blood pressure went up higher. We have called the lawyers you recommended.
Most veterans with hypertension are rated 0%, The main benefit of being rated 0% for hypertension are the secondary conditions that can result. Such as stroke, heart attack, memory loss, ect. If your husband has had a stroke and is now service connected for hypertension, I would look into that claim. Sorry his health is not doing well, best wishes
@@tommartin5667 Thanks so much for the advice. Why would they push him to apply for Pact Act (false advertising) ?? Wasted 10 months. Thanks again.
My vso left me out to hang and I got to 80% on my own. My vso didn’t know about secondary and connected conditions and I got to 100% thanks to CC!
Lost my virginity to Combat Craig. Instant subscriber. 💯
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Got 50% for ptsd on my own without ever hearing of CC or what a vso was. I know I could've gotten higher if I had known about CC before hand.
I was sent to a VSO from a VA social worker. I went there for assistance and direction. The guy told me that it was all up to me and he was there just to send in the application. I left there pissed off and frustrated. No education or assistance from the VSO
I went from 0 to 100% P&T in 3 years, mostly by myself. The only time I used a VSO was to file a supplemental claim or higher level review, but all the legwork was done by me. I did a lot of research and studying other claims. I even helped my mom get over the hump from 90% to 100 P&T
Where did you study other claims?
@sunnindawg The VA publishes all high level appeals in .txt files. I usually looked up the condition I was trying to claim and search for those .txt files and looked at what they did right and wrong
My first VSO got me hooked up with 70%. The rest have been on me with a lot of help from a friend who is a lawyer.