Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: VA Health Benefits: Application, Update, and Hardship Determination

Hi All,

Long story short: Filed a claim for an increase in October 2014 at the advice of two other vets, and all claim submissions were denied. I cried and was depressed for at least a month. As others have said, fighting the VA should be a mental health claim in and of itself! One day, my husband got tired of me whining and reminded me that I was a fighter and not a quitter, and that I never backed down from a battle (Looking back on his comment, I think he was throwing a sly jab at me. Ha ha ha!).

Fast forward to 2017…After lurking in the shadows and reading tons of Had It posts, talking with other vets and doing my homework on how to PROPERLY submit claims and evidence, even down to how to handle C&P examinations, my 40% was increased to 70%. Then, I got a nice big surprise in my bank account in September 2017. I enjoyed the victory, but I didn’t stop there because I knew that the VA was still shorting me.

I filed some appeals shortly afterwards and continued to do my homework. Last week, I was surprised and happy to see that the VA had increased me to 80%, deferred a few claims that THE VA itself submitted on my behalf, and is Preparing for Decision on two claims that had been on appeal. By the time everything is soaked, washed, rinsed and hung out dry I’m fairly certain that I will be at 100% per scheduled rating. Not bad for a vet who started from 40% in 2014!

I can’t thank you enough Had It! The resources and info you provide are priceless. I love reading success stories, and I would advise anyone who is battle-weary to take a break from the other forums to read “Success Stories” to put some wind back in your sails. These stories offer hope!

Kind Regards & Favorable Claims!
-NavyCorpsman950