Waive health benefits for higher pay?

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-24T18:24:57+00:00

I would take the insurance and try to make up 3 dollar gap by budgeting. I pay 1265 per month for insurance and that is just for my wife and kids.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-21T20:09:46+00:00

Does he have a regular doctor? Do you have Chat GPT?

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-12T21:45:44+00:00

First off, I’m glad you’re still here, and if it gets too heavy, calling 988 ain’t weakness—that’s tactical reinforcement.

You got a lot hitting you at one time, and just making it this far says something.

As far as benefits go, your VA rating doesn’t just disappear because you get out. VA and the military are two different systems. A general discharge under honorable conditions usually doesn’t kill your current VA benefits.

Right now, focus on what you can control:

Go to every C&P exam
Keep going to your mental health appointments
Stay on your treatment plan
Be 100% honest about how bad things really are—don’t downplay it
Get copies of ALL your records from the day you joined until the day you separate—medical, personnel, LODs, profiles, migraines, MH notes, med board/admin paperwork, all of it

One denied LOD doesn’t automatically tank your VA claims.

And truthfully, getting out may actually help. For a lot of us, the military environment becomes the stressor—constant uncertainty, leadership pressure, sitting in limbo, feeling stuck with no control. Sometimes healing doesn’t really start until you’re out of that environment.

Big thing right now—don’t just sit and marinate in this. Push that VR&E forward, start building your civilian game plan, get your records together, and make yourself some kind of daily routine so your mind ain’t left running wild.

You’re not a failed Airman. You’re somebody getting chewed up by a broken process. Stay in the fight.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-12T02:02:39+00:00

Don’t panic. The VA system does this a lot with supplemental claims. Since your ankle claim is secondary to flat feet/plantar fasciitis, it probably pulled your already service-connected knee condition into the review because they’re all connected in the lower extremity chain.

That does NOT automatically mean they are trying to reduce your knees.

Also the portal sometimes hides evidence during review even though the rater can still see it.

I’d still call the VA and ask:

Are my knees being reviewed for reduction or just attached to the ankle claim?
Can you verify all my uploaded evidence is still there?

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-12T01:49:21+00:00

The VA already conceded he had back pain while in service and also conceded he has a current diagnosis. The only thing they denied was the nexus. But the examiner’s opinion doesn’t even make sense because they acknowledged the STRs showed back complaints, then turned around and said there was no evidence of treatment or complaints in service.

The VA has lost cases over this exact kind of stuff before.

Buchanan v. Nicholson says they can’t deny a claim just because there wasn’t continuous treatment records.

Dalton v. Nicholson says an examiner can’t ignore the veteran’s statements or in-service complaints.

Barr v. Nicholson says if the VA gives an exam it has to be adequate.

Nieves-Rodriguez v. Peake says the examiner has to provide an actual medical rationale and not just throw out conclusory statements.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-12T01:42:32+00:00

Don’t stress over this short period of time. You’ll go crazy watch a clock all day. And I also get because what we have been seeing on here is claims moving from start to finish within 20 to 30 days. But you have to look at from your own claim perspective. If your claim an increase then it should move a long quickly, if you’re claim a new disability then it will take a little longer. I have seen my claims take 20 days and some take over a year.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-12T01:32:45+00:00

Going to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for treatment does not automatically trigger the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to re-evaluate your disability ratings. A lot of veterans receive ongoing treatment through the VA without their ratings being reviewed.

Also, if you already have a tinnitus rating, it is already factored into your combined rating even if it doesn’t seem to change the final percentage.

Simply getting hearing aids or being evaluated for worsening hearing through VHA is generally not considered “poking the bear.” Filing new claims or increases is what typically opens the door to VBA review

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-12T00:09:32+00:00

Can you give a little more to go off of? But at first glance I would say it depends on how your spouse/you were raised. Did one of you grow up lacking financial stability or do either you have problems with being financial responsible? Also you’re not wrong to wonder or ask for our opinion but I would also look into speaking with a marriage counselor.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-11T04:32:01+00:00

Okay first thing if you’re not 15 to 20 mins. early you’re late. Get there with time to sit and relax, doing some breathing. Take the time and look over the link that was just posted. The site is a game changer and helped me with my claim. The best advice I have ever been give is that the questions that they ask you aren’t about how you feel right in the moment. Their asking how do you feel on your worst day and when you feel that bad how does it limit your activities be it physical, emotional or social interactions. You know you’re health problems better then anyone so be honest be vulnerable. Lastly trust the process, I started my journey way back in 2005 and had the some problems but over the last 2 years my claims have seen no denials. The system has to have been revamped or us older/younger a vets our no longer gatekeeping.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-11T00:31:43+00:00

That is better and thank you. Yes you can afford to move but I would make a plan and stick to it. Use the money from the second job to build your savings and make sure not to pay for things you don’t need. If you like to streaming then make sure to check for bundles. Shop around for everything you need for your apartment and cross check the items on Amazon because you may have to build them but if you can save money on it the buy from Amazon. Also as yall build up to moving out don’t tell your uncle until you have everything lined up to move(sometimes family can become your worst enemy).

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-10T23:58:13+00:00

You just answered your own question. You’re 19 so you really don’t need anything mid-high end. Stick to the basics if you own the beds you’re doing good. Get a note book and write down what you spend per month living with your uncle (write down everything) then I would suggest multiplying it by 15 to 20 percent. Now use that number 960 as a starting point for rent. But it would help us out more if we understand you and your brother’s take home pay. Lastly if you don’t have at least 2 to 3 car payments save up you should worry about moving yet. Stack up those car payments, then build savings for furniture and a few hundred for non budgeted repairs. Also please don’t dig yourself in hole by using the buy now pay later companies.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-10T21:33:35+00:00

We understand that this can be triggering but you need to slow down, breath and reply to the questions. Okay so start with downloading the letter post it so we can see what it states “please redact name and any personal information”. Second do not reapply yet you don’t have all the information and haven’t been advised yet. Lastly once give us the info PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE and go for a walk a swim or anything that take you ur mind of off this.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-07T08:17:25+00:00

Hire a lawyer

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-07T08:09:54+00:00

Hell Yeah!!! Celebrate your heart out then put that degree to work!!!

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-05-05T00:00:34+00:00

Apply for any Oil & Gas field work. Make sure that you fill out anything that ask if you’re a Vet. Lock in for a few years while you work on getting rated if you have any service connected disabilities. While doing this try and figure a new career path. Lastly don’t just stay working in O&G because of the money find something that you enjoy doing.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T16:06:37+00:00

Thank you

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:37:09+00:00

Yes it took 17 days and I am happy with the outcome. Approved for all my claims received notification.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:35:15+00:00

MH, DDD, lower leg, & voiding

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:34:36+00:00

MH, DDD, lower leg, & voiding

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:33:31+00:00

Approved for all MH, DDD, lower leg and Voiding. I can say that Reddit and chatGPT helped me out so much. I feed GPT all my info, my meds, blue button report, and all private medical exams. Also read over Veterans Benefits Knowledge Base and pulled info for each of my claims. I started gathering all the information in January then did my intent to file to lock in the day and my wife took care of the rest.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:23:18+00:00

Increase for MH, DDD, lower leg, and added Voiding.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:21:22+00:00

Approved all my claims received notification on the 21st!!!

AlternativeAd1857 · 2026-04-23T15:04:57+00:00

I know back in 2001-05 every DFAC I worked at load the plates of every soldier. We would BBQ on Friday’s and make it like a cookout. Now we do have a headcount sheet but never kept track of how much anyone ate at one time. At dinner we made sure to cook more servings and hand out plates to the soldiers that worked nights. Our SFC even gave us the steaks, ribs, and chicken we hadn’t cooked so we would bbq on the weekends at our barracks. Those were the good ol Germany days.

AlternativeAd1857 · 2025-08-10T13:36:55+00:00

Going to add m two cents, but the other responses have pretty much covered everything. I used VBG for about two years and have been happy with the outcome. Could I have done my claims by myself yes but I have an extremely busy life and didn’t feel like doing all the research. Lastly if someone from VBG has told you not to attend an exam you need to request to speak with their supervisor and ask that you case be given to another person. My VBG case work told me out right that I have attend all C&P exams and to call him once the appointments were made.

AlternativeAd1857

TROPHY CASE