For The Veteran, By The Veteran

Here's a good question that I have been asked a few times, and definitely asked when I got out: what is the first step I take in order to start a claim for disability? It's a great question, and the simplest answer is that you should contact your VSO (Veteran Service Officer) as soon as possible. The sooner you get the process started the sooner you can hopefully get approved. Make an appointment with the VSO and to prepare for this appointment it is a good idea to get together your medical records, your DD214, and anything you have that thou think might help both you and the VSO write out what it is you are trying to claim. If you haven't been to your VSO before, or don't even know who they are or where to find them, there is a link at the bottom of this blogs home page that will help you find out where you need to go. From there if all goes according to plan you will be able to sit down with your VSO, fill out the form that shows your intent to file and for what, and send it off. The VA is always playing catchup, so things might not happen right away. But you can always call the VSO and request a status update, and even if the VA takes a year to finally approve your claim you will be back-paid starting at the date that you filed your first form with the VSO. Good luck, and as always questions are welcome!