Have any of you received VA disability, or gone through the process of getting it?

I got my foot torn up while I was in. Torn tendons, broken bones. I was young and dumb when I got out of the Army, but getting older it’s getting harder and harder to stay on that foot for long.

What’s my best course of action? Or do I even have a course?

The best thing to do is see a veterans service officer and request a c and p appointment. Compensation and pension. That is what I did, once the claim is filed that is date it starts.

Go to a VA organization like VFW,DAV ,American Legion, of if you are of any of the wars see if there is one of that and open a claim with them.Then you will have to go through Compensation and pension. to check you out and go from there.

Thanks guys. I’ll get on it tomorrow.

My claim was filed in April 1972 I was 19 then finally they ok'd it when I was 59 they only went back a couple years

I just went through this very thing, used my Service Officer to file for the claim. Take your DD214 and any other info you have. Write up everything you can remember about your injuries. Be patient as its a slow process. They will request all of your medical records, and a copy will come to you. Once your records are received they will schedule appointments to assess your injuries. Dont miss an appointment, gives them a chance to deny your claim. The VA is using alot of contract doctors. I had 5 appointments and never set foot in a VA hospital except to get my ID.

That should've been one heck of a back pay check.

I went through the VFW . I recommend that as you might wanna have drink after and most VFW's have decent bars . Process was pretty simple.

Donnie, were you treated for it originaly while in the service? If you were, they should have documentation on it. You will have to do the leg work though. Like was said, start with the VFW, or American Legion. They have offices at the VA and are there to help you. In Topeka, they are located in the same hallway as the canteen, you can ask about anyone you run into for directions. Bring a copy of your DD214 and anything that you may have for proof. It seems like a real pita, but once your in, It is a breeze. Topeka has a really good facility and they have treated me well there! Good luck and get after it!

I’m talking to a representative tomorrow here in JC. Yes Lee it’s all documented in my medical records. It’s why I missed my first chance at PLDC. If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. I’ve even got pictures in uniform with my cast. I’ll take those just in case.

Dealing with the VA can be frustrating, but in the end they should be able to help you out. Having it documented in your medical record is a big plus for you!

Good luck and I hope everything works out.

I'm dealing with the va right now with my dad. Dad has 90% hearing loss, he was a diesel mechanic on a ship. His engine that was his responsibilty to keep going was in an 8'x8' room with a cannon mounted directly over it and he had to stay in the room at all times during his shifts. When the cannons went off dad said it felt like your insides were turning out. No hearing protection whatsoever. Dad has always been hard of hearing because of it, but it has gotten worse as he ages. VA accepted responsibilty for 15% of it. We have taken dad to several audiologists the last couple years and they are all in agreement that something drastic had to happen to affect that much hearing loss and they all believe it happened during his time in the service. So, we appealed the VA decision and just yesterday we got paperwork back from the VA, seems we need to take him to one more audiologist and they will deem him 90% disabled and give him full benefits. They also have to pay back the years since he first filed.