Truth About VA Claims

Statistics Don’t Lie

Only 24% of Vets receive disability

Let’s start with some statistics that will hopefully motivate you to pursue your VA Claim. 76% of our Veteran population do not file a VA Claim? Why? What could possibly stop someone from seeking a life-long monthly compensation from the government? The answer is quite simple; the process of applying is time consuming and challenging. There are unknown timelines, forms and procedures that generally have to be followed in order to submit a claim.

I’m here to tell you, we can make that process far more simple. In fact, the VA has already has and we can help you navigate this process.

Don’t Procrastinate, Submit Your VA Claim

If you have one day left on active duty, you still have time!

When do active duty members hear about submitting a VA Claim? We all have friends that have transitioned and they do their best to warn you about it but when does the military actually tell you about it, in a formal capacity? It’s at your transition assistance course, right? When are you required to attend that course? For the Navy and Marine Corps, you must attend in the last 12 months of your service. Most of the men and women that I served with attend with less than 6 months left in the military. That is generally the first time a transitioning service member becomes aware of the requirements for submitting a Benefits Delivered at Discharge claim. Unfortunately, most service members deselect themselves and say “I’ll wait until I get out to submit it”. I’m here to tell you that is a terrible idea.

Access to Care

What is it and why it’s important

The excellent access to care that we have while the military, regardless of your service, is often overlooked. We can discuss the quality of care of military medicine later (believe me). What we cannot dispute is that if you are not feeling well or need a prescription or want to get seen for an injured limb, the access to care is always present. For instance, when a patient comes in with knee pain a credentialed provider can perform a physical exam, order x-rays, prescribe medication and order a physical therapy consult. When that note is signed it is automatically uploaded into the member’s medical record and can now be used as supporting documentation in a VA Claim.

Let’s take the same type of injury and now this individual is trying to be seen at the VA. How long would it take to get an appointment or referral to be seen? It’s unknown. How long would it take for x-rays or medication to be ordered? It’s unknown. Not even the VA can answer those questions.

If you care to read more about the VA’s wait times please check out this 30 page report from the Government Office of Accountability. It’s not favorable.

The point that is that while you are on Active Duty, it is crucial that you get your injuries and illnesses documented. It can be something as trivial as having a sinus infection (there is a rating for chronic sinusitis FYI).

If You Don’t Take Action

Nothing ages well, especially your VA Claim

If you transition from active duty without submitting your claim and you choose to get seen by the VA how many appointments will it take to build the case that your injury/illness was service connected? What if you are in school full time? What if you have children and a spouse that works? What if you have a full time job? How easy will it be for you to accommodate multiple VA appointments just to get supporting documentation for your claim? You will see how painful this process can be by visiting any veteran forum or social media group. If you are on active duty, you have a distinct advantage.

Conclusion

Don’t be a statistic

The Veteran claims experience is not pleasant. The barriers and unknowns are why 76% of Veterans choose not to submit a claim.

It’s not a question of IF you should start your claim but WHEN you should start your claim. Start thinking about this process 24 months from EAS’ing.

Zero Nexxus is committed to helping you and every other member of the Armed Forces transition with the most accurate and substantive claims package possible. Do not let anyone tell you to wait to submit your claim.