Veterans left waiting years for VA to decide disability appeals

[@ericturner821]

Congress refuses to act on these cases but can send our tax paying dollars to foreign countries to take care of their needs.

[@alexanderyoung6037]

The VA gives us too many excuses. They waited 5yrs to give a WW2 Veteran whose been fighting for 20 years his benefits after he died

[@rodneycaupp5962]

I remember very early in the NAZI war in Nazi Uhraine, the Department of veterans affairs ignoring my existence, in 2014. My claim honestly 50 years old at this point I have recieved nothing but opportunity to refile..., and a cold dead Congress spending now TRILLIONS of dollars on Foreign TRASH WARS. I better watch sharing my HONEST OPINION

[@benvarela4472]

Ukraine is their HIGH TOP PRIORITY, NEVER The UNSUNG HEROS who are SERVING in or have Served inside of our US Military

[@johnmontecalvo1508]

Congress has Acted, it's the County,State and Federal Agencies slowing things down, There were 4 different major Public Laws passed in the 1990s for Desert Storm Veterans, Congress made that happened, but these individuals agency, don't know the even exists.

[@chrissample3047]

I agree brother

[@deborahlewis3413]

Yet, it only takes 1.5 seconds to decide to send billions to other countries

[@gunchief0811]

and less time than that to HOUSE illegal immigrants in High rise Hotels for FREE. yet you have Homeless Veterans who are suffering P.T.S.D. and Anxiety. what the F##K has happened to this Country>!>!>!>!?!?!

[@turbozzz4376]

never looked at it that way but so true....great point

[@chrissample3047]

yep nice

[@BLACKONCODE2024]

EXACTLY and now, they throwing hundreds of millions at "illegal" immigrants😤🤬

[@redd2sons]

So true. All the billions they have given to foreign countries, but yet veterans go through all kinds of hoops for them to be DENIED.😢😢😢😢

[@lawrence1md]

I honestly believe the VA wants veterans to give up or die. I’m in that list of waiting veterans. It’s sad that I cannot get help for my service connected disability through the va hospital because of a piece of paper, when their doctors actually diagnosed me. I cannot pay out of pocket money for the treatment, so I go untreated. How disgusting!

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I am so sorry you are experiencing this as well. The VA has been understaffed for years and the backlog is enormous. While you wait, please, make sure your case is fully developed and all medical records or other documentation is in the file. Consider getting representation if you continue to hit roadblocks. Good luck!

[@lawrence1md]

@@fochlerveteranslaw thank you Amy! I have submitted my va medical records that shows my diagnosis, so I’m not sure how much more I can do to have it in order. I did notice in the video that there was a status bar to show where approximately it’s at. That must be an inside access thing.

[@lawrence1md]

@Michael Philip Oliver I spoke with Hill & Pontin and the said they can only help if the claim or appeal is less than 365 days.

[@bradleysmith9431]

But when they called you, you showed up, had to.

[@lawrence1md]

@@bradleysmith9431 sure did

[@chakingbake7405]

It’s too many civilians that work at VA and too many civilians that work in congress that never served the country which in my opinion should be a prerequisite for both positions

[@robertortiz3755]

I agree 100% , those employees enjoy 40 hour work weeks with weekends off and numerous holidays, funny thing is when we got deployed to desert storm there was no holiday or weekends off, we protect our country 24/7 365 days a year while away from our family’s. Freedom isn’t Free, and most people will never understand what it takes to do what we did 🇺🇸

[@indymac7]

Part II statement, if VA doesn't want to help our wounded warriors, then tell the government to quit engaging in everyone else's wars!!!

[@SpaceRanger187]

and giving money to other countires..why do u think the Veterans Justice act hasn't been passed

[@johnmontecalvo1508]

I have heard others say the same thing as your statement,

[@BJGober]

You should remember only 3% of the nation serve. Most of us were poor with no options.

[@waynesmith4386]

Let us face the truth in reference to the VA disability claims process, they are counting on most of us disabled veterans dying or not fighting for what we know that they are not at all interested in compensating us at all, the VA disability claims department is not fighting for the veterans at all, they are only contemplating on making the disability claims process more difficult and confusing for the voiceless, wounded women and men who have served this country with their lives.

[@lillianwilliamson5609]

Thanks for remembering our women veterans too!

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

The appeals process is very confusing and unfortunately takes a long time. I am hoping the new regulations that went into effect in 2019 and appeal lane options will eventually help the process, but unfortunately it will take a long time to see any significant change in process time.

[@waynesmith4386]

Iam sorry but I can't come in to an agreement on a corrupt broken system, that is designed to protect the VA and federal government, and to continue to deny the veterans who have served and deserve their disability and all the VA benefits, regardless of age, race, or nationality.

[@kurtrussell5228]

The VA has 10 different websites that you need to get different things, you need to remember all the passwords and most times the passwords don't work or some other problem that you can't get on the website, i think that's by design also....they WANT it to be hard, they WANT you to give up.

[@mikejordan6290]

@@kurtrussell5228 I agree with you 100%!

[@maxxinethewoopitcher]

Hiring IRS workers instead of getting the VAs properly staffed is telling.

[@DAWGnROADIE]

The VA has outsourced to contractors. In my case it was obviously shuffled across a desk without reading. This is the real reason vets are choosing suicide. It makes all of us question why did we sacrifice for this country?

[@crabbycripple]

In spite of the improvements the VA has made, they are still doing a disservice to so many disabled veterans. It’s outrageous and an embarrassment and it needs overhauled as quickly as possible.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I agree, the VA is trying to change things but the backlog is so huge that it hasn't made a difference yet.

[@samsgarage3540]

I'm not seeing improvements - it's gotten worse since 2018 year over year for me.

[@rodniegsm1575]

This is what they do. I would never fight for people who would never do the same for me. Never.

[@akzutube]

I Love You Brotha...Thank You For Your Service!

[@808pera6]

It took me 41 years to receive my 100% P&T. From 1975 to 2016, I was 20% with a broken neck and back and paralyzed on my right side. I was finally able to see a real VA doctor in another state that took my injury sireous and took CT scans and even MRI and other tests and submitted everything to the VA raters. The VA doctor was shocked that I only received a 20% rating years ago. I told him the VA in South Bend Indiana didn't even take an X-ray and Just gave me Oxycodone for the pain. My cervical vertebrae self-fused over the years making it impossible to turn my head.

[@BJGober]

Pure tragedy VA hires the worst doctors to treat us.

[@michaelmarks8954]

Started in 1992 and gave up several times (my fault) but in 2008 I refused to give up and was granted 100% permanent disability in 2013 thanks to Miss Johnson at the DAV. I did get the retroactive pay from 2008 to 2013.

[@indymac7]

I, as Vietnam Vet, have waited for over 13 years for compensation back pay. On one, they only paid one year, which was first applied for in 2010. Need to be corrected. It is supposed to be in Washington waiting on a judge, but what the local VA regional put in their assessment needs to be corrected. They send in their assessment to get a bonus for denials? I've told my attorney, "Let me go before the judge and prove their lies as I have it in writing." I already know the government is corrupt, but they are proving they will turn men away from wanting to enlist as I did during the Vietnam War. I wish I'd never served because of the corrupt VA, who fear the government and would send money to our enemies instead of helping those wounded in battle. I receive compensation but have been denied my back pay since I first filed! We are the little men; they are the Big Government waiting for us to die off.

[@miken4jojl84]

Brother you are so correct on this. Would say more but it would be colorful and not allowed. Stay safe and keep fighting.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I hope your attorney can win your case and get your backpay. Don't give up!

[@alflyover4413]

Mark, Mike, and anybody else reading this, may I offer a word of advice? If you are denied, ask for a copy of your file. VA will slow roll it. Don't get discouraged. Keep asking. Mine was some 1300 pages on a CD (I think; may have been a DVD). Once you get it, read every word the VA wrote about your case. There will be errors. Find them all and note them down. The errors in my case involved where I had been, what I was suffering from, and even the very symptoms of my condition. If you find the words, "AND", "OR", or "NOT" in what the VA wrote, especially if "NOT" and either of the other two appear, you will be dealing with Boolean algebra, the mathematical language of logic; and De Morgen's Theorem. NOT (a AND b) is not the same as NOT a AND NOT b. If you are not familiar with either Boolean algebra or De Morgen's Theorem, talk to your attorney about hiring an expert in Boolean algebra to analyze these statements for their veracity.

[@miken4jojl84]

@@alflyover4413 First Thank You for Your Service. After I watched this I decided I had had enough crap and now I am in contact with an Attorney. It will for sure cost but at this stage of my life, headed for 80 in a few I will not give up nor let these -------- get away with lying about certain things, which by the way I do have a witness to the Medical eval and the hearing with the DC Judge. Thanks again and stay safe Brother.

[@alflyover4413]

@@miken4jojl84 Good luck.

[@chuckbratcher9866]

A veteran serves his country for 4 years or 30 years. That veteran puts his life on the line. The things they go through are terrible. These things stay on your mind for life. Once that veteran completes his military service, he spends the rest of his life fighting the VA for things that were promised by our government. The VA is broken, and it does not side with the veteran. The VA does all it can to keep from paying that veteran what he earned.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I definitely agree that the VA system is broken.

[@cp-iy1ku]

just won a 12 year fight...never give up

[@frankierhodes3363]

What's wrong with America they rather help people outside of America than help their own. Damn shame.

[@quintinr.6760]

It’s is not a failure, they do it on purpose 😤

[@charlesgentry3758]

Can confirm. My dad took 5 years to get his 100% benefits after 22 years in the military. And this was in 2010.

[@samsgarage3540]

The VA is absolutely failing. I've dealt with them for 12 years, and they are worse now than ever at meeting needs. I have to chase down my test results, push for appointments to be made, and then they are spaced out very far apart and takes years to get care that would take a month in the civilian world. It's horrible. I wish the VA health system would be dismantled, and veterans could just use medicaid. I'm over it.

[@kingtune7936]

The truth is they’re not really trying to give U.S. veterans what’s owed to us. 82d Airborne Division 1998-2002✊🏾

[@clipbrown8452]

Definitely not

[@rsj2027]

This is absolute negligence and people who are responsible for not helping our Veterans will be held accountable In God's Court of Law!!!! I'm so sorry 🙏 to All My Veterans this country owes You All Your Just Dues and Justice ⚖!

[@Tuxster3]

After watching THIS news story, I believe you would have to be out of your mind to join ANY branch of the U.S. military! Because this story shows the VA will NOT have your back when the chips are down and you really need help!

[@imveryhungry112]

I'm a veteran waiting on a claim. I always tell young people do not join military go to college and start your life.

[@angelrivera8535]

My brother was in the army went to war in Iraq key part in operation endorse freedom he was dealing with really bad PTSD unfortunately and May 11th 2020 he took his own life

[@Credit87]

Imagine doing 15 years 5 deployments and getting out with 60% why a PFC with 2 years of service and 0 deployments gets out with 100%. This is what I’ve seen. Those who do what the military teaches you, Suck it up and drive on, have no proof of to support their claims. They never went to sick call and popped ibuprofen like skittles to complete the task and now it backfires 😢

[@cliffordpriest3091]

I just want somebody to tell me how you can serve your country and not get paid but you can come in the-country non-citizen and get paid

[@johnmontecalvo1508]

Thank You! we were told to fight them over there , so we don't have to fight them here! You bring them here and give them our benefits and deny Veterans, s.S and S.S.D.I.Only In America, Mr. Don King, said it the best.

[@Ranger175bco]

I know your pain, brother. Been fighting the VA Since 1996 after 13 years. Even after turning things over to a good law firm they made some gains for me, since 2015. A claim with 5 issues been at the board since 12/18. And counting. All of in this boat, hang tuff don't stop the fight.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

Definitely don't give up!

[@terryruggiero1718]

Lawyers really can't help they just end up taking a percentage of your benefits in the end. Contact your local chapter of the DAV. It's the only veterans organization that specializes in VA claims. And it's free

[@winninginlife]

I never wanted to join the military because of how vets are treated. I'm still in shock people join🤔

[@miken4jojl84]

This AM I got up and tuned in WCNC TV Charlotte, NC to get the local Weather and they were talking about changing the name of Fort Bragg and what it was going to cost. Now that being said and if I heard correctly it was going to cost 6 Million Dollars to change Fort Bragg to Fort Victory. I would like to know why they can't spend that amount of money on the Veterans instead of a name change that actually means squat. Please tell me.

[@DisabledVet317]

I finally filed my claim for my VA Diagnosed PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety on August 8, 2021. I’ve now been denied twice and now waiting on my appeal. I spent 15 years in the bottom of a bottle before reaching out for help. I’ve been receiving weekly therapy from the VA for my mental health issues for the last 3 years but they still refuse to give me the service connected disability. It’s insanity! We live paycheck to paycheck as I keep getting fired/let go from jobs because of how my issues effect my work. It’s killing my ability to provide for my family! And they just keep making me wait, with no end in sight!

[@butters1273]

Damn you, VA. Great reporting.

[@benperry5233]

took me over 2 years to get my approval and I had everything 100% documented. I had to call the white house hot line every time my packet didn't move.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

Glad you were approved and awarded the benefits you have earned!

[@ebo7310]

Same here and I contacted my Senator.

[@marcusanderson-yeager6740]

It's the game of delay, deny, and hope the veteran dies or gives up the fight.

[@sctherapeuticmassage9940]

Praying for you.

[@curtislocus195]

I've been waiting over 17 years and I'm a victim of camp lejeune, I grew up there. My father was a USMC 26 yr. Retired vet. From lejeune. Plus I'm a vet of the Gulf War.

[@XploreAz]

Something is definitely wrong with how the VA processes claims. I submitted my claim and was approved in less than a month and received back pay and started receiving monthly payments. I filed my claim in 2020 during Covid for reference.

[@clipbrown8452]

Complexion

[@bengilmore2824]

If the VA and the government spent as much time and money taking care of veterans as they do trying to convince the world that they ARE taking care of veterans, we wouldn't be in this condition. I've been battling the VA since i left the military in 2006. I have a hearing next month. It's an ongoing appeal for claims dating back to 2012. Let's see what happens. The burden to prove my case falls on me which is insane. All of the evidence I have submitted over each appeal is simply ignored and they send me letter after letter stating DENIED. I blame the incompetence of the reviewers and the C&P examiners that often are not qualified to examine what they are asked to examine. I had an examiner quote a reference from an internet site, yes, a google search from anon medical, unverified source and use it as the reason for the denial.

[@LimitlessThinker]

There's an old saying at the VA a fellow Veteran mentioned to me, when it comes to the claims process - Deny, deny, until they die. It's sad that this was because so many feel they have to go through such a long, hard process.

[@throwback888]

Took me 3 years to get a finalized answer on mine. Funny thing is, I was rated TDIU and was never told or paid for it till my complete case was resolved.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I am glad you finally were awarded the benefits you have earned!

[@terrencebrown2618]

my heart goes out to that vet.I am a Nam vet have been waiting in the BVA for 8yrs

[@SpaceRanger187]

you need to request a hearing

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

8 years is exceptionally long at BVA. I used to work there. Are you waiting for a hearing date? Has your case been remanded?

[@mickturner957]

I talked to my Congressman about posting a bill in Congress that will force the VA to either finish their job on Claims/Appeals in 1 year or close it out as Approved and Pay UP! That is the only way to fix the VA!...Oh, and FIRE all those at the VA that ARE NOT Veterans, no matter what job they have.

[@mickturner957]

@@fochlerveteranslaw Remanded is another way the VA screws Veterans...Delay Delay Delay, and if that doesn't work LIE LIE LIE!

[@davidpond2659]

I filed a case in 2016 and didn't get infront of a judge until 2020. The judge asked the VA to remand certain items and the remand was done in just a few months. The va still to this date hasn't resolved or even budged on the claim. Its insane.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

Remanded cases are supposed to get priority. Did you get a decision from the Regional Office and are waiting at BVA?

[@davidpond2659]

@@fochlerveteranslaw So I was Remanded when the Judge gave me half of my ratings, the other half he remanded. Right now its just the BVA hanging on doing nothing but certainly not moving my case.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

@@davidpond2659 that's so frustrating. I would suggest getting a copy of the development the Regional Office obtained, most likely the VA exams. You need to submit evidence that counters the negative VA exam. Be as proactive as you can to make sure the BVA doesn't just follow the negative evidence.

[@davidpond2659]

@Michael Philip Oliver Wow, you are absolutely correct, I have little to complain of compared to you, and I am certain many others like you. There is no justice in this country for those that put their life on the line for this country.

[@miken4jojl84]

I myself enlisted and went active on Jan.31,1962 and discharged Jan.31, 1975. A lot of thing occurred after that but it took our Rep. Sue Myrick to even get me enrolled to VA healthcare system. Time moved on and ended up with heart issues that ended up me having open heart surgery, diabetic and so on. Then breathing issues from asbestos from the ships I served on. My VSO filed the claims and then I was taken up to Winston Salem for Med eval. No Dr's to be found so they ended up denying me and said I did not go to the appointment. Filed the appeal and went to WS again to video with Law Judge up in DC. It got remanded back and is still not resolved. This been over Ten yrs and we are still waiting and I am 79 with other health issues. The VA is about as corrupt as our Gov. these days and it will never change. The VA has had problems ever since its inception. Wishing all of my Brothers and Sisters good luck and stay safe.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

Is your case advanced on the docket for advanced age? Make sure your representative files that motion. Your remanded case should also get priority. Don't give up!

[@miken4jojl84]

@@fochlerveteranslaw I can't answer that question or really any of them but my VSO here in union co nc and Dan Bishop have been on this but I ask question but no answers and No I do not have an attorney, just me!!!

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

@@miken4jojl84 Please ask your VSO if you are advanced on the docket. It helps significantly. I would be happy to help if you want representation. There is no obligation and I would be happy to review your file.

[@miken4jojl84]

@@fochlerveteranslaw At this present stage of this game I would more than welcome your help and assistance. This has gone on long enough and of course the asbestos has made me very short winded and yes there is scaring on the left lung. So what can I say. I can give you the whole story if you wish but I would welcome your assistance. Mike

[@rogerpeloquin2206]

They say 405 days, the quickest appeal lane took me over 800 days in the direct review and so far 30 more in the hands of the judge. Slow is an understatement!

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I agree. The estimates are not accurate. Several of my clients are also reaching the 800 days mark. They are focusing on the Legacy cases and the AMA cases are creating a huge backlog. The new system they created to speed up the process is not yet working!

[@kurtrussell5228]

......dang

[@mrquestion8398]

Ive been waiting for 4years for a appeal just got on the docket in July 23 im told it will be another 2 or 3 years.

[@gordonholmes4557]

It took me 15 years to get approved rated at 70%. Then I received help from an attorney to get 100%. They are still fighting to get back pay.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

I am so glad you were finally awarded the benefits you have earned!

[@dabprod]

Have fought the VA for many years. Took a law firm I had to pay to finally get the rating I deserve. I'm 79. Their waiting us out, waiting for us to die or give up.

[@kurtrussell5228]

Well, they did just that with you.....79? Looks like they won't have to pay you for long. R.I.P.

[@dabprod]

@@kurtrussell5228 Read much? To get the rating I deserved. Have had four different ratings over 30 years. Disability gets worse with age, VA doesn't want to up you're rating.

[@kurtrussell5228]

@@dabprod disabilitys go up as you age but that doesn't mean those disabilitys are service connected or caused by military service....

[@dabprod]

@@kurtrussell5228 Mine are SERVICE CONNECTED injuries that have already been granted VA ratings that have worsened over the years. That's what it means. Have you got it now?

[@kurtrussell5228]

@@dabprod that you have one foot in the grave? Yeah i got it now.

[@mickturner957]

I have a pending claim with all the evidence I need. IF the VA denies it my first step is to Appeal, Second step 1 nano second later is to contact my Congressman to kick their Azz. That is the only way I see to force the VA to do their job! Oh, by the way, the contractors the VA hires to do the C&P exams...most of the companies are owned by "FORMER" VA Executives. Anyone that see's this can smell the stench miles away. My Congressman is itching to dig into the VA's dealings to NOT help the Veterans.

[@Banjoman-p7t]

Your congressman can do nothing to the VA. Go ahead and call and ask them to help. all they can do is call the VA and check on the status and give you an update. The VA only answers to itself and will give your congressman lip service but not take any action. That is what my congressmans Vet rep told me.

[@angelCastro-hb9rh]

My heart goes out to you brother. Way to fight .. it is a messed up system.

[@carlousmagus5387]

They need to fix this yesterday! And they had better do it before we come knocking on their door.

[@ObadiahIsrael]

Then they would want to put us in jail

[@alicehouse482]

14 years for me fighting the VA PTSD in my life mess 😮 up civilian life mess up I will be dead before they make a decision mess up

[@shennorodblue5574]

I served in Panama, came back things got worse, until I got out, was denied in 2017, I have ptsd, General Discharge, I've been suffering every since, seems like they don't care if black soldiers get there benefits or not, somebody out there help us get what we deserve.

[@valsyaranamual6853]

Don't think the USA gives a damn about any of its citizens.

[@shennorodblue5574]

I just wanted to say Thank you all for your service, it's time we're listening to each other, I loved being a soldier made sure I was squared away to the fullest, went to war came back completely different, no one wanted to listen,Thank you all, be safe and stay alive.

[@spec46971]

So you believe you got denied because you are black? I have been denied more than once and I am not black time to cut the bullshit and get some help filing your claims.

[@spec46971]

@aNteHax Caucasian box?

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

Thank you for your service. Have you consulted an attorney or accredited representative? Sometimes its just a matter of reviewing the file and making sure your case is fully developed.

[@thehamms3]

I have been waiting for YEARS AND YEARS! Appeal after appeal... Waiting TDIU since Dec 2020 yet the southern boarder is come on in and here ya go!! More people never results to faster decisions. This has already been reviewed.

[@Hobie-Juan_Kenobi]

There is a huge communication breakdown within the VA. This coupled with poor training, lack of knowledge, and lack of caring has created a dysfunctional system.

[@DavidLopezTexas]

In my case, I reported all my symptoms/injuries while in the military. I ensured I registered on the VA Burn Pit registry immediately upon demobilization and I documented more and the VA was quick and prompt and received the care.

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

great job! So glad you were successful and are enjoying your benefits.

[@DavidLopezTexas]

@@fochlerveteranslaw my father a career Army veteran, Vietnam veteran, emphasized it and glad I listened to him.

[@kurtrussell5228]

Right on David....that's how the VA picks out the legit claims over the fakers and embellishers.....evidence.

[@giantsquid513]

I've sent papers in years ago recently I ask what the status was... their response we don't have your paper's sorry. I've given up on getting those paper's through.

[@josephriley3244]

“Make sure their families are taken care of” keep those benefits out of corrupt hands of state authorities. And I mean it. U.S. Constitution Article one section eight clauses eleven to fourteen was interpreted at SCOTUS and states lack authority to invest

[@johnmontecalvo1508]

your abouslety correct, these individual States spend there Federal V.A. monies how they like, no oversight.

[@clipbrown8452]

I’m ready to sue the VA

[@Puertoricanmarriedtofilipina]

Hurry up and wait I really hated it when I was in the military and I’m still hearing that same stupid word in the VA hospital smh

[@sonofthemorningstar6566]

Also it’s easier for the V.A to deny…let u do an appeal…which takes a year or more…than deny again…go to the process with the V.A and then be told the medical information they have on u is out of date…

[@rcourt879]

I feel your pain brother. Had multiple knee injuries before I retired in 2006. Had my first knee replacement for a service connected injury in 2010 at the age of 44. Was denied one year convalescent pay and no rating for replacement. Filed appeal in 2010 and won it in April 2017. I feel it's the party in charge dragging feet so they can allocate funds to social programs.

[@jamese.gulyard8897]

Did you know that v.a benefits are a part of Medicare… as a veteran I had to learn that it’s sad what they put us through

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

Happy to hear you finally were awarded the benefits you have earned!

[@mickturner957]

Allocate funds actually means to STEAL the funds for Veterans to pay their political cronies for their political activities.

[@eddymahon1503]

I’m still shocked that the VA approved my 100% permanent and total rating for my recent brain cancer diagnosis. I applied last September, had 2 C&P exams and 2 weeks later I got their decision. Only 5 months. Related to Camp Lejeune water contamination so that might have been the difference and the fact I don’t have much more time left above ground. I’m still grateful and it will make my short life a lot more manageable.

[@ha4b635]

They've made it so that you have to obtain legal and personal representation to deal with the VA.

[@kennethfoster2759]

GREETINGS ..YES...ABSOLUTE..!!! THEY WILL VIOLATE YOUR RIGHT TO SELF -REPRESENT..!! THEY TRIED THIS SAME METHOD AGAINST ME...I MADE IT KNOWN TO THEM...THAT I WILL NOT RELINGUISH MY "POWER OF ATTORNY"... BY DOING SO...THEY HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OVER YOUR TRANSACTIONS...PROPERTY...AND MONEY...!! PS..BE CAREFUL...I BEAT THEM AT THEIR SINISTER GAME..!!!

[@CarySmith1968]

It's not just the VA either. I took my case to the Federal Circuit Courts with a lawsuit against the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. My arguments for my case were turned in immediately, but the VA stalled numerous times, and could have been held in contempt of court multiple times for missing deadlines, but the judges kept letting them slide. When the VA finally turned in their arguments, they also included directions for the Federal Circuit Court judges, with details on how to dismiss my case. Instead of the judges doing their job and making a decision on my case, they copied the VA's dismissal directions verbatim and mailed it to me, closing my case. Since then, I've filed complaints against the judges for showing favoritism towards the VA or possibly accepting bribes, but they didn't care. I then sent in a request of all of the Circuit Court judges from that district to review the case, but that was shot down too. Currently, proof of their dirty dealings has been made with letters mailed to the White House, and many major newspapers around the country, but nobody has reached out to ask me about any of it. This is of course the short version of what happened. At least I haven't seen any blacked out helicopters hovering around the house, so that's one good thing. lol

[@Zgreasewood]

Hope you find the right person at the VA , other vet friends pushed my claim took six months to prove I HAD been in the army, still no compensation for radiation exposure, no investigation into the other 11 guys who are now all dead. All medical records gone. Moved to a country with Socialized medicine, no problem seeing a doctor sometimes 10 minutes and in, no appointment no 8,000 tests. Wife had horrible eye infection cured in a week, total cost $200 US, for doctor visits and medicine. She is now trying to get citizenship here. Good luck with stupid U.S. hearhcare, it is 100% a lie and scam.

[@CarySmith1968]

@@Zgreasewood Thank you and good luck to you too.

[@johnmontecalvo1508]

I totaly believe you! so sorry.

[@tommyvigil306]

As a combat veteran, I went from 0% to 100% permanent in six months. This has been my experience.

[@kurtrussell5228]

That's because you had evidence to back up your claim...most of these idiots just walk up to the VA with their hand out claiming to be Audie Murphy with absolutely no evidence.......and I'd say most are lying.

[@011keepers]

@@kurtrussell5228 I hate to say I agree with you, I know a soldier that got disability for the anxiety of the flight over to Italy for our summer training (reserves). Another PTSD despite never deploying outside of the US...

[@daveb2280]

I went from 40% to 100% permanent in 2017. Took three months! If veterans actually read the CFR's, can write well and have the proper medical documentation needed for the claim as it relates to the CFR the process is rather simple and quick for most people. Veterans need to take ownership of their claims and write it up in a way that makes the rater's job easy. Also, I've had excellent care with VA medical system as well. I believe the majority of the VA's problems are regional.

[@chrismcgoogin7505]

@@daveb2280 What about the veterans who do all of what you did and STILL wait for years? Your experience with the VA is not everyone's experience...even if they do follow the CFR's to a tee. Congratulations to you and my thoughts, prayers, concerns and compassion to those the VA is leaving behind.

[@kingmaafa120]

Usually depends on your records Part of 🇺🇸you in Often times your race JUST FACTS

[@turbozzz4376]

My case has been waiting since May 2020 (board of appeal) told hoping that appeal will be around June of this year

[@rickmccarroll9993]

My brother waited 9 years. I had to wait 6 years and still fighting with them. They got my back pay all messed up

[@spoonnwithsunshinehomestead]

This exact same thing is happening to my husband right now as we speak and he was an elite Army Ranger and Gulf War veteran!!! They claim they can't even find his medical records! How do you completely lose a person's whole medical file and how is that the veterans fault??? Wish we could find a pro Bono attorney because we have been struggling! My husband has over hundreds of jumps out of aircrafts and he suffers daily with his injuries and decades of pain and depression. It's really sad to see how hard we have to fight for what's right, especially when you put your life on the line for those very people that are making these awful decisions!!! 😪

[@evilload]

lost his medical records? cool story...

[@mikejordan6290]

@@evilload Yeah it's easy for the VA to make that claim!

[@evilload]

@@mikejordan6290 Hellz yeah. I smell some BS with the whole "VA lost his medical records."

[@mikejordan6290]

No One entering the service expected to get hurt, but we knew we might find ourselves in the middle of a war! But we never would have guessed we'd be warring with the VA! They take advantage of us by not telling us how important it is to have any injuries we sustain documented and keeping a copy for our own files! How convenient for them to lose or keep inaccurate medical records!

[@mikejordan6290]

Bottom line they don't want to pay up!

[@dman2547]

The board of veterans appeals has recieved a budget increase of $111M since 2020 and has decided fewer claims than the previous year since 2020. YES, Congress needs to act, not with funding but accountability.

[@chadalbee5655]

Im in the same boat. My claim has been "awaiting bva [board of veterans appeals] " since 7/21/21. I even contacted my congressman Tom Cole which didn't do any good. I got 3 months of back pay when i got my 100%, they didn't even go back to the most recent appeal.

[@rvalatinofotografia]

I have been fighting the VA and the NRB for getting kicked out of the Marines for behavioral issues back in 70's from the toxins in Cam Lejeune where I was stationed 3 years. I still have not been granted anything as of yet! 48 years later!

[@valsyaranamual6853]

Agent Orange? Think how it has affected citizens of Vietnam.BIL died from it - an ally of the USA in a war the USA started.

[@kurtrussell5228]

Lie some more

[@kennethfoster2759]

WHILE SERVING IN THE MILITARY...IF YOU WERE FOUND UNFIT TO SERVE..AND THEN GIVEN A "BAD CONDUCT DISCHARGE"... YOU THEN BECOME UNELGIBLE TO RECIVE BENEFITS...

[@rvalatinofotografia]

@@kennethfoster2759 The discharge is a result of the Toxins in the water at camp Lejeune that the CDC claimed caused neurobehavioral effects at 4 parts per billion, Camp Lejeune was at 366 parts per billion. What do you expect from that type of exposure to affect behavioral problems. The chemicals in the water was the catalyst! Don't believe me, just look up the CDC Clinical findings. I was exposed to 3 years of those toxins, the behavior is just one of the 17 or so symptoms they mention, I have 10 of those symptoms. That my friend cannot be denied! We are victims of toxin related problems.

[@Hello-ev1xl]

All the raters care about are their bonuses.

[@SpaceRanger187]

YUP, they get raises for denying claims

[@jbjbhbkhb154]

🔝this

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

Democrats wanted to add 89k IRS agents but they could care less about the veterans. Why not add 89k new VA agents?

[@fochlerveteranslaw]

The VA is adding employees, but it has taken too long. They only recently got more resources, but now those attorneys and staff need to be trained. Such a frustrating process!

[@hannibalkemet9824]

The 89k IRS agents is to get the tax money from the rich who keeps finding ways not to pay their fair share of taxes. That additional will pay for veterans disability claims and other resources for the VA.

[@Zgreasewood]

This happens everytime the traitor republicans take over Congress. How much did you get from the traitor trump tax cut? 25% of the whole National Debt occurred under Republicans and traitor Trump. All the money went to the top 1%, we never have this problem when Pelosi was running the funding of the nation. NEVER even discuss it.

[@MrHammer102]

Yeah, and the Republicans are trying to CUT our benefits in 2023 and SS. Yeah, see how this game is played. FYI, those new IRS agents are so they can catch all those billionaires paying next to nothing in taxes. You know, the ones Rump gave millions in tax breaks while doing no such thing for everyone else.

[@cmhighway6215]

I feel for you brother. It goes clear back into Vietnam. 200,000 Viet vets filed a law suit , and won our case. Approved by Obama,cong.senat. But for some unanswered reason we have never got our back pay. The government says they can't find a place to allocate the money. Nore fullfil the medical obligations that were promised at discharge.

[@thomasc5817]

Try a decade now. First applied in 2013. Had 5 C&P exams in the last 6 weeks. I need these to be positive. I am getting sicker from Gulf War Illness almost daily.

[@punkw7852]

I had a ruptured brain aneurysm 12 years ago. The damage to my brain 🧠 is remarkable!! It will never get better since blood hitting it kills that area, and… I’m not a starfish that can regrow the loses I have. It took me over 2 1/2 years to get approval for SSI, the very basic support. How are illegal border crossers getting it at crossing, especially if over 65? Why are we to suffer without a single dollar for 2 1/2 years, or more going through physical & speech therapy, etc when you can’t even pay for food & don’t have Medicaid yet because it depends on being classified as a permanent disability? It’s a horrible situation that our government puts us through when we are already desperately trying to make a life without physical means, or financial anything?

[@daveb2280]

You should stop using VA medical centers as a backdrop for your story. VHA and VBA are two entirely separate entities. VBA is the section where claims are processed (Usually in a federal building). VHA is a system where medical care for eligible veterans can receive health care. It has nothing to do with disability compensation.

[@babydrewful]

Their has got to be a better way. We are suffering and nothing is getting better.

[@notapplicable761]

This story needs to go national again!

[@robertortiz3755]

I understand your pain i too have been waiting and waiting and no one understands, my ptsd is so bad I’ve lost relationships, been arrested been let go from jobs. I served in desert storm USN, discharged in 1993 it took 28 to get approved for 80% now I’m in a never ending line waiting for a BvA hearing trying to get 100% I can’t understand why no one has stepped up to help our veterans. I hope something changes soon. we did our job why can’t the vA

[@flutoporter9131]

Put going to jail in..i did 100percent

[@williamstiggersws]

Also a lot of veterans have to deal with the fact that some of their medical records aren't in the files. All of my records are not in my military medical records.

[@907travelalot]

Understatement

[@donaldmartin4980]

I have been waiting about 30 years to file, finally did, now I have been waiting 166 days for answer.

[@donaldmartin4980]

Day 178, notified that my new rating was 100 percent P and T. Vets don’t give up the fight, sooner or later they have to answer to you.

[@TexasMade903]

I got 50% right off the top for PTSD, everything else has been a struggle.

[@korgaun]

Going on 4 months waiting. We will see and now they want to start from the start with another exam I already did.

[@indymac7]

Could you wait until it adds up in years? I've had to. For 13 years on one issue, they only paid one year back pay. They still owe 12 years.

[@mickturner957]

The VA does that to funnel money to their 'Friends' that used to work at the VA. The entire system is rigged and CROOKED!

[@BJGober]

It took 3 years for my appeal to be looked at. They did get it approved and paid me back pay. But three years is just to long.

[@patg3424]

I’m still fighting 35 years later. I been through hell and back many times dealing with my disabilities and the va. I pray for my brothers out there.

[@jkiddwhite]

yep I have been waiting 4 years for my board appeal......It's ridiculous. And after the hearing will have to wait God only knows how long for a decision

[@AveragePrepper76]

He got his 100 percent and most likely by just playing the game, he should just be happy with that.

[@MH-il1lk]

The VA rated my back at 10%, then raised me to 40%, and stated I healed in two months (though I have had this injury for over 15 years showing degenerative disc disease) so lowered me to 10%, then raised me to 20% and then back to 40%. Originally, the lowering back to 10% was also part of my TDIU claim. Makes you wonder.

[@TheStoicGooner1375]

It's a total joke I'm on my second Appeal now with a lawyer I've been rated at 100 % and only paid for 70% . However I am grateful i am getting anything hearing these other horror stories . My wife who also served has been denied 4 times in a row and is a OIF 1 veteran and they never give her a good answer why I know that she is on her 5 or 6 th appeal and this last one has lasted almost two years with no contact or help on their end. I hope everyone struggling out here with this greedy heartless machine known as veterans affairs gets the help, respect,and compensation you deserve! God bless

[@gilbertcalifornia]

19 years and i still have to fight with them just about how to treatment and how to do there job for the two groups VA healthcare VA administration

[@MadamsTrapHouse]

This is crazy I got mine with in a year went from 70-100 percent

[@MrFmccarty]

It has taken years!

[@MSPREPR]

not only the Veterans in the US, but the veterans that have moved overseas are denied use of VA benefits, even though they have fought for this country and gave up years. There is a penalty for moving overseas even though it would save the VA $$$$ by having procedures done overseas instead of making Veterans come back to the states to have procedures done.

[@Ibnthaman82]

I've been waiting for a decision for 6 years now through BVA and counting. This process is frustrating to say the least, meanwhile they send monies across seas to help other people, but won't take care of Vets smh

[@lindalester9151]

Can anyone here tell me if Military Veterans of America is a legitimate organization that claims to help veterans and walks vets through the process of red tape?

[@reggierendon2847]

VA takes months, VA lawyers take yrs.

[@SpaceGringos3D]

It takes 2 years for mental health help at the Houston VA.

[@alandecker8912]

One of the many reasons recruiting is way down. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is willing to put their life on the line for me and my family. I would not want my son enlisting and would discourage it for this reason alone.

[@bertcollard6619]

There are times lawyers act as guardian angels when helping veterans

[@renaerutledge5767]

This is so wrong I feel that the US veterans was used ,it's sad because they risk their lives for us and not getting what belongs to them financially, I thank them all for their service .Gotta do better.

[@ask_why000]

Well at least America has funds to make certain illegals (or if you prefer citizens of foreign nations present without documentation or vetting) in New York demanding that they maintain their hotel accommodations and refusing to go to local shelters, all on the taxpayer dollar. I guess America has its priorities.