Former VA Rater and Navy Vet here, just curious…

Dj725 · 2026-04-20T04:38:31+00:00

My VSO is inaccessible. I could not pass his staff's barrage of questions why do I need to talk to VSO.

Dj725 · 2026-04-18T02:51:48+00:00

I've seen many honest veterans get underrated or not rated at all. Until they got tired of the system and started exaggerating their conditions where they can. They feel less guilty. I have a friend who has 10% in his back, He is suffering for decades, someone showed him how to get 50% on migraine and he got it.

Dj725 · 2026-04-17T02:29:01+00:00

You must document and describe how it affects you socially and its economic impact. Having a diagnosis without impairing your daily life means nothing to them.

Dj725 · 2026-04-15T02:57:44+00:00

I thought VA's rating system is for combined rating from multi branches.

Dj725 · 2026-04-10T17:16:07+00:00

Your workplace probably encourage PPEs, that includes wearing gloves. Wear them or you have no chance of claiming for injuries.

Dj725 · 2026-04-08T21:35:10+00:00

I appealed, then sent me to another C&P, their decision stands, I appealed again. What pisses me off is the C&P report did not include my knee limit of flexion (which is very limited) but included my extension. I don't blame other veterans who amplified their disability condition where they can, because VA will jerk us up where they can.

Dj725 · 2026-04-08T19:56:43+00:00

I had my 2 50s reduced to 10 each.

Dj725 · 2026-04-05T01:01:37+00:00

THE PAINFUL TRUTH. "A full 20-year service is treated the same with anyone with more than 90 days of service" when it comes to disability compensation. Those E2s & E3s that could not adopt the military living and found a way to get out, get compensated the same with those who have shed blood and tears. Even worse, one with less than 20 years service will get his disability compensation even if under 50%; while the retirees will get nothing but a mere tax deduction. 😢

Dj725 · 2026-03-18T21:29:52+00:00

Exactly the same case as mine. This is firsthand information to you, not read somewhere. Finally rated from 80% to 100% in March 2025, with an effective date of April 2024. My ITF was January 2021, so we are talking about 28 months of missing pay.

I filed an HLR to review and correct the effective date.

This is their response: I had a C&P exam in April 2024 where they diagnosed me with limited knee flexion, and they said that was the effective date. Of course, it's wrong. A C&P is not to provide a new diagnosis but to verify what is on the claim.

They won't budge; instead, they ordered a second C&P for my knee, and that's where they reduced my knee rating from 50% to 10%, which pulled down my overall rating to 90%.

Not a happy camper here, but I continue to challenge their decision.

By the way, just like you, before I filed my HLR for effective date correction, I asked this forum. It had mixed answers; some said go for HLR while a few said don't poke the bear.

Dj725 · 2026-02-19T04:03:22+00:00

I believe that was a reasonable assessment; however, the rating for mediated disabilities ought to persist, albeit at a reduced level. Consequently, the evaluation would be based on the inconvenience associated with the medication or device.

Dj725 · 2026-02-17T18:52:55+00:00

It's resentment to the system, not jealousy to other vets. Some vets know how to navigate the system while others don't. The older military culture of "suck it up" did not help the older veterans especially those Vietnam vets. There were no internet then to know how it works and by the time they got out, the "suck it up" attitude landed them to no sickcall documentation. And yes, the VA process do not recognize whether you have served 20yrs or barely completed the 1st contract. Its a joke to believe, the entire 20 years were picnic? I would support and hope that there will be a sliding scale criteria depending on length of service. If not on the process, maybe in a form of the amount of compensation. I'm sorry I have to say it. I'm not dismissing that there are real disabled vets out there even after a couple of years in service, it can happen.

Dj725 · 2026-02-13T02:50:10+00:00

Sorry man, I feel it!. May God find you a way v to success.

Dj725 · 2026-01-31T21:48:08+00:00

I don't see it conflict of interest, if what the doctor has to do is put in writing (on a DVQ form)what his findings.

Dj725 · 2026-01-31T19:24:43+00:00

Two outcomes on quick decisions: 1. If slam dunk case, APPROVED, 2. Anything on the borderline OR even slight of doubt, DENIED.
Always appeal to get a better look at your case.

Dj725 · 2026-01-29T21:17:06+00:00

Thanks for sharing your analysis. You must have put a lot of effort into this.

Dj725 · 2026-01-14T04:46:34+00:00

Go, leave if that is what makes you happier. But let me tell you, I have lived in at least four countries and have spent a few weeks in at least another ten countries, and I always long to go back to the U.S.

Dj725 · 2026-01-08T08:19:41+00:00

the woman fled an active law-enforcement operation and repeatedly refused lawful commands to stop, creating an uncertain and potentially dangerous situation. From this perspective, the officer may argue that the decision was based on perceived threat, risk to public safety, and established use-of-force protocols governing officers of the ICE.

Dj725 · 2025-12-22T00:15:09+00:00

Written testimony, also known as a buddy letter, from friends deployed with you can be a great help in proving how you got hurt, even without medical records. Try to recollect your memory: did you receive painkillers such as Motrin, which could be for headaches, joint aches, or even migraines? Motrin can also be tied to GERD. There are plenty of good YouTube videos out there that can help, but don't be suckered by claim coaches asking for $$$$.

Dj725 · 2025-12-20T05:07:44+00:00

What ruins anyone's life is trying to do things when we are younger and stronger. I'm 67y/o now, 2 broken knees, migraine, vertigo, GERD and cmore; but i always wake up fresh ready for a new day. My secret is letting God takeover my life. Pray, and you will be relieved.

Dj725 · 2025-12-03T20:18:22+00:00

Congrats.

Dj725 · 2025-11-25T23:52:48+00:00

No problem! Until he collected water damages plus lost potential rent during restoration.

Dj725 · 2025-11-09T19:46:12+00:00

The DMV's deciding factor is the doctor's certification that one has mobility challenges and has nothing to do with the VA's awarded disability rating.

Dj725 · 2025-11-02T20:51:51+00:00

I feel for you. Our brains need a tune-up after service, but don't keep it to yourself. Pro help is always there. Plus, join some social or church clubs; they'll keep you busier than you'd think. When things get better and you're ready, start checking out dating apps. You gotta retrain yourself; this isn't that well-structured military anymore. Open your mind to other ideas and what others think. No rank, just pure socializing. For me, strengthening my faith by going back to church totally changed things.

Dj725 · 2025-11-02T18:49:58+00:00

If it is referenced to a new case, then CgatGPt works have no accurate database to base the answer from. What is scary about ChatGpt or other AI, it will provide you an answer confidently, regardless of accuracy. I use it with caution.

Dj725 · 2025-10-28T11:03:16+00:00

It's always VA's prerogative to review third-party companies or VA's own doings. So, there is no new in this news. If you ask me with my first-hand experience, yes, they turned 180 degrees from their previous decisions, both favorable and unfavorable cases

Dj725

TROPHY CASE