20 years service in the navy, you are right. No time to go to medical for a simple pain. No record to justify my claim. They keep saying it's not on your record.
I was a pharmacy tech and now I know why they don’t want you to go to sick call… because they don’t want you to ever have a veteran’s claim. As a survivor, over 30 years later I can honestly say that it is so heartbreaking.
My first visit to the VA clinic last month, the funny male nurse asked, “Where ya been? You’re 65 years old, you didn’t just get separated.” 😂 True story.
When I was in the Navy in the early 80's VA claims where never talked about,we were belittled if you went to medical ,never provided an exit physical or questionnaire or nothing.I didn't find out about claims until 15 years after I got out.
I got out in 1985 as a Boatswains Mate and just started 10% tinnitus in 2022. It screams at me, I can't handle silence. Throws me off balance/nausea/headaches.
I was in the Navy for 20 years. If you went to sick call; you were automatically considered a female or a p#$$y. I did have to go a few times, when I was badly injured while performing my duties. These documented visits helped me get 100% P&T 16 years after retirement.
I was an AO I have all kinds of spine (my neck is documented)I had to have surgery on the the neck using my private insurance because I would have lost everything if I waited on the va and joint issues (Knee and shoulder documented) the va has mried the knee three times it is torn they said the would fix the knee they keep losing the mris. I am at 20% I really need that stack of awarded 0% raised.
@@dragonshoarddesign3094 I was .an AO also I'm 100P&T you just have to get a advocate to help it's possible remember you automatically get tinnitus, secondary to tinnitus is migraines and insomnia, you have back issues? Do you snore if yes sleep apnea secondary to your back injuries. Because of my back injuries I have ridiculopathy in my legs. Where the money is is the secondary issues so just letting you know
No active duty soldier or Marine or sailor or airmen is thinking of VA medical claims 30 yeas down the road. Their mind is on being a strong team member and pulling their weight.
When I was in Army Basic Training, I suffered severe stress fractures from running. I ignored not only my platoon Drill Sgt but every Drill Sgt in my command who accused me of malingering. I went to the TMC and ended up getting an MRI which showed my injuries. I took my medical report back to my Drill Sgt and First Sgt. They never said anything afterwards. I didn't care about how they perceived me. I was taking care of MY BODY. I suffered a few more injuries that affected my shoulders and knees. Army PT at that time was ridiculous. So many soldiers suffered from overuse PT. I couldn't take it anymore so before my ETS date, I transferred to the Air Force. After 14yrs of service I was medically discharged. I kept my medical records and submitted them along with my medical documents from my civilian doctors to the VA and as of 2023 my disability rating is 80%. I filed for secondary claims recently and I'm just waiting for their decision.
@@rexscipio3344I don’t think it’s that just they are very uneducated and ill informed if the VA/DOD disseminated info and educated troops properly leaders would be better informer
I was in the army from 74 to 77, got a back injury, went to the dr got told to take muscle relaxants. In 2012 the va dr told me my back had bern broken since I was in the army. I worked all my life and now the va tells me to bad you didnt get an xray back then. The compensation dr smelt like a old liquor store when he did my exam. I was only on his office for about 10 minutes. He didnt ask me any questions about my injury at all. Just mumbled the entire time. Thanks va.
I had severe sleep apnea and I wasn’t allowed to go to see a medic and it led to me becoming suicidal, but even though I’m 100% P&T, the VA won’t treat me for it.
That's what I told the lady that was interviewing me for my knee that you couldn't go to sick bay in the USMC in 29palms. It was always discouraged, you were called a sick bay commando. This lady told oh well you knew what you were getting into. Can you believe that!
I was a 0341 in the Marine Corps for 8 years and never went to sick call. Thankfully just yesterday after being out of the Corps for 20 years I got Tinnitus service connected on my first shot and I will be filing multiple secondary claims.
The other disgusting thing is that the only chemical exposures being publicized are the ones that camp lejeune when two of my duty posts in the army, where if you got a cup of water from the fountain the oil floated up to the surface and was very obvious
I was in a Ranger Battalion and we ate Motrin like it was candy. Both my knees are shot, along with my ankles and hips but the VA tells me jumping isn't harmful on the body.
I was encouraged not to go to sick call at my first duty station when I got a spinal injury. Toughed it out and eventually it broke me. Now it’s so severe I can barely do anything. In fact I’m diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Fighting for 100% right now.
Same, starting to have hip issues. Went to the doctor to have it checked out and they did X-rays. Showing signs of degenerative hip conditions. Wondering if it’s from all the hip throws and leg sweeps from the MCMAP and shifting body weight from fireman’s carry training for the combat readiness tests. Never went to sick call from the pain and self medicated with Motrin and icyhot
I got 10% from an L5S1 disk rupture while on active duty. It's been 17 years and I'm trying for a higher rating. I'm hoping to get to 100%. My back is shot, my loss of sleep related to that, the mental health issues and everything from taking meds for 17 years organ wise.
I was an 11B Infantryman. I filed for my right shoulder which was documented during service and also pointed out in my exit exam, my claim was denied with the VA basically stating too much time had passed. I’ve recently had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and preparing to do the left through OWCP. I dealt with the pain almost 30 years.
Go get what you earned I’m an 11b as well the government uses and abuses us so I don’t feel bad collected VA disability being a MG almost my whole career takes a toll especially on a small guy
You need a personal statement, grab spouse statement or family members, then contact anyone you served with and have them write about how you 1. Originally hurt it in mil and 2. It has progressively got worse and is not healed today.
Jesus I thought my story was bad. 7 years with “biceps tendinitis”. Had the event documented the day it happened in service. Had a scope and the found my shoulder looked like an exploded baseball.
I have severe sleep apnea and the e4 in charge of my life said she never heard of someone who couldn’t sleep and refused to allow me to see a medic, even on my own time.
I'm in the Guard currently and told them I have "ringing in my ears." The Medical personnel asked me 3 times if I'm sure and gave me a strange look like I'm full of 💩. This happened this year 2024
I work TDY for United States infantry board at Fort Benning and we use burn pitts in 1986 at Ft Benning. We burn anything we can get our hands including BDUs and web gear which is all loaded with pfas. We were abandoned in the field when I was working with the 25th Infantry testing out prototypes ( Bradley's).
Thank God, I'm at 90%! Took me 15 years to get there! Secondary issues have come up and i filed a claim. On one of my disabilities, it says Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA). after i filed a claim and got 80% on that 1 disability alone. Please make sure you keep ALL VA letters in a file box! ❤ I had 70% at one time. Had labs done at the VA. Some of my lab values improved and VA reduced my disability from 70 to 40%!
That is so scary. Im at 90%. My family keeps telling me to try for 100% but I'm so afraid my rating would be lowered. My family says, theres no way the VA would lower me knowing all I go through but no one knows how the VA works or why they'd bump down. I was medically retired. I didn't want to get out. My on duty injury progressed into a chronic pain syndrome and has literally ruined my life. The dr's at my board told me Id eventually be unable to work. I got a civilian job and worked for 6 years after my retirement. I was so proud of myself and wanted to continue. I was laid off. My boss told me I shouldnt be working and she was laying me off so i could receive severance rather than firing me and getting nothing. I'm so frustrated and life just feels hopeless at this point.
I've been out for 16 years and am now going for 100% after being at 10% for 8 years and then 40% for another 8. I met a guy at work who used a 3rd party and he recommended them. I'm waiting and they said I'll know anytime between a week and 4 months. Hopefully sooner
I was U.S.Army Cavalry, and a Bradley gunner. I filed a tinnitus claim ages ago, and they denied me smh I definitely get headaches/migraines sometimes, and I definitely suffer from panic attacks as well.
Your videos are a god send. All of my service records were confiscated by a 3 letter 3rd party in 1990 while I was in desert shield. After 3 decades Biden got me into the VA system. I am lucky enough as a Marine I have good relationships with several of my brothers in green to write buddy letters. As an aside, I asked the VA how I could file the PACT since my PC doc wouldn't send me to the clinics I need and she told me if I have the symptoms to just file and the C&P would do the rest. And that is exactly how it's going. I went from nothing to 90% and working on the last 10 but it's a struggle with zero records to use. Waiting on a buddy letter now to show location.
They keep saying you don’t need to go to the doctor when you file a claim anymore but yet here we are I file a claim and I need to get checked out by a doctor for pension and claims.
I personally know other Vets Soldiers & Marines that have given up because no matter the service records no matter the nexus from private doctors & even if they're paying all this money for help from a private firm or using a free source like VSO the VA keep denying all these Vets with real issues & documented diagnosis. It is utterly ridiculous & disappointing to see what these Veterans are going through
I am at 60%. 10% tinnitus + 50% for insomnia and anxiety. I started having migraines a few years ago. Filed a claim 4 months ago connecting it to the tinnitus. I hurt my back at Ft. Banning in 1984. Fortunately the Company Commander was standing right by me when it happened. I attached his letter to my claim as I did not go to the infirmy. We shall see how these two claims play out.
My knees were presumptive. I was a heavy machine gunner in a CAAT plt. I never went to medical for anything knee or leg related and I got 10% for each knee and 50% for ssd due to the knee pain.
Boom! Love to hear it. Too many folks get discouraged by denials to continue to try for it, which is understandable. They need to hear tales of victory like yours 🫡
I had the same answer from VA with a slight twist! The VA told me, left knee bad service connected but not left ankle. Then they told me Right knee good but right ankle bad! Oh and the back pain, not service connected!
Former 2nd Ranger Battalion Sargeant from the 1970s here. You are correct in our mindset back then, as well as units not wanting one to go to sick call. Broke 1 ankle and sprung the other on same jump. There were so many injuries that "cattle trucks" were called in to evacuate us. My medical records can NOT be found, VA has given me a 40% rating for combination of hearing loss and arthritis of the spine, hips and knees. Tried to get a higher rating with a law firm, went to C&P exam but was denied last March. My PCH is with the VA (he is one of the good doctors) and he got pissed. I have xrays from 2012 and 2024 Saw Dr. last week and he is sending me to a rheumatologist.
I unfortunately contracted a skin disease while serving in the Air National Guard. I did not have insurance and sought treatment from a civilian doctor. This happened in 1995 and decades later, my VSO said that I can file a claim. However I have no medical records from that time and years later having been treated and left the practice, they disposed of my medical records. I am have asked 2 doctors to write a nexus letter for me and the answer is no because they don't have evidence of my history other than what I tell them, so how can they ethically state that it is service connected?
So, let me understand this. I served 24 yrs active combined with reserve, I was stationed at Shemya on a radar site, with thst constant hum leaving with ear ringing; I was aeromedical for 14.5 years, lifting patients in mass casualties, training in CMRT, I have lower back pain and constant rotator cuff pain, and "anxiety" is in my VA record. I was told that none of this is service connected. Yet, we are perfectly healthy before going in, verified at MEPS. There is a possibility of attaining disability claim?
This was interesting to hear. However, I’m having no luck with PACT ACT. Chronic sinuous has been documented in my military medical record since 1994, and each year I still have a flare up. I have presented all sinus issues from 1994 to present and still get denied. The VA has already told me that I was in the area. I even went and highlighted the antibiotics that are issued to me.
As per your DD-214, in fields 20 and 20a, your unit is legally obligated to send copies of your records to the VA. Unfortunately, I don't know how to use that in your favor if your unit and the VA has failed to do so, as lack of documentation can make things more difficult.
I am 10% Tinnitus and have sleep apnea that I didn't know I had while active duty. Can sleep apnea be secondary to Tinnitus. I got out in 1993 but didn't get diagnosed with sleep apnea until 2006 by the VA so they didn't approve my sleep apnea claim. Thanks
My dad served, by way of draft, during the Vietnam era and he never went to sick hall and he regrets not going now because of his injuries, but it was not a good thing to go to sick hall.
I don’t understand hardly anything about VA benefits. I hear a lot of people get 100% disability automatically . It’s taken me over 40 years just to get in the VA hospital. Wants I was in finally it scared the crap out of me every one nurses, Doctors,staff members are so kind to me. I’m not used to being treated like that. Hopefully I will start getting benefits I’m new at your out reach for vets Thank you for posting
I had an accident on the pier in 89. Hit my knee and head, told them I can hear you. It I can’t see you literally everything was black, but I wasn’t bleeding so, your all right 5 days physical therapy for the knee then get back to work . Knee has never been right since. And I’ve got neurological issues no one can explain
Jordan I was in the army 1986 basic training, doing a 18 mile road march, full gear ended up with stress fracture in hips and shin splints. Took me 35 years to finally get my medical records. Went through physical therapy for my hips. They are still hurting to this day. How can I reach out to you?
Encourage? Bro they straight up called you a curse word if you ask for medical care. I recall going to the field with a completely broken ankle which swelled up like a balloon!
im sitting here just now learning so many of my issues are likely tied to my service. So many debilitating things that make me feel like i'm abnormal so I don't talk about them or seek any real help. Last time I sought help, I was kicked off a deployment that was worth enough to get me back on track, so rather than continuing getting the help I needed, I shut down because why risk my career. it's disgusting what some go through and what we are told. How many suffer for their entire lives with issues and just never get any help for it?
Im presumptive for mental health,since the c&p examiner diagnosed me at the exam (38 usc section 17)I only qualify for services (therapy)Im doing a supplemental claim now!
Another semi-presumable resource, VA Training Letter 07-04: Medical Consequences of Diving. Just here to share the knowledge, see if it applied. Thanks for the videos
I served in the army and was chaptered out in 1997. My MOS was 63E-M1A1 Abram’s Tank Systems Mechanic. I stayed in the rear when we had orders for Guantanamo Bay. I only did Bivuac at Ft Irwin. I don’t really have any medical conditions but I was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and did have an episode when I was in the service in front of my NCO and went AWOL-desertion the very next day. For that I was chaptered out. Is there any hope for me for a claim?
I was able to go to sick call during road marches and my feet hurt badly. The doctor told me if I come back again he was going to send me home. Road marches continued and I went back to sick call and I was sent home. He even mentioned surgery. He stopped me from doing any further PT, road marches, running and standing etc. I don’t even know where to began but I did make an appointment to a podiatrist for next week. Flat feet has affected me working certain jobs. Do your templates cost?
Lol Infantryman, AG and SAW gunner for a good portion of that time, then I became a Aeromedical Flight Evacuation Tech with the AF Reserves and they said my hearing loss and tinnitus isn't service connected. 2 Jobs with a ton of loud noise and they just automatically rejected me for those.
What about Schizophrenia? I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia but didn't get seen in the military because my supervisors told me since I was in charge of the supply room I had to stay with my supply room. They didn't trust my soldiers under me. Also, I knew if I went to the doctor that everybody would know about hearing voices. I went through 15 jobs in 14 months, 5 wives, and couldn't get anything going in my life. After years of self prescribing my own alcohol and drug cocktails I went to a VA and got diagnosed. I need help. If you ca , I wish you would. Mt case manager sent a letter saying it most likely happened while I was in the military and my brother sent in a letter also yet I got declined. What else can I do?
I remember one time fast roping out of a helicopter and my feet came apart. I slid down that rope and landed on both feet. Next thing you know the first sgt said leave him there so he learns. My back and knees were killing me. No documentation at all.
It was always frowned upon to even ask for a pass to sickbay. Automatic office hrs for going without a chit. ER visits with hospitalizations resulting in charges of AWAL.
I was a cook. Regularly exposed to fumes from the burners and the loud noises in the field kitchens and standing for 15+ hours a day regularly in those black "safty boots" all took a toll on me. Ive been dreading dealing with the VA as i only have about 6 months left.
I recommend bringing your medical record both va and inservice to your C&P and X-rays if it’s related to your disability, my rater sent the wrong documents over - having mine on hand saved me a wasted year and a half
I was an 0311 in the Marines, and my va claims were denied for feet and knee issues. The VA said, "An approved event occurred in service" and "you were diagnosed with a disability" but they still denied it. I did personal statements from myself, and from fellow Marines there. And they still denied it. They said "I waited too long to get an official diagnosis. Any suggestions?
I have been denied over and over since 2018 for for asthma due to breathing fine particulate matter in the Enginers in Vietnam, whereas Gulf War veterans get immediate presumtive ratings for the same nexus. So much for the Pact Act. Likewise It took me nearly twenty years to get the VA to award me a tenitus rating, when even the VA audiologist told them it was service connected. The VA has one objective - protract delay until as many Veterans die as possible to reduce compensations. That is their history. Don't be fooled. But, thank you for your service.
I'm currently rated at 10% for tennitus in which I experience insomnia and migraine headaches more than ever now. I also have other documented medical issues including knee issues in which I reported to the DAV years ago in which they have seemed to ignore. Now I am having many complications. in addition, I've been extremely fatigued since my departure Navy active duty service. I just shrugged it off as if something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life...now I'm paying for it! And yes, I was frequently discouraged from going to medical like many to avoid the label of "sickbay commando".
VA refuses to service connect my right knee being messed up even though I dislocated it in Afghanistan .. The PA, we were assigned when we got back, lost volume 1 of my medical record which had my knee injury in it, so there is no proof of it being service connected, unfortunately. They also wont service connect my COPD with the PACT act due to the fact Im a smoker.
I’m diagnosed with ptsd from my doctor and physiologist from the va but I was denied ptsd saying not service connected ) I didn’t write a statement in support of claim . Could that be the sole reason for denial? If so how can I get a solid statement written by your team and how much would that cost me
Jordan, I worked in the Pentagon in the early 90's when they were doing asbestos removal right outside of my office. I'm curious if that would potentially qualify under the pact act.
Is there a condition for just low back pain? I had an organization help me file my claim and the put down disc degenerative disease for one of my claims. I didn’t give it much thought until I got denied a third time. Then I wondered why did they identify me with this condition. I have 2 incidents on active duty hurting my back and for the life of me I can’t get service connected. I’ve also been seeing doctors and chiropractors since I left service.
Some of you are saying is right we were playing football and i got tackle from behind he hurt my back but i dint go to sickbay he wheigh like 60 lb more .and it hurt for days and here iam with back pain got denied for that one.
Dude right, but I'm going to the VA and they are giving me a clean bill of health for my conditions. Now the VA is saying there is nothing wrong with me.
Love the videos wanted to ask I started getting mental health help two months from discharge of the Army. A piece of an antenna element broke and impaled my right hand. Va rated me 10% but I kept going for mental health help since 1999 and still go to this day. I never new of all these service connections recently got a 70 percent mental health rating but it only went back for the standard day of filing which is two years back. Is there anyway to claim it back further? I wish I knew about these service connections sooner. I only found out because my father passed away 3 years ago and a buddy of mine told me about va claims at his funeral.
yup my migraine secondary was denied by a PA because she dug into my medical records and stated not service connected because i never went to sick call for a migranie. She totally threw out my MD nexus. I lawyered up and they worte a very detailed letter that shreddred her stupid denial. its been 2 months since the laywers filed the HLR so have a few more months to wait.
Hi hurt my back , I was attached with 10th special forces for one year and half I was running every day with rucksack 6 miles and I never went to sick call for the situation I was I didn’t sign to be with this unit and every 3 months I have road march 12 miles Les in 2 hours so what I can du know and I have spinal issue
1. Open intent to file, then Make sure your back treatment is up to date 2. Write a personal statement 3. Obtain a nexus letter from a back specialist preferably 4. Submit your claim
I submitted my claim for Polycytemia Vera with the JAK2 mutation 0ver a year ago. VA has proven I have cancer, was in Thailand during the Vietnam War where they sprayed Agent orange around the Perimeter of Nakon Phenom. As of this date, VA has yet to connect the cancer I have with Agent orange as the cause.😢
A lot of people avoided going to medical to complain about x or y for fear that they would get disqualified from their duties.
Or had a Platoon Sgt. like mine who told you: "suck it up and move soldier, we got no time for complaints".
100% my whole time in. If you’re not pushing through the pain you were weak and a pos
I just don't like being told something is wrong with me
Mine was the fear of being called soft. Lets be honest when did you really have time to go to the doctor.
20 years service in the navy, you are right. No time to go to medical for a simple pain. No record to justify my claim. They keep saying it's not on your record.
I was a pharmacy tech and now I know why they don’t want you to go to sick call… because they don’t want you to ever have a veteran’s claim. As a survivor, over 30 years later I can honestly say that it is so heartbreaking.
Wow heartbreaking indeed if that's the case. Thanks for sounding off
A lot of us didn't know that while we served either. We would of had a whole lot more documented.
Is that why on my Genesis when they wrote the report, they write things I never said, or make assumptions?
That is not why lol
@@lifeforgod07 then why?
My first visit to the VA clinic last month, the funny male nurse asked, “Where ya been? You’re 65 years old, you didn’t just get separated.” 😂 True story.
Our sgt always said, "Sick call, fallout ladies, sick, lame, and lazy".
My 1st Sgt always yelled "Sick call, gimme all the sick, lame, lazy, crippled, blind, and crazy!".
I remember them days, they would make you feel bad and embarrassed for going to sick call.
That’s the army I came in. Never thought of it as bad, until now damn near 20 years later, it was VERY toxic back then
But I bet he's trying to get VA benefits now
@@BarryMcConnellThey must teach them that in the training…smh
This was a way of life. You never go on sick call. Jus the way it was
My sgt in Iraq forced us to go. Thank god for him. I cursed him out back then. 😅
When I was in the Navy in the early 80's VA claims where never talked about,we were belittled if you went to medical ,never provided an exit physical or questionnaire or nothing.I didn't find out about claims until 15 years after I got out.
I got out in 1985 as a Boatswains Mate and just started 10% tinnitus in 2022. It screams at me, I can't handle silence. Throws me off balance/nausea/headaches.
I was in the Navy for 20 years. If you went to sick call; you were automatically considered a female or a p#$$y. I did have to go a few times, when I was badly injured while performing my duties. These documented visits helped me get 100% P&T 16 years after retirement.
Bro, how could we get our old A.D. medical records so I could see how all the conditions that I'm going through started?
Just being in the navy you’re considered a pussy😂
You were in the navy-you were already a pu$$y regardless of going to sick call 😳
I was an AO I have all kinds of spine (my neck is documented)I had to have surgery on the the neck using my private insurance because I would have lost everything if I waited on the va and joint issues (Knee and shoulder documented) the va has mried the knee three times it is torn they said the would fix the knee they keep losing the mris. I am at 20% I really need that stack of awarded 0% raised.
@@dragonshoarddesign3094 I was .an AO also I'm 100P&T you just have to get a advocate to help it's possible remember you automatically get tinnitus, secondary to tinnitus is migraines and insomnia, you have back issues? Do you snore if yes sleep apnea secondary to your back injuries. Because of my back injuries I have ridiculopathy in my legs. Where the money is is the secondary issues so just letting you know
No active duty soldier or Marine or sailor or airmen is thinking of VA medical claims 30 yeas down the road. Their mind is on being a strong team member and pulling their weight.
The motto that they ALWAYS drill in our heads was "SUCK IT UP buttercup!!!", especially if you’re in a #GruntUnit.
😢 That’s exactly what the issue is for lots of us.
Exactly
Right, you only start thinking of it once they hand you that DD-214
Took me 20yrs to finally submit my claim. I only got 10% but im working on other things.
When I was in Army Basic Training, I suffered severe stress fractures from running. I ignored not only my platoon Drill Sgt but every Drill Sgt in my command who accused me of malingering. I went to the TMC and ended up getting an MRI which showed my injuries. I took my medical report back to my Drill Sgt and First Sgt. They never said anything afterwards. I didn't care about how they perceived me. I was taking care of MY BODY. I suffered a few more injuries that affected my shoulders and knees. Army PT at that time was ridiculous. So many soldiers suffered from overuse PT. I couldn't take it anymore so before my ETS date, I transferred to the Air Force. After 14yrs of service I was medically discharged. I kept my medical records and submitted them along with my medical documents from my civilian doctors to the VA and as of 2023 my disability rating is 80%. I filed for secondary claims recently and I'm just waiting for their decision.
Sorry. Some of these NCO's are empty heads.
@@rexscipio3344I don’t think it’s that just they are very uneducated and ill informed if the VA/DOD disseminated info and educated troops properly leaders would be better informer
Your training jacket will show what hazardous materials you used. TCE cleaning solvent etc is listed in the pact act
I was in the army from 74 to 77, got a back injury, went to the dr got told to take muscle relaxants. In 2012 the va dr told me my back had bern broken since I was in the army. I worked all my life and now the va tells me to bad you didnt get an xray back then. The compensation dr smelt like a old liquor store when he did my exam. I was only on his office for about 10 minutes. He didnt ask me any questions about my injury at all. Just mumbled the entire time. Thanks va.
I had severe sleep apnea and I wasn’t allowed to go to see a medic and it led to me becoming suicidal, but even though I’m 100% P&T, the VA won’t treat me for it.
That's what I told the lady that was interviewing me for my knee that you couldn't go to sick bay in the USMC in 29palms. It was always discouraged, you were called a sick bay commando. This lady told oh well you knew what you were getting into. Can you believe that!
Which exam company?
@@eQuariuz it was at the Va hospital in Phoenix Az
I was a 0341 in the Marine Corps for 8 years and never went to sick call. Thankfully just yesterday after being out of the Corps for 20 years I got Tinnitus service connected on my first shot and I will be filing multiple secondary claims.
I was 0311 and I remember the company commander telling the entire company they can't go to sick hall after we got back from Iraq
Thank You! I Served in 1991 Desert Storm & I was around Burn Pits, Twice!!
The other disgusting thing is that the only chemical exposures being publicized are the ones that camp lejeune when two of my duty posts in the army, where if you got a cup of water from the fountain the oil floated up to the surface and was very obvious
I had my c and p exam today for an increase. Your videos helped a lot.
Amazing to hear @Seductruss I know you knocked it out of the park 😊
Thank you for advice! I'm at 70% and with your guidance I have a plan!
Great to hear Mike! Get after it
i received your custom templates for my conditions they will be a game changer for my claims.. thank you..
Love to hear it Steve, they’re quite potent
Are the templates available to everyone?
How can i get a template@@vaclaimsacademy
How much are the templates
I was in a Ranger Battalion and we ate Motrin like it was candy. Both my knees are shot, along with my ankles and hips but the VA tells me jumping isn't harmful on the body.
Battalion Admin is no joke
I have knee and ankles issues and nobody can tell me jumping isn't harmful...101st Airborne
@michaelhaney71 if i could go back in time i would not of went with the 82nd it has ruined my life with endless pain.
Motrin, Asprin, Aleeve....."Light Fighters Candy!"
Harmful to the🧠
I was encouraged not to go to sick call at my first duty station when I got a spinal injury. Toughed it out and eventually it broke me. Now it’s so severe I can barely do anything. In fact I’m diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Fighting for 100% right now.
Same, starting to have hip issues. Went to the doctor to have it checked out and they did X-rays. Showing signs of degenerative hip conditions. Wondering if it’s from all the hip throws and leg sweeps from the MCMAP and shifting body weight from fireman’s carry training for the combat readiness tests. Never went to sick call from the pain and self medicated with Motrin and icyhot
@@ajosborn81 I wouldn’t doubt it.
Me too been trying over 10 years now
I got 10% from an L5S1 disk rupture while on active duty. It's been 17 years and I'm trying for a higher rating. I'm hoping to get to 100%. My back is shot, my loss of sleep related to that, the mental health issues and everything from taking meds for 17 years organ wise.
@@Mutt1952that is so frustrating and pisses me off!
I was an 11B Infantryman. I filed for my right shoulder which was documented during service and also pointed out in my exit exam, my claim was denied with the VA basically stating too much time had passed. I’ve recently had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and preparing to do the left through OWCP. I dealt with the pain almost 30 years.
You need to get the grandmaster plan on VA claims academy it’s a game changer Jordan is very knowledgeable of the ins and outs never too late
Go get what you earned I’m an 11b as well the government uses and abuses us so I don’t feel bad collected VA disability being a MG almost my whole career takes a toll especially on a small guy
@@jordanjaneiro354
I will check it out. Thanks.
You need a personal statement, grab spouse statement or family members, then contact anyone you served with and have them write about how you 1. Originally hurt it in mil and 2. It has progressively got worse and is not healed today.
Jesus I thought my story was bad. 7 years with “biceps tendinitis”. Had the event documented the day it happened in service. Had a scope and the found my shoulder looked like an exploded baseball.
Great video, I was in the Army 11B 1977, and ran PT in combat boots for two entire years until the Army wised up. my knees are shot
I have severe sleep apnea and the e4 in charge of my life said she never heard of someone who couldn’t sleep and refused to allow me to see a medic, even on my own time.
I'm in the Guard currently and told them I have "ringing in my ears." The Medical personnel asked me 3 times if I'm sure and gave me a strange look like I'm full of 💩. This happened this year 2024
We always had it held against us in the 90's if we went to sick call. I was in a car wreck on the flightline and didn't go. I had a jet to work on.
Funny how burn pits were only dangerous during the gulf wars.
Agreed. Been waiting to see any changes on that.
Exactly!! We literally would eat sleep drink and lived with jet fuel and diesel fuel fumes 24/7 we burned trash in the field even in garrison
I work TDY for United States infantry board at Fort Benning and we use burn pitts in 1986 at Ft Benning. We burn anything we can get our hands including BDUs and web gear which is all loaded with pfas. We were abandoned in the field when I was working with the 25th Infantry testing out prototypes ( Bradley's).
I did 3.5 deployments on carrier flight decks. I was exposed to absurd noise. We ran out of foamies at one point.
Thank God, I'm at 90%! Took me 15 years to get there! Secondary issues have come up and i filed a claim. On one of my disabilities, it says Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA). after i filed a claim and got 80% on that 1 disability alone. Please make sure you keep ALL VA letters in a file box! ❤ I had 70% at one time. Had labs done at the VA. Some of my lab values improved and VA reduced my disability from 70 to 40%!
That is so scary. Im at 90%. My family keeps telling me to try for 100% but I'm so afraid my rating would be lowered. My family says, theres no way the VA would lower me knowing all I go through but no one knows how the VA works or why they'd bump down. I was medically retired. I didn't want to get out. My on duty injury progressed into a chronic pain syndrome and has literally ruined my life. The dr's at my board told me Id eventually be unable to work. I got a civilian job and worked for 6 years after my retirement. I was so proud of myself and wanted to continue. I was laid off. My boss told me I shouldnt be working and she was laying me off so i could receive severance rather than firing me and getting nothing. I'm so frustrated and life just feels hopeless at this point.
I've been out for 16 years and am now going for 100% after being at 10% for 8 years and then 40% for another 8.
I met a guy at work who used a 3rd party and he recommended them. I'm waiting and they said I'll know anytime between a week and 4 months. Hopefully sooner
Can you help me start to file a claim? I don't know how to start. 😢
I was U.S.Army Cavalry, and a Bradley gunner. I filed a tinnitus claim ages ago, and they denied me smh I definitely get headaches/migraines sometimes, and I definitely suffer from panic attacks as well.
Hello Jordan, Great video! Thank You for all you do
Your videos are a god send. All of my service records were confiscated by a 3 letter 3rd party in 1990 while I was in desert shield. After 3 decades Biden got me into the VA system. I am lucky enough as a Marine I have good relationships with several of my brothers in green to write buddy letters. As an aside, I asked the VA how I could file the PACT since my PC doc wouldn't send me to the clinics I need and she told me if I have the symptoms to just file and the C&P would do the rest. And that is exactly how it's going. I went from nothing to 90% and working on the last 10 but it's a struggle with zero records to use. Waiting on a buddy letter now to show location.
As a a fellow Marine, you are one lucky dude that Biden personally got you into the VA.
They keep saying you don’t need to go to the doctor when you file a claim anymore but yet here we are I file a claim and I need to get checked out by a doctor for pension and claims.
You're the man Jordan! I really appreciate how you present information for us Veterans. The clarity and detail is on point.
I personally know other Vets Soldiers & Marines that have given up because no matter the service records no matter the nexus from private doctors & even if they're paying all this money for help from a private firm or using a free source like VSO the VA keep denying all these Vets with real issues & documented diagnosis. It is utterly ridiculous & disappointing to see what these Veterans are going through
I have severe sleep apnea have been denied so I have done a supplemental to my MSTD hopefully I get it
I am at 60%. 10% tinnitus + 50% for insomnia and anxiety. I started having migraines a few years ago. Filed a claim 4 months ago connecting it to the tinnitus. I hurt my back at Ft. Banning in 1984. Fortunately the Company Commander was standing right by me when it happened. I attached his letter to my claim as I did not go to the infirmy. We shall see how these two claims play out.
THANK YOU JORDAN! I needed this advice.
My knees were presumptive. I was a heavy machine gunner in a CAAT plt. I never went to medical for anything knee or leg related and I got 10% for each knee and 50% for ssd due to the knee pain.
Boom! Love to hear it. Too many folks get discouraged by denials to continue to try for it, which is understandable. They need to hear tales of victory like yours 🫡
I was a tow gunner in CAAT trying to get my knees related and they still denied me… even tho my knees are popping like crack rocks. Ridiculous
Currently working on my statement for increases and new claims...This video affects me due to the Airborne stuff. Thanks for all of the info!
Great timing! Definitely something to include 👍
Both of my knees are completely shot. The VA said my right knee is service connected but my left knee isn’t. Makes absolutely no sense.
Make secondary claim to connect your left knee to the right. Get busy!
I had the same answer from VA with a slight twist! The VA told me, left knee bad service connected but not left ankle. Then they told me Right knee good but right ankle bad! Oh and the back pain, not service connected!
Former 2nd Ranger Battalion Sargeant from the 1970s here.
You are correct in our mindset back then, as well as units not wanting one to go to sick call.
Broke 1 ankle and sprung the other on same jump. There were so many injuries that "cattle trucks" were called in to evacuate us.
My medical records can NOT be found, VA has given me a 40% rating for combination of hearing loss and arthritis of the spine, hips and knees.
Tried to get a higher rating with a law firm, went to C&P exam but was denied last March.
My PCH is with the VA (he is one of the good doctors) and he got pissed. I have xrays from 2012 and 2024
Saw Dr. last week and he is sending me to a rheumatologist.
good luck!!
Why is hypertension rated at 0% when it is service-connected and controlled by medicine? It should be something higher than frigging 0%.
I unfortunately contracted a skin disease while serving in the Air National Guard. I did not have insurance and sought treatment from a civilian doctor. This happened in 1995 and decades later, my VSO said that I can file a claim. However I have no medical records from that time and years later having been treated and left the practice, they disposed of my medical records. I am have asked 2 doctors to write a nexus letter for me and the answer is no because they don't have evidence of my history other than what I tell them, so how can they ethically state that it is service connected?
So, let me understand this.
I served 24 yrs active combined with reserve, I was stationed at Shemya on a radar site, with thst constant hum leaving with ear ringing; I was aeromedical for 14.5 years, lifting patients in mass casualties, training in CMRT, I have lower back pain and constant rotator cuff pain, and "anxiety" is in my VA record. I was told that none of this is service connected. Yet, we are perfectly healthy before going in, verified at MEPS.
There is a possibility of attaining disability claim?
Hey Jordan like your style, professionalism and knowledge. You have a new subscriber...
Thanks for the kind words Robert, cheers to you
This was interesting to hear. However, I’m having no luck with PACT ACT. Chronic sinuous has been documented in my military medical record since 1994, and each year I still have a flare up. I have presented all sinus issues from 1994 to present and still get denied. The VA has already told me that I was in the area. I even went and highlighted the antibiotics that are issued to me.
What about all this presumptive stuff so why can’t they acknowledge that.
Very helpful, thanks
Do we send our personal story to the claim rep through E Benefits after the claim is opened?
As per your DD-214, in fields 20 and 20a, your unit is legally obligated to send copies of your records to the VA. Unfortunately, I don't know how to use that in your favor if your unit and the VA has failed to do so, as lack of documentation can make things more difficult.
Youre amazing. Thank you so much for all your information.
Thanks Carlos I’m glad it helps
This is great information! Thank you!
Glad it helps Tim!
I have terrible migraines and they only gave 10% and total of 40% and haven't reevaluated my rating in long time...
I have been frustrated for 36 months by attempting to file for aid and attendance. By continuing being denied and no help from my vso.
I am 10% Tinnitus and have sleep apnea that I didn't know I had while active duty. Can sleep apnea be secondary to Tinnitus. I got out in 1993 but didn't get diagnosed with sleep apnea until 2006 by the VA so they didn't approve my sleep apnea claim. Thanks
My dad served, by way of draft, during the Vietnam era and he never went to sick hall and he regrets not going now because of his injuries, but it was not a good thing to go to sick hall.
I don’t understand hardly anything about VA benefits. I hear a lot of people get 100% disability automatically .
It’s taken me over 40 years just to get in the VA hospital.
Wants I was in finally it scared the crap out of me every one nurses, Doctors,staff members are so kind to me. I’m not used to being treated like that.
Hopefully I will start getting benefits
I’m new at your out reach for vets
Thank you for posting
I had an accident on the pier in 89. Hit my knee and head, told them I can hear you. It I can’t see you literally everything was black, but I wasn’t bleeding so, your all right 5 days physical therapy for the knee then get back to work . Knee has never been right since. And I’ve got neurological issues no one can explain
Jordan I was in the army 1986 basic training, doing a 18 mile road march, full gear ended up with stress fracture in hips and shin splints. Took me 35 years to finally get my medical records. Went through physical therapy for my hips. They are still hurting to this day. How can I reach out to you?
Encourage? Bro they straight up called you a curse word if you ask for medical care. I recall going to the field with a completely broken ankle which swelled up like a balloon!
im sitting here just now learning so many of my issues are likely tied to my service. So many debilitating things that make me feel like i'm abnormal so I don't talk about them or seek any real help. Last time I sought help, I was kicked off a deployment that was worth enough to get me back on track, so rather than continuing getting the help I needed, I shut down because why risk my career. it's disgusting what some go through and what we are told. How many suffer for their entire lives with issues and just never get any help for it?
Im presumptive for mental health,since the c&p examiner diagnosed me at the exam (38 usc section 17)I only qualify for services (therapy)Im doing a supplemental claim now!
❤ Thanks for helping us 😊.
My pleasure!
Thank you very much I learned so much from your videos
That's great to hear Greg I'm glad they've helped! Have a happy 4th coming up
I recently was told the VA said my back pain was do to an in the line of duty injury. what do i do now?
Another semi-presumable resource, VA Training Letter 07-04: Medical Consequences of Diving. Just here to share the knowledge, see if it applied. Thanks for the videos
I served in the army and was chaptered out in 1997. My MOS was 63E-M1A1 Abram’s Tank Systems Mechanic. I stayed in the rear when we had orders for Guantanamo Bay. I only did Bivuac at Ft Irwin. I don’t really have any medical conditions but I was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and did have an episode when I was in the service in front of my NCO and went AWOL-desertion the very next day. For that I was chaptered out. Is there any hope for me for a claim?
I was able to go to sick call during road marches and my feet hurt badly. The doctor told me if I come back again he was going to send me home. Road marches continued and I went back to sick call and I was sent home. He even mentioned surgery. He stopped me from doing any further PT, road marches, running and standing etc. I don’t even know where to began but I did make an appointment to a podiatrist for next week. Flat feet has affected me working certain jobs. Do your templates cost?
Lol Infantryman, AG and SAW gunner for a good portion of that time, then I became a Aeromedical Flight Evacuation Tech with the AF Reserves and they said my hearing loss and tinnitus isn't service connected. 2 Jobs with a ton of loud noise and they just automatically rejected me for those.
"Discouraged", big difference, especially on your claim statement.
I dealt with this through my time in the service!
I literally sped your video up by 1.5 to get to the point
What about Schizophrenia? I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia but didn't get seen in the military because my supervisors told me since I was in charge of the supply room I had to stay with my supply room. They didn't trust my soldiers under me. Also, I knew if I went to the doctor that everybody would know about hearing voices. I went through 15 jobs in 14 months, 5 wives, and couldn't get anything going in my life. After years of self prescribing my own alcohol and drug cocktails I went to a VA and got diagnosed. I need help. If you ca , I wish you would. Mt case manager sent a letter saying it most likely happened while I was in the military and my brother sent in a letter also yet I got declined. What else can I do?
That background makes a big difference JA. Nice very nice
I remember one time fast roping out of a helicopter and my feet came apart. I slid down that rope and landed on both feet. Next thing you know the first sgt said leave him there so he learns. My back and knees were killing me. No documentation at all.
How can I find out what AF career are on the list for Tinnitus. I was in Aircraft Maintenance for 20 years.
It was always frowned upon to even ask for a pass to sickbay.
Automatic office hrs for going without a chit.
ER visits with hospitalizations resulting in charges of AWAL.
I was a cook. Regularly exposed to fumes from the burners and the loud noises in the field kitchens and standing for 15+ hours a day regularly in those black "safty boots" all took a toll on me. Ive been dreading dealing with the VA as i only have about 6 months left.
Make sure you do a BDD
@@acesplaytime3769what’s a bdd?
I certainlly wish I had BDD prior to getting out, starting my claims journey
Do you bring the personal statement to the C&P or do you submit it as additional evidence with your VA file?
Submit it.
I recommend bringing your medical record both va and inservice to your C&P and X-rays if it’s related to your disability, my rater sent the wrong documents over - having mine on hand saved me a wasted year and a half
@@raiderjedi4160 they are not allowed to accept documents. Why are you giving stupid advice
@@raiderjedi4160 bad info!
@@SusanPitman they are not allowed to accept documents at the exam
I was an 0311 in the Marines, and my va claims were denied for feet and knee issues. The VA said, "An approved event occurred in service" and "you were diagnosed with a disability" but they still denied it. I did personal statements from myself, and from fellow Marines there. And they still denied it. They said "I waited too long to get an official diagnosis. Any suggestions?
Get a attorney
I have been denied over and over since 2018 for for asthma due to breathing fine particulate matter in the Enginers in Vietnam, whereas Gulf War veterans get immediate presumtive ratings for the same nexus. So much for the Pact Act. Likewise It took me nearly twenty years to get the VA to award me a tenitus rating, when even the VA audiologist told them it was service connected. The VA has one objective - protract delay until as many Veterans die as possible to reduce compensations. That is their history. Don't be fooled. But, thank you for your service.
I'm currently rated at 10% for tennitus in which I experience insomnia and migraine headaches more than ever now. I also have other documented medical issues including knee issues in which I reported to the DAV years ago in which they have seemed to ignore. Now I am having many complications.
in addition, I've been extremely fatigued since my departure Navy active duty service. I just shrugged it off as if something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life...now I'm paying for it! And yes, I was frequently discouraged from going to medical like many to avoid the label of "sickbay commando".
VA refuses to service connect my right knee being messed up even though I dislocated it in Afghanistan .. The PA, we were assigned when we got back, lost volume 1 of my medical record which had my knee injury in it, so there is no proof of it being service connected, unfortunately. They also wont service connect my COPD with the PACT act due to the fact Im a smoker.
I’m diagnosed with ptsd from my doctor and physiologist from the va but I was denied ptsd saying not service connected ) I didn’t write a statement in support of claim . Could that be the sole reason for denial? If so how can I get a solid statement written by your team and how much would that cost me
Would an exit exam count as medical evidence in service? Thanks.
Your training jacket will show the hazardous materials you were exposed to and your unit you were with
Sick Call Rangerwas the term used for those going to sick call .
What about dermatitis for Desert Storm/Shield? Is that presumptive?
Jordan, I worked in the Pentagon in the early 90's when they were doing asbestos removal right outside of my office. I'm curious if that would potentially qualify under the pact act.
I would try to reinforce that claim with a nexus letter to have the best odds. And of course a good personal statement, always
Is there a condition for just low back pain? I had an organization help me file my claim and the put down disc degenerative disease for one of my claims. I didn’t give it much thought until I got denied a third time. Then I wondered why did they identify me with this condition.
I have 2 incidents on active duty hurting my back and for the life of me I can’t get service connected. I’ve also been seeing doctors and chiropractors since I left service.
You sir have just said what happened to me, i was hurt faling of the 20 ' obstical course platfor wallrating, i was denied service! related
No help in getting a better rating. Cannoneer. Tinnitus, migraines, PTSD, arthritis and back pain. 10% and still under review after 3 years. Sad.
Some of you are saying is right we were playing football and i got tackle from behind he hurt my back but i dint go to sickbay he wheigh like 60 lb more .and it hurt for days and here iam with back pain got denied for that one.
Dude right, but I'm going to the VA and they are giving me a clean bill of health for my conditions. Now the VA is saying there is nothing wrong with me.
Love the videos wanted to ask I started getting mental health help two months from discharge of the Army. A piece of an antenna element broke and impaled my right hand. Va rated me 10% but I kept going for mental health help since 1999 and still go to this day. I never new of all these service connections recently got a 70 percent mental health rating but it only went back for the standard day of filing which is two years back. Is there anyway to claim it back further? I wish I knew about these service connections sooner. I only found out because my father passed away 3 years ago and a buddy of mine told me about va claims at his funeral.
yup my migraine secondary was denied by a PA because she dug into my medical records and stated not service connected because i never went to sick call for a migranie. She totally threw out my MD nexus. I lawyered up and they worte a very detailed letter that shreddred her stupid denial. its been 2 months since the laywers filed the HLR so have a few more months to wait.
How do i apply for your help and and how much does ot cost
Hi hurt my back , I was attached with 10th special forces for one year and half I was running every day with rucksack 6 miles and I never went to sick call for the situation I was I didn’t sign to be with this unit and every 3 months I have road march 12 miles Les in 2 hours so what I can du know and I have spinal issue
1. Open intent to file, then Make sure your back treatment is up to date
2. Write a personal statement
3. Obtain a nexus letter from a back specialist preferably
4. Submit your claim
for the tinnitus example you used.. which for m do you use to write your person statement
Been trying to get a toxic screening with my Va for awhile, they aren’t doing them!
I submitted my claim for Polycytemia Vera with the JAK2 mutation 0ver a year ago. VA has proven I have cancer, was in Thailand during the Vietnam War where they sprayed Agent orange around the Perimeter of Nakon Phenom. As of this date, VA has yet to connect the cancer I have with Agent orange as the cause.😢
Great channel, how would I submit a personal letter after I've submitted my clain
VA quick submit tool 😎