OT: My Veteran Benefit.

greenbean.sixpack

All-American
Oct 6, 2012
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Glad you got your claim handled well. I've worked for the VA (disability benefits side of it) for 21 years. I know it can be a confusing process sometimes. Lots of mis-information out there. I cringe every time I hear a veteran say "I was talking to some guys at the VFW." Honestly, a lot of times it just comes down to whether you get a good examiner or not and whether they give a favorable opinion to link what you have now to your service.
Are you in Jackson?
 

40mikemike

Senior
Sep 29, 2022
387
821
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I filed a disability claim back on July 29th. It took a while. They had to gather my military records and my military medical records. I had four C&P exams. There was also a forty-day government shut down that jammed everything up. I finally got approved for 30% disability for injuries which is kind of high out of the gate with the VA. I could have file 30 plus years ago but did not. That's on me. I woke up this morning, and they deposited $6262.00 into my checking account overnight.
Get back in there and keep pushing. My initial rating was 60%. I just got to 90%. So many issues are service connected and connected to one another. If you have legit claims, getting to 100% is life changing money for regular folks. It’s not just disability. It’s disability AND compensation. Service comes at a cost. You paid the price. Go get compensated for it.d
 

40mikemike

Senior
Sep 29, 2022
387
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The sad thing is the people who truly deserve the money for injuries sustained in combat or in the line of duty accidents, etc will often get much less than those with a collection of every day "life" issues. I've seen too many cases like that over the last 20 plus years. There are advocates who coach veterans on what to say and how to say it to get a higher rating. One of my friends had his ankle reconstructed playing intramural softball and that kicked his rating up to 100 percent when added to the hearing loss, back issues, etc from 20 years of work.
May have been true in years past, but not today. Guys with actual combat injuries and guys who got injured during service can get what they deserve if they are willing to fight for it. The problem is, the system is designed to discourage participation and to frustrate veterans into giving up. It’s much better than it used to be and that is thanks in large part to policies pushed by Trump and Biden. If you know people who were injured in combat and they aren’t getting what they feel they deserve, they can find people to help them fight for it. It’s no different than hiring a lawyer to defend you in court or hiring a doctor to treat a medical condition.
 

40mikemike

Senior
Sep 29, 2022
387
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If you have kids in college, it goes way above that. I can go look at the pay scale at the VA and see what they pay. Once you hit 100% the world is wide open. One kid in college adds 1500.00 a month. Two kids add 3000.00 a month. Wife in college 1500.00 per month. A Veteran alone gets 3900.00 a month then it just goes up for kids and wife. I meet with other disabled vets at the VFW and they tell me what they are getting. The people you worked with may not have been so up front.
It ain’t $1500 a month. Closer to $300 and it’s not an additional $300. It’s $300 in place of whatever you were receiving for them as a minor dependent. 100% is going max out around $4500 a month. May find some slightly above or below based on certain conditions, but $4500 is on the high side.
 

GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
19,558
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It ain’t $1500 a month. Closer to $300 and it’s not an additional $300. It’s $300 in place of whatever you were receiving for them as a minor dependent. 100% is going max out around $4500 a month. May find some slightly above or below based on certain conditions, but $4500 is on the high side.
If you are getting benefits from the VA you really need to get a VSO to help you navigate. Both the VFW and American Legion will provide one for you. I read somewhere that Veterans leave 1000's of dollars on the table because they can't know it all. My dad was a 100% disable Veteran and in 1984 the VA game me 480.00 per month while in college. I lost it when I joined the Marine Corps. I am trying to learn everything I can. I only been doing this since July. I have gotten things wrong and gotten things right. I am still learning and I am not going to leave money on the table.

Chapter 35 Rates For Survivors And Dependents | Veterans Affairs
 
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msualohadog

Senior
Oct 25, 2014
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100% is roughly $4000 married plus $300 per dependent also tax free. Spouses can also get money if you register them as caregivers. Chapter 35 the Dependent Education Act (DEA) pays spouse and children E5 BAH monthly, = $1480 at State (my 3 sons all got it). Additionally your spouse qualifies for the Dependent Indemnity Clause (DIC) upon the veterans' death, roughly $1800 a month as long as she's alive.

100% disability is an extremely good benefit to our veterans who, in my opinion, deserve it.

Glory, PM me. I think I can hook you up and get you a lot more than you're currently getting. The VA always low balls the initial ratings. It's all about managing numbers and they know statistically who will ask for an increase. And, yes, I'm a 100% disabled veteran (3 tours to Iraq) and a retired Lieutenant Colonel.
 
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GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
19,558
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100% is roughly $4000 married plus $300 per dependent also tax free. Spouses can also get money if you register them as caregivers. Chapter 35 the Dependent Education Act (DEA) pays spouse and children E5 BAH monthly, = $1480 at State (my 3 sons all got it). Additionally your spouse qualifies for the Dependent Indemnity Clause (DIC) upon the veterans' death, roughly $1800 a month as long as she's alive.

100% disability is an extremely good benefit to our veterans who, in my opinion, deserve it.

Glory, PM me. I think I can hook you up and get you a lot more than you're currently getting. The VA always low balls the initial ratings. It's all about managing numbers and they know statistically who will ask for an increase. And, yes, I'm a 100% disabled veteran (3 tours to Iraq) and a retired Lieutenant Colonel.
I know there are numerous secondary conditions I can get. Those C&P exams are stressful. I am waiting a few months to go after others. I need to rest a little. I might take you up on it when I get ready.
 
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1msucub

Senior
Oct 3, 2004
2,129
663
113
I filed a disability claim back on July 29th. It took a while. They had to gather my military records and my military medical records. I had four C&P exams. There was also a forty-day government shut down that jammed everything up. I finally got approved for 30% disability for injuries which is kind of high out of the gate with the VA. I could have file 30 plus years ago but did not. That's on me. I woke up this morning, and they deposited $6262.00 into my checking account overnight.
Two things:

1. I don’t know what injury/disability you suffered, but no matter what you’re getting….you aren’t getting enough as far as I’m concerned, because…..

2. …every one of y’all deserve more than you get. I’m a relatively tough fella when it comes to work, but I’ve never even been in a fist fight. If our nation’s security depended on men like me going into battle we’d all be speaking Arabic, Russian, or Chinese. I salute you and all like you. Thank you.
 
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40mikemike

Senior
Sep 29, 2022
387
821
93
If you are getting benefits from the VA you really need to get a VSO to help you navigate. Both the VFW and American Legion will provide one for you. I read somewhere that Veterans leave 1000's of dollars on the table because they can't know it all. My dad was a 100% disable Veteran and in 1984 the VA game me 480.00 per month while in college. I lost it when I joined the Marine Corps. I am trying to learn everything I can. I only been doing this since July. I have gotten things wrong and gotten things right. I am still learning and I am not going to leave money on the table.

Chapter 35 Rates For Survivors And Dependents | Veterans Affairs
Damn. I have spent money for a company to help me with my claim and still didn’t know about that. Thanks for the heads up. I apologize for my ignorance.
 
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MississippiTexan

Sophomore
Jun 11, 2014
122
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100% is roughly $4000 married plus $300 per dependent also tax free. Spouses can also get money if you register them as caregivers. Chapter 35 the Dependent Education Act (DEA) pays spouse and children E5 BAH monthly, = $1480 at State (my 3 sons all got it). Additionally your spouse qualifies for the Dependent Indemnity Clause (DIC) upon the veterans' death, roughly $1800 a month as long as she's alive.

100% disability is an extremely good benefit to our veterans who, in my opinion, deserve it.

Glory, PM me. I think I can hook you up and get you a lot more than you're currently getting. The VA always low balls the initial ratings. It's all about managing numbers and they know statistically who will ask for an increase. And, yes, I'm a 100% disabled veteran (3 tours to Iraq) and a retired Lieutenant Colonel.
The first part is valid information, but the last part is not. I can tell you 100% the VA does not intentionally low ball initial ratings. It's basically data input. We get the exams back from the examiners and input their findings. The most important part of the entire process is the VA exams. Our hands are very tied to what those examiners findings are. If those results are low, then the rating will be low. We take the exam findings and match to the rating criteria in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 38 Part 4. Anyone can look it up and see what they need to get a specific rating for a specific condition. But most people won't look that up to see what it actually takes to get a higher evaluation so they just think we are low balling them. For example, let's say you have a knee injury. You have pain when you move it, but you still have most of your range of motion. We give you a 10%. You think that's low because it really, really hurts. Well, 10 is most we give for pain. After that we rate it based on loss of motion and to get a higher evaluation you really, really have to loss of motion. Like lost more than half of your range of motion to even get a 20%.

Honestly, if you just google 38 CFR part 4 and find the condition you are claiming, it will basically give you the script of symptoms and findings you need to get each evaluation. My best advice would be to look that up before you go to your exam.
 
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TrueMaroonGrind

All-Conference
Jan 6, 2017
4,008
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Grandparents fought at Midway and Bastogne. Got $0 dollars. Grandkids saw a tank at Camp Shelby and have PTSD. $4k/month in perpetuity. Makes sense.

And before you go all “hero” on me, I’m well aware the Navy drill instructors teach you how to get disability at boot camp. Every Nuke I know is on it. Back pain, sleep disorders, rode in a sub too long, acne, anal fissure, etc. It’s a racket. All undeserving? Not necessarily. But unless you saw combat, I have a tough time understanding the issue.
Caleb Hammer has hosted many military guys on his financial podcast and they all have had disability. I don’t mind those who need it getting it but it seems like everybody has it.

My idiot ex BIL has disability after one deployment. He did have more of an argument for it than most of these dudes out there. There was actually a little action when he deployed.
 

greenbean.sixpack

All-American
Oct 6, 2012
8,887
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Caleb Hammer has hosted many military guys on his financial podcast and they all have had disability. I don’t mind those who need it getting it but it seems like everybody has it.

My idiot ex BIL has disability after one deployment. He did have more of an argument for it than most of these dudes out there. There was actually a little action when he deployed.
As a veteran of 31+ years, i agree, but as long as the vet is being honest, he/she is just playing by the rules. Like a person using every loophole to get out of paying taxes.

When growing up, a disabled vet was someone shot up in WW2, Korea or Vietnam, those were a different breed, they only claimed benefits if truly injured, mostly in combat. Now, if someone is on duty and hurt a knee while working out (even if it’s not an issue that permanently affects use) he/she is going to file for and get disability.
 
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msualohadog

Senior
Oct 25, 2014
503
689
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The first part is valid information, but the last part is not. I can tell you 100% the VA does not intentionally low ball initial ratings. It's basically data input. We get the exams back from the examiners and input their findings. The most important part of the entire process is the VA exams. Our hands are very tied to what those examiners findings are. If those results are low, then the rating will be low. We take the exam findings and match to the rating criteria in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 38 Part 4. Anyone can look it up and see what they need to get a specific rating for a specific condition. But most people won't look that up to see what it actually takes to get a higher evaluation so they just think we are low balling them. For example, let's say you have a knee injury. You have pain when you move it, but you still have most of your range of motion. We give you a 10%. You think that's low because it really, really hurts. Well, 10 is most we give for pain. After that we rate it based on loss of motion and to get a higher evaluation you really, really have to loss of motion. Like lost more than half of your range of motion to even get a 20%.

Honestly, if you just google 38 CFR part 4 and find the condition you are claiming, it will basically give you the script of symptoms and findings you need to get each evaluation. My best advice would be to look that up before you go to your exam.
Good point and good write-up, thanks. Low ball was a little inflammatory. Lack of knowledge and understanding about how to write/file your condition is a better descriptor.
 

msualohadog

Senior
Oct 25, 2014
503
689
93
In my opinion, as with a lot of military jargon, the percentage terms the VA uses is misleading. Percentages are supposed to represent at a macro level the average amount of salary a veteran's injuries cause him/her to lose over their remaining working life. The VA compensation payment is intended to replace these losses. Saying a Veteran is 100% disabled is misleading and has negative connotations. If they labeled disability ratings level 1 thru level 10 instead of 10% thru 100% it would be a much more accurate way to describe the veterans status. They can then use percentages for those truly lost to the workforce. People missing limbs and eyesight, or paralysis. These are the people most think of as 100% disabled and they are compensated on a different scale. Just my two cents.
 

GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
19,558
16,937
113
In my opinion, as with a lot of military jargon, the percentage terms the VA uses is misleading. Percentages are supposed to represent at a macro level the average amount of salary a veteran's injuries cause him/her to lose over their remaining working life. The VA compensation payment is intended to replace these losses. Saying a Veteran is 100% disabled is misleading and has negative connotations. If they labeled disability ratings level 1 thru level 10 instead of 10% thru 100% it would be a much more accurate way to describe the veterans status. They can then use percentages for those truly lost to the workforce. People missing limbs and eyesight, or paralysis. These are the people most think of as 100% disabled and they are compensated on a different scale. Just my two cents.
That VA math is a *****.****
 

TroyMcClure2025

Sophomore
Aug 1, 2025
193
187
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Caleb Hammer has hosted many military guys on his financial podcast and they all have had disability. I don’t mind those who need it getting it but it seems like everybody has it.

My idiot ex BIL has disability after one deployment. He did have more of an argument for it than most of these dudes out there. There was actually a little action when he deployed.
Outside of one guy that loaded missiles on planes during Shock and Awe without ear plugs now suffering from tinnitus, I know of no one that’s on it who’s actually seen war time.

I’d guess over 70% of everyone currently entering the military ends up on it. A complete travesty.
 

GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
19,558
16,937
113
100% is roughly $4000 married plus $300 per dependent also tax free. Spouses can also get money if you register them as caregivers. Chapter 35 the Dependent Education Act (DEA) pays spouse and children E5 BAH monthly, = $1480 at State (my 3 sons all got it). Additionally your spouse qualifies for the Dependent Indemnity Clause (DIC) upon the veterans' death, roughly $1800 a month as long as she's alive.

100% disability is an extremely good benefit to our veterans who, in my opinion, deserve it.

Glory, PM me. I think I can hook you up and get you a lot more than you're currently getting. The VA always low balls the initial ratings. It's all about managing numbers and they know statistically who will ask for an increase. And, yes, I'm a 100% disabled veteran (3 tours to Iraq) and a retired Lieutenant Colonel.

We joke all the time that there is math and then there is VA math. For example, it takes 27 10% evaluations to get to a combined 100% evaluation at the VA.
I have two 0% and two 10% and one 20%. None are secondary. I do have secondaries I just want to wait. Everyone keeps telling me to go ahead and do it, and lock those dates of claims in.
 

MississippiTexan

Sophomore
Jun 11, 2014
122
107
43
I have two 0% and two 10% and one 20%. None are secondary. I do have secondaries I just want to wait. Everyone keeps telling me to go ahead and do it, and lock those dates of claims in.
You can definitely wait, nothing wrong with that. I suggest you submit a VA Form 21-0966 Intent to File. That will tell the VA you are intending to file a claim in the next year and will save your date for one year to submit a claim. Then file your claim anytime within the next year and the VA will go back to the date we received that form to pay you.
 
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horshack.sixpack

All-American
Oct 30, 2012
11,393
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May have been true in years past, but not today. Guys with actual combat injuries and guys who got injured during service can get what they deserve if they are willing to fight for it. The problem is, the system is designed to discourage participation and to frustrate veterans into giving up. It’s much better than it used to be and that is thanks in large part to policies pushed by Trump and Biden. If you know people who were injured in combat and they aren’t getting what they feel they deserve, they can find people to help them fight for it. It’s no different than hiring a lawyer to defend you in court or hiring a doctor to treat a medical condition.
sounds like an insurance exec designed it