SMH Is this a scam?

I brought this up last year too late, and folks missed the savings, so I'm hitting this topic again.

NFL Sunday Ticket is $198 through ID.me for U.S. Armed Forces Vets. They also have a Youtube TV discount for one year. Hopefully this helps you get the games you want to watch this year.

Fly, Eagles, Fly

Worked with the local DAV Chapter in submitting forms to see if eligible for an increase in my percentage/payments. They always saiid that getting 30% would be ideal because that pays for mileage. Opened my case file at the end of December. Worked on getting all my medical files together and them submitting everything. I have been getting 10% since 1978 after leaving the Air Force. Just got my notice today that they are increasing my percentage to 40%. Am very happy with this. The VA has been very good to me especially these last few months where I had a few surgeries and all was covered.

I'll try to be brief.

54 years old. Served 1989-1995 active duty Navy as a Fire Controlman. Honorably discharged. Was in the Persian Gulf and received Southwest Asia Service Medal, Expeditionary Forces Medal, and others.

During my service, I broke my wrist - a bone popped upward and had to be surgically repaired with a screw at a hospital in Hong Kong. The senior chief corpsman that was senior corpsman on board escorted me to/from the surgery. We actually had to take a small boat from the ship that was anchored in the harbor to the dock. While coming back from surgery, he told me something along the lines of, "I made sure to write it up so that you can get benefits if it bothers you, which it almost certainly will when you get older."

About 10 years ago, the screw that was inserted into the bone actually worked its way out and I had to have a surgery to remove it. I have had arthritis in that hand for the pas ~20 years, but nothing that hinders my work (desk job) or day to day. When I paint a room in my house, for example, it will hurt for the first ~15 minutes while edging out with a brush, but aside from that I never have an issue with it.

However, I also suffer from partial hearing loss (about 30% and ENT says will continue to decline) in one ear and tinnitus in that ear, though thank goodness it is not debilitating, it is noticeable. The hearing loss and tinnitus both just happened suddenly about 15 years ago. I went to an ENT and he kept asking me if I shoot rifles a lot, and that he only ever sees this type of loss on guys who shoot rifles (up closer to the ear) without hearing protection. I did earn my marksman and was part of the ship's assault/reaction force at one point, but never had hearing loss until around age 40. Like I said, it just came on out of nowhere one morning when I woke up with it. It's remained to this day. It's like something it stuck in my ear. Went to multiple ENTs and none could see anything or figure out what it was or what caused it.

Fast forward about 4 years ago I got severe nerve pain down the right arm. Eventually that led to an MRI of my neck and I had severely pinched discs in my cervical spine. After multiple opinions from surgeons, with all of them insisting I needed surgery asap, though differing on the type of recommended surgery, I underwent a cervical fusion C3 - C7. I've recovered as well as anyone could from it, though prior to the surgery I did develop strength loss and still have trouble tying shoes, feeling my fingers in my right hand - the same hand I had the surgery on in Hong Kong.

I am fortunate to have a good job with decent medical benefits, but I work in the software industry and the odds of me getting laid off at some point soon is likely, though I've somehow managed to survive this past year.

I understand some deadline is coming up for claims. I am not interested in claiming anything I'm not entitled to and like I said, I'm fortunate and am not "disabled" in the sense that I'm unable to do anything I want to do. The tinnitus and hearing loss do bother me and I am concerned about the tinnitus getting worse over time. So far it's been an annoyance but nothing that is debilitating.

Any advice is appreciated.

I live in Southern California and I'm 100% service connected. I have ratings for both my knees. I have nosy neighbors and was wondering if I can apply for dv plates without having the handicap plate? I would like to take advantage of no registration fees along with toll roads/parking meters.

So I finally met with my VSO today and shes telling me to only file for tinnitus due to me just sucking it up and never going to medical she says everything else will just be denied. would it be worth it to try and file other things without using a VSO?

After retirement I requested a hearing exam. At that exam I told them I had tinnitus and thought I had partial hearing loss. The results stated I did not have any tinnitus, or hearing loss and was denied any rating.

This was about 20 years ago. I believe my hearing is getting worse but my tinnitus is now constant and getting louder. Is there a way to get this reviewed or is this no longer a possibility for me?

I’m 100% service-connected P&T through the VA and I’m trying to get California Disabled Veteran (DV) plates and the registration fee exemption.

I’ve read through the DMV requirements, but I’d really like to hear from veterans who have actually gone through the process recently.

What was the process you went through to get your CA DV plates? What documents did you have to provide, and who certified you?

Specifically, the DMV paperwork appears to allow certification from the VA, CalVet, or a County Veterans Service Officer instead of a doctor’s signature. Has anyone successfully gotten their DV plates this way without having a doctor sign the form?

I contacted the VA and they gave me a benefits verification letter showing I’m 100% service-connected and P&T, but it doesn’t specifically mention CA Vehicle Code §295.7. They told me to try it with the DMV and, if rejected, call them back.

If you’ve gotten CA DV plates recently, what exactly worked for you? I’m especially interested in the process and how you handled the certification without a doctor.

I recently looked at my claim tracker today and noticed a abundance of DBQ file uploads, i have a ongoing sleep apnea claim secondary to anxiety meds and recently had a home study done by leidos QTC. What do these files mean? does the file 7045 mean I have a positive diagnosis for sleep apnea? Im awaiting my FOIA request for these dbqs. Thanks for any insight.

I have an upcoming c&p for TDIU - Lumbosacral(40%) and Mental Health(70%) total combined with other disabilities is 90%. I didnt want to poke the bear but I’ve been overdrafting my account month after month and I haven’t worked in about a year. I barely make my rent and food costs. My highest grossing year income wise was when I was in the army (2012-2015). I wanted to bring my SSA statement to show all the years of inconsistency since getting out. I only worked one month last year and total made about 800$ for the year of 2025 before I quit. My personal statements focus on my work relation to my disabilities and have some examples. I’m so scared bc this is all I have but I genuinely can’t maintain work and am just trying to be as prepared for this c&p as possible. Id appreciate any advice you all can give. Thanks so much.

Hello all my dad retired as a Navy vet in the mid 90s and has been living in the Philippines since then. He did not know about va disability until recent weeks ago. He is currently in his early 70s and has had sleep apnea ever since he got out and is definitely not overweight. More underweight actually + other physical disabilities. Anyway, I just wanted to gauge what the best course of action would be to get the ball rolling on his potential disability compensation since he is in the Philippines and does not want to come back to the US. I already created a va.gov profile for him and will schedule a physical at the va medical in Manila. Any insight or advice from other vets living in the Philippines would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m not all that knowledgeable in Va claims.

I was approved for my mental health claim two months ago for 70%.

I’m happy with that decision.

I’m considering filing for my spine and feet issues that I feel are service connected considering the pain began in service. I didn’t experience a major event that caused an injury however my MOS was a 14T (Air Defense) where I was climbing missile launchers all day every day and jumping from areas I probably shouldn’t have and often times in full battle rattle. Was in one of the only units in an airborne unit originally (108th) which required timed ruck marches and doing crew drills in way more gear than the usual. Did one deployment for 15 months. I remember in basic during our last ruck it felt like my spine was snapping in half and a drill sergeant had to help me. (Embarrassing) and no matter how much my NCOs tried helping me adjust my gear in my units, my back was always in severe pain. No sick call to prevent being labeled a blue falcon

Anyways,

Would it be considered “poking the bear” filing these claims? I’ve had two MRIs for my spine and the results are night and day to each other since the doctors reading my MRIs were different people. One claimed nothing wrong, the other listed herniations, disk bulges, annular fissures, and curve issues throughout my C spine.

Would my mental health claim be re-evaluated? I’ve heard filing new claims reopens other claims, or is that for claims only related to mental health / secondaries? I really do not want to have to sit through another mental health C&P exam. My last exam was horrendous and I hated every second of it.

Also would it even be worth filing a claim? Considering the VA is already treating me for these back issues? I’m getting spinal injections and a possible future spinal ablations as well as them sending me some converge equipment to help strengthen the muscles in those areas. For the feet just bunions found in xray and issued shoe inserts.

I’m looking for some legal guidance regarding divorce in Washington State.
My wife wants us to separate but remain legally married so she can continue to use Chapter 35 education benefits through my status as a medically retired veteran. I’m not comfortable with that. Our relationship has been turbulent, and I would rather file for divorce, move forward with my life, and keep things as amicable as possible.
My concern is that she told me that if I want an amicable divorce, I need to “keep my word” and remain married so she can use the benefits. She also said that if I don’t keep my word to her, she won’t keep hers to me and the divorce will no longer be amicable.
I feel pressured by this and don’t think I should have to remain married just to preserve her eligibility for benefits.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Could statements like these be relevant in a divorce case? Should I be documenting these conversations, and is there anything I should avoid doing or saying before filing?
I’m mainly looking for guidance from anyone familiar with Washington family law or veterans’ benefits.

As the title states. I’m enrolled in school using post 9/11 GI Bill that I earned. I received the book stipend a few weeks back but I did not get my MHA today.

Is this a mistake? I started college August 24th, so I did schooling in August.

I’m 100% P&T (not TDIU) and currently working with VRE. My counselor said they’ll try to get me into nursing school but didn’t promise anything. I suggested more sedentary nursing roles afterward, such as school nursing or telehealth.

I have a 70% PTSD rating (with 50% related to migraines) and a fractured back. I’m in pain whether I’m sitting or standing, but I really want to do something with my life.

VRE is asking for a doctor’s note, so I’m considering asking my VA PCP to write a note stating that, in his medical opinion, I’m capable of attending nursing school despite my disabilities.

My biggest concern is: Could having my PCP document that I’m capable of attending nursing school jeopardize my 100% P&T rating?

Has anyone who is 100% P&T gone through VRE and nursing school? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone with similar experience.

Hello, I’m looking to see if anyone has experience with a PTSD program within the RRTP system. Basically it seems like they are not prepared and do not do the PTSD program there due to nobody coming to it, even though that is where it’s offered, and are scrambling to put it together.

I’m having issues with him being treated like a convict while there, plus there’s about 30 other guys who are all there for drugs and alcohol and more coming in daily. At this location we found out yesterday that it is also a post prison reintegration program. He is the only one there for PTSD.

Well as you can imagine, it’s not helping his PTSD and is making it much worse. He’s not used to being around convicts and drug addicts and their behavior and morality. Sorry if this offends people, if it does take your opinions somewhere else, respectfully. I’m not here to debate their personal struggles and journeys.

The closest location for the program is 1.5 hrs away. He is currently on his second week of intake and has yet to start his PTSD courses, with a meeting with the PTSD clinic next week at his 2.5 week mark. He has no history of drug or alcohol abuse. He’s being forced to take drug and alcohol rehabilitation classes all day until he gets into the PTSD classes apparently. They have pushed back his clinic intake 2x now to a third meeting day, once each week so far. Basically every week they’re like we’ll get to it next week - again.

So - do we not have any PTSD reintegration programs for veterans that does not throw them into the same bucket as the criminals and addicts!? It’s absolute madness in there, not to mention he’s forced to have a roommate as well and has no private space or safe space to recluse to. He’s not even allowed to take the time that he needs to manage his stress during the classes because then he doesn’t meet the “credits” and will be kicked out in a snap. This is RIDICULOUS!!!!

This man does not deserve to get this type of treatment while trying to get treatment for PTSD. He has diagnosed anxiety disorder and agoraphobia. He was hit by an IED years ago, spent years recovering and learning how to walk, TBI, metal in his body to keep him together, having trouble reintegrating with people, the list goes on. This is his living nightmare, trying to get the “help” that the VA provides. So chew me up, spit me out I don’t care, I’m looking for better alternatives that someone may know about out there. We are in central Illinois if that helps. Thank you in advance to everyone.

Respectfully, a scared wife that is losing her mind 💜

Hey everyone.

To give some background, I separated back in 2016 from the USAF. I was a 2A353 maintainer on F-15s.

During my service, I was treated for mental health related issues (suicidal ideation, intent to harm self). I’ve been considering submitting a disability claim to address this, as I’m still dealing with the effects today.

Do I need a current formal diagnosis to submit a claim since I was treated during service? I have some other issues that I’ve been dealing with as well (migraines, lower back pain), but I’m not a doctor person. Needless to say, I haven’t been seen for any of these since I have been separated. I’m willing to take steps in that direction now.

Mainly I want to ask -

Do I need current diagnoses for these issues to submit a claim?

Will I be denied disability if I don’t have these diagnoses?

Where do I get all of my military medical records? I submitted a request to the NARA but I’m not sure I did it right.

I’ve been doing research into the overall process, but it’s pretty overwhelming.

Feel free to let me know if I can provide any additional clarity.

Thanks.

Hi I am a veteran with 40% rating.
ATM I am in a VA hospital since yesterday and I just found out I will have surgery Thursday. This is for a non service connected issue.

No one has asked me for any financial or insurance info since I got here.

What should I expect to happen when I am discharged, financially speaking?

Background: I submitted my claims on June 6th. Within a month I got a few claims denied and a couple (MST/PTSD) deferred. I still haven’t had a mental health C&P exam so I’m waiting for that.

In the meantime, I found some additional information in my military medical records that should help one or two of the denied claims possibly get ratings but I am concerned that if I submit a supplemental for those that it will cause the MST/PTSD portion of my claim further delay.

So what is the best play for timing? Wait out a decision on the deferred claims and THEN submit a supplemental for the denied claims or just go ahead with the supplemental now?

I am unsure on how the VA conducts its backpay but from multiple VSOs it has been explained to me that if I had an increase to my rating within a year of separation from active duty I will get back pay…

I separated last year August 2025 and received a rating of 80%, with 0% for migraines. December I filed a new claim for PTSD and my rating increased to 90% in March - I was back paid from December.

I went to a new VSO in June and explained I was rated 0% for migraines, however, I had been and still experience symptoms and would like the rating to increase. I also had additional evidence to back it up this time. I was unsure of the difference from an appeal and an increase but they filed it as an increase. Now I’m 100% P&T with an effective date of June 2026.

Can anyone explain to me why my effective date is not back to August 2025?

VA Payment history has the date of August 13th but I still have not received anything in the mail. I assumed it would take a week or so but still nothing. I am wondering how long it took some of you to receive your backpay if it was via check. I didnt know I had to verify my bank account so they issued a check. I got my first direct deposit this weekend but it was not for the backpay.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently active duty Army and will be separating soon. I recently met with a VSO to prepare my VA disability claim, and I’m trying to make sure everything is correct before the claim is submitted.

My situation is a little complicated because I’m being administratively separated, and I probably won’t know my exact separation date until approximately one month before I actually separate.

My VSO recommended that I file a Standard Claim rather than an FDC. The reason they gave me was that I will be completely relocating to my home country (South Korea) after separation, and they said that if I filed an FDC, I would need to complete my C&P exams at my current location before separation. Since I will be relocating overseas, they recommended a Standard Claim instead.

I’m not sure if this is the correct approach, so I would really appreciate some advice from people who have dealt with something similar.

The other thing that concerns me is my mental health condition.

My mental health diagnosis does not currently appear in the diagnosis list I can see in GENESIS, but I do have a doctor's note that specifically lists:

“Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood.”

I have also received behavioral health treatment while on active duty.

However, when my VSO prepared my VA Form 21-526EZ, my mental health condition was not listed as a claimed condition at all.

In addition, for essentially all of the physical conditions that were listed, the sections asking about:

• the in-service event/injury/exposure,
• how the condition relates to military service, and
• the approximate date the condition began or worsened

were all filled out as “N/A.”

I understand that VA will have access to my service treatment records, so maybe leaving those fields as N/A isn't necessarily a problem. But it still seems strange to me that there is no explanation of when or how these conditions started during service.

My questions are:

1. Should I ask the VSO to add my mental health condition to the 21-526EZ based on the documented diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood?
2. Is it a problem that the in-service event/relationship and onset-date sections are all marked N/A?
3. Should those sections contain at least a brief explanation such as when the condition started during active duty and how it has continued?
4. Is a Standard Claim the appropriate approach if I am separating soon and will permanently relocate to South Korea after separation?
5. Does relocating overseas affect how or where C&P exams are scheduled for a Standard Claim?
6. Is there anything else you would recommend correcting or adding before the claim is submitted?

I’m not trying to overthink the claim or add conditions that aren't supported by my records. I just want to make sure the claim accurately reflects what is already documented in my military medical records.

Thanks in advance for any advice.