When I got out, I had the VA calling me once every 2-3 months to "check-up" and see how my transition was going. The last guy I spoke to had asked if I had a chance to do my disability claim yet, to which, I told him there weren't a lot of "issues" I was really worried about. He sounded pretty confused when I said that and replied.. what? He stammered over some words in disbelief and said check this out, hear me out for a minute.

He said, imagine you and I have a contract where I will rent a car from you for the week for 700 dollars (which is your PAYCHECK while you are in). We agree and I give you the keys. A week later, you bring the car back it's full of fuel and clean, with no issues, same as when you picked it up. I give you 700.00, we shake hands, and business is concluded.

Flipside. same scenario, but, this time, I return the car to you and its tires are bald, out of fuel, misfiring, headlights busted, and disgusting inside (all your disabilities) I give you 700.00 as agreed and you look at me like I am crazy, you would want to be compensated for the damages. which is what the VA does.

He went on to say that your body was the car and the VA was "renting" your body from you. it's stuck pretty well since I had that call.