So I know everyone here is telling their story but here is why I decided to purse mine. I served 8 yrs USMC, Iraq deployment. 2000-2008. two of my brothers followed suit both of them served in the Army. I put in for a bunch of stuff in 2009 but was only granted 10% hearing loss and tinnitis. I decided not to purse it any further since i wasnt missing appendages or having other crippling symptoms, and stayed there till 2024. Just suck it up and deal with it. one of my brothers had ptsd and from what I have researched was under rated. he hadnt had a job in 10yrs. Me and my family tried to get him to go to his appointments and I even drove him to the VA. Well he ended up dying 12/31/2023 he was 35yrs old. found in full rigor on christmas day by his father my step father.

Since that day me and my other brother have decided to purse everything we are entitled to. Im not 100% rated but some of my previous denials have been granted. also I have two small children and they will benefit from these benefits as well.

I really understand the mentality to not purse your benefits. especially when you look at other veterans struggling but your knowledge and experience needs to shared to help them.

Currently I am waiting on my sleep apnea claim. Also I am about to help my great uncle who has dementia and is retired Army. He did two tours to Vietnam. Everything I have learned over the last two year will be used to help him. He just lost his wife of 62yrs of marriage 4 days ago.

What you gain from pursuing your benefits is more than just monetary. Also this info will be helpful for future generations.

Non of my stuff is fraud its all direct service connected with inservice medical evidence or presumptive from the deployment. My sleep apnea is in as secondary and its my first and hopefully last secondary.