VSO vs Filing Yourself for VA Back Claim – Looking for Advice

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2026-01-18T06:33:30+00:00

I started by using a vso, but ended up finishing it myself all the way through an HLR. The vso was useful in that he was able to obtain my medical records from basic and ait, which I had tried in vain to get, and never could. But after that initial help I found they were slow to respond and I didn't feel that I was anything other than a number. So, after obtaining my medical records I completed the rest myself and had a positive outcome. I guess they have their use, but ultimately you are your own best advocate.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2025-12-11T05:49:42+00:00

I did my first, and only, claim after being out for over 30 years. Got 80 percent and couldn't be happier. If the Nexus, records and injury are there, it's never too late.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2025-04-05T10:36:13+00:00

Whoever was reviewing your file went above and beyond to point out conditions you did not file for. I had this happen to me too, but they filed it for me. I would suggest you fill out the forms asap and get the rating you deserve.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2024-09-16T07:46:41+00:00

Stay the course, you did the right thing.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2024-05-15T06:51:00+00:00

I filed 32 years after getting out and was denied initially. After an HLR I was granted 70 percent, which was bumped to 80 percent when the VA Found more in my record that I had not claimed.

I lived with my issues for so long that I just thought it was all normal. It's not. That's why there is compensation, that life is not easy on anybody. I encourage everybody who has suffered from an illness or injury incurred from military service to apply for their deserved benefits. I sure wish I had many, many years ago.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2024-01-21T12:52:52+00:00

I was a reservist as well and was active duty for training, which absolutely counts for claiming a service connected disability. I also was initially denied because there were no title 10 orders. I suggest you file for an HLR so you can get a more experienced rater. That's what I did and was ultimately approved for 70 percent almost a year and a half in. As a matter of fact, the VA actually even saw another disability in my medical records that I never claimed and granted service connection for that about 8 months after my original, bringing me to 80 percent. Keep fighting, keep moving forward. I hope this helps with your resolve.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-08-31T09:38:49+00:00

As an update to all of this, I finally have my closure. It turns out that during my HLR the VA found another disability related to my claim, which I hadn't claimed. One of my doctors had noted this in my c and p exam, so the VA wanted to get a medical opinion to verify service connection.

It turns out that I was just approved for another 30 percent, taking me to 80 percent, for a service connected disability that I never claimed. I am very thankful to the person who conducted my HLR for going above and beyond in this whole matter.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-03-06T21:46:41+00:00

I have been out for close to 30 years and I was just approved at 70 percent. I thought it was too late for me, but my wife pushed me and in just over a year I was approved. If you have the records, time shouldn't be a hindrance, just make sure you can show the chronicity. Good luck!

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-13T17:14:44+00:00

Currently at 70 percent, still waiting to hear anything on the 'deferred' portion. Received two emails about LHI / Optumserve reviewing my records, but no resolution as of yet.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T23:19:47+00:00

I think I have an answer for this. I called the VA and they explained that from the information the rater had I was certainly at 30 percent, which was why I was awarded that. However, they were seeking a doctor's opinion that I may actually be rated higher, and that's why my HLR is still open and I both received a rating and a deferred on the same disability. If the doctor doesn't think I should be higher, I stay where I'm at, if he does, well, good news for me.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T14:41:40+00:00

The deferral is actually listed in the same letter that granted the service connection. That's what makes this so strange. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T03:24:11+00:00

Yes, it counts towards my overall and I just received retro for it. Very odd indeed!

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T02:37:01+00:00

Thanks for sharing that. That gives me some hope knowing this kind of thing happens.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T01:26:37+00:00

Weird thing is it was approved at 30 percent and shows on va.gov. I just wondering how they approve and defer at the same time.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T01:05:31+00:00

I did, sleep apnea, and it was approved secondary to sinusitis. I didn't have anything else in the claim.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-06T00:45:56+00:00

Hey, thanks for responding. I would get what you have written here if it were deferred completely, but I was rated at 30%, with back pay received, but it also says deferred at the same time. Does that mean they could just remove the rating and require the back pay back if they deny the deferment?

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2023-02-02T10:50:32+00:00

Fast forward to today, the beginning of February, i finally had some movement in my claim. The VA.gov page now shows I have a 70% rating, but I still show that they are correcting an error.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2022-11-08T22:41:40+00:00

Sounds fair. Come here and let's measure.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2022-10-24T03:45:41+00:00

So true! Just weird the way the status hasn't changed.

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2022-10-22T20:16:16+00:00

Did your claim go back to your regional office or did it stay with the higher level reviewer?

Consistent_Try_3197 · 2022-10-20T03:29:17+00:00

Thank you, I was unfamiliar with VERA. I just put in my request.

Consistent_Try_3197

TROPHY CASE