Hawk Wolf

Centrist, Constitutionalist, Army Vet, 2A and Veteran Advocate - No DMs

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

VA Disability Tips Updated:
A conversation which arises regularly surrounds the process and "roadblocks" with filing for VA disability. It is my opinion that ALL veterans should file for disability. Regardless of your service, there will be something which negatively affects your life after your ETS date. This article is NOT the "be-all-end-all" for filing a claim. This is the path I used, and these recommendations here have been used successfully by other vets. YMMV and none of this is intended to be legal advice.
First and foremost, get your medical records. If still on active duty/nearing ETS, see medical (TMC/hospital/whatever) and make sure to note all issues so they are recorded in your file. If it hurts, tell them and make sure it is recorded! Get a copy of your final records, and verify everything is recorded, before you ETS. If you have already separated, request a "full copy of all active-duty medical records" from "archives"/St. Luis. You can file this request on the VA website, or the "National Archives" (https://t.co/5s1ppBht2i). It may be necessary to request both Inpatient and Outpatient records. I had to specifically request "All active-duty medical records", otherwise they only sent my DD-214. This can take months, in my case almost a year, and I received a CD with all scanned copies. I made several copies to be sure I didn't lose them... Before you ETS, or as soon as possible, submit an "intent to file" for disability. This “starts the clock” for disability compensation once your levels are established. https://t.co/iVfaK0DHmU
Your initial claim is likely to be denied. This has happened so often to other vets that it should be expected. The claim will require references connecting your disabilities to your service, "service connected", to count towards compensation. There are three websites I used to learn how to file my claims: DISCLAIMER: I am NOT ASSOCIATED with any of these companies/entities, only that the information gained assisted me in my claims:
https://t.co/cKHNrUmkQT helpful in understanding "VA Math". They are also VA Disability attorneys, although I did NOT engage them in that capacity.
https://militarydisabilitymadeeasy.comThis website has a subscription cost associated but was very helpful in understanding HOW the VA rates disabilities, and HOW medical conditions interact. One thing many have noted is we (veterans) tend to compensate for difficult or painful movement (FIDO), but THAT is what is evaluated. Reduced range of movement or pain when moving is measurable and part of the rating!
https://valor4vet.comAlso has a cost associated but was invaluable in helping me to gather and validate the evidence needed to support my claims, and to obtain "Nexus Letters" (an independent medical opinion) in support of those claims.
The VA website https://t.co/nxXLbVQqbO Disability Benefits Questionnaires available which explain the VA guidelines. I have discussed this with civilian doctors, seeking help filling these out, but invariably they decline. “I don’t know how they want those completed, so no.”
There are other companies/websites which would be valuable, but these are the ones *I* used. Again, YMMV, I only recount MY journey. In some cases, it may be helpful to engage with a disability attorney who focuses on military disability. I did not do so.
You can do this on your own. However, it is not a simple task, and you must remain focused on the mission. Having said that, recall the above statement: Your initial claim will likely be denied. This is NOT the end of the mission; it is the beginning of a long slog through the mud. Any denial should be appealed within one calendar year of the denial! This keeps the clock ticking. As long as you don't let the clock wind down to "0", your claims are still in play. The VA pays backpay once a rating is set and approved, although they have set a limit on how far back they will pay (I have been advised it is two years).
There are "presumptive" disabilities: back, knees and ankles for many; tinnitus is common (usually only 10%); hearing loss for artillery/aircraft mechs/generators, etc.; there are others. Even the presumptive conditions may need medical records OR a Nexus letter connecting them to military service. I know a Ranger who was injured on a jump and had back surgery TWICE yet required a Nexus letter for back conditions!
All claims will require a medical evaluation, usually by a third party contracted by the VA. A common contractor is VES (Veteran Evaluation Services?). I had several such appointments.
A quick note about mental health ratings. "Depression" is a fairly common occurrence in today’s world. There is a difference between "clinically depressed" and having "depressive episodes". If your pet dies, you will feel depressed, but only for a time. This is a depressive episode, not likely "clinical depression". If you see a counsellor/therapist for mental health, discuss this with them because it has a serious impact on other aspects of your life.
To recap:
1.
a. Get all active medical records (civilian also if they support your claims). (in parallel with 1b)
b. File your claim. (in parallel with 1a, don't wait!) You can file your claim while waiting for your military/medical records.
2. APPEAL ALL DENIALS!
3. Gather and submit your evidence.
a. Obtain Nexus letters and "buddy letters" (if you can get someone who witnessed/is familiar with your circumstances).
4. Make sure you understand what is evaluated and how.
5. Stay the course. You signed on the dotted line, you served, don't let it go.

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@fidgeyhatesleft 😂😂😂 Whoever it is will be labeled a psycho islamaphobe

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@RepPettersen @TomSouther1 Probably more are “reeling” from progressive policies…

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@MrLeadslinger 😂😂😂

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@URaSmartAssCarl I am sometimes guilty of this…

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@fidgeyhatesleft Someone will be “first”. The dam will break.

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@AlBuffalo2nite @AlGeneRobi96834 An alternative is to teach the women to break someone’s nose when it happens…

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@fidgeyhatesleft That is always the question: Who is gonna be "first"?

[🔫Ur a Smartass, Carl🔫 @URaSmartAssCarl]

This surgery will cost me out of $8000. If you could donate https://t.co/mcXCC8tIjP

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa That does seem odd, doesn't it?

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

https://t.co/8EDJD72QPs

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa Were you involved in either scenario?

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

Until and unless you are in the position of controlling someone who doesn't want to submit, you will never understand what may or may not be needed. It then becomes very easy to armchair quarterback what you see, and easier to listen to MSM who have "authority" without "experience".

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa There you go again: "whether he used it appropriately (he didn't)".
You were doing so well except you just HAD to add the last part...

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa It does come across as "I'm right, you're wrong". All of these talking points have been raised before. A lot of what you repeat has been in the MSM, and shown to be incorrect or biased. You still believe them, and try to prove your belief is "right"

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa OK.
Wasn't there a recent report where officers came out explaining that exact technique was part of training, and the "leadership" had previously *testified* that it wasn't?
That doesn't sound suspicious to you? Even a little?

[🔫Ur a Smartass, Carl🔫 @URaSmartAssCarl]

Maryland, California, and Connecticut targeting Glock pistols illustrates why many gun owners do not trust assurances that “no one is coming for your guns.”

The debate has never been solely about one firearm, one manufacturer, or one regulation. Gun owners have repeatedly been told that proposed restrictions are limited in scope and narrowly tailored. Yet over time, those restrictions often expand beyond their original justification, leading many to conclude that each compromise simply lays the foundation for the next demand.

This is why many Second Amendment advocates take an uncompromising position. From their perspective, the issue is not Glock. It is the principle. If the government can prohibit one of the most common and widely owned handgun platforms in America today, what prevents it from targeting another tomorrow?

The concern is not merely about regulation. It is about the gradual transformation of a constitutional right into a government managed privilege. Rights are exercised by citizens as a matter of law. Privileges are granted, restricted, and conditioned by those in power.

When the cost of ownership, legal compliance, and regulatory barriers continue to increase, the practical result is that the exercise of a constitutional right becomes easier for the wealthy, the politically connected, and those with abundant resources, while becoming increasingly inaccessible to ordinary Americans.

If a right exists only for those who can afford to navigate an ever expanding web of restrictions, it is fair to ask whether it remains a right at all.

https://t.co/kCU7PsyUWh

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

You asked if that position could cut off someone's breathing. To cut off someone's breathing requires obstructing the trachea. The position he was in can cause difficulty breathing due to other factors. It does not obstruct the trachea.
Other "factors" that can cause "difficulty breathing": Being overweight, ingesting fent/drugs, having pneumonia/severe cold, getting off a plane at 8K feet for a ski vacation when you live at sea level...
ALL can be "contributing factors" to "difficulty breathing"... without being the "cause". ALL of the examples I just gave will now be taken completely out of context.
I believe you have been told, on multiple occasions, that "mistakes were made". That does NOT equate to "murder" or "intentional homicide". Your suspension of reality and MSM makes it seem that way.

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa Sure, if you suspend reality and then spin a narrative according to MSM, your points are completely valid.

Enjoy your perspective.

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@robert_kroupa Sure, not going to argue/debate "worse" from different perspectives...

[Hawk Wolf @HawkWolf556]

@VigilantFox ROFL