Title: Navigating My First VA Disability Claim: A Journey from Zero to 20%
Hey there! I’m April from The Vocal Veteran. Today, I want to share a personal journey with you—my first experience with the Veterans Affairs (VA) system while filing my initial disability claim. This process taught me a lot, and I hope to clarify and simplify the steps for you, especially if you’re just starting or feeling lost in the process.
Life Before the Claim
When I transitioned to civilian life, I was 26 or 27 and didn’t think I needed any disability benefits. I got wrapped up in my civilian routine—working regular jobs, getting married, and having a child. Fast forward to 2020, a year of undeniable changes for everyone, I found myself with more free time and began considering the benefits I might be entitled to as a veteran.
My mom played a pivotal role in this. With the COVID vaccines rolling out, she came across news about the VA offering vaccines to veterans. She prompted me, saying, “Hey, you’re a veteran. Maybe that’s something accessible to you.” Her curiosity got me thinking, and I decided to explore further. I started with a call to the VA’s main line: 1-800-827-1000.
Taking the First Steps
Upon calling, I connected with a kind VA representative. I explained my background—a veteran with a 0% disability rating due to service-connected bunions on my feet and right knee pain. Without an ID or any disability payments, I wondered if I could get a VA vaccine.
The representative informed me bluntly that at 0%, I wasn’t in the system. However, she suggested something powerful: “Do your feet hurt?” she asked. “If so, why not reapply for a higher percentage?”
That nudge was all I needed. I asked about the next steps, and she advised me to visit a doctor, have my feet examined, and submit evidence to the VA showcasing the deterioration of my condition.
Navigating the Medical Process
Luckily, I have civilian insurance, which made accessing a podiatrist easier. I updated my X-rays and got a simple letter from my surgeon. Contrary to what many say about complex Nexus letters or expensive DBQs, I found simplicity often wins.
The magic lies in a straightforward doctor’s note: “This is my patient, suffering from painful bunions in need of surgery. The best procedure would be X, Y, and Z.” While I did pay for the appointment, my doctor drafted the note during our session.
I sent this note, my X-rays, and a personal statement detailing how my foot pain impacted my daily life, as evidence for my claim. That marked my first claim post-separation—the only prior claim was what earned me the initial 0% rating.
The Outcome: From Zero to 20%
The VA scheduled a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, which turned out to be quite straightforward. The examiner verified my condition, confirming all the documented issues. Shortly afterward, I received my new rating: 20% for my bunions.
Conclusion
This journey from zero to 20% was enlightening. The process may sound overwhelming, but breaking it down into actionable steps makes it navigable. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s the importance of taking that first step and seeking advice, whether from loved ones or VA representatives.
If this blog post helps you in any way, please feel free to reach out or subscribe to stay updated. You’re not alone on this journey, and your service deserves the recognition and support it warrants.