to start the fight with VA for a disability rating for my knees.  I want to do this about as much as going through dental surgery. I am hoping that someone will be able to offer some guidance in this process.

When I got out of the IANG in 2004, there was a ton of stuff that the VA wanted to do. Lung tests, meet this person in CE dept, go meet so-n-so in the reps dept. Anyway, one of these reps started a claim for disability for 20 different things and thought one of them will stick. 2 yrs later I got annoyed with it and just ignored it. Now, I no longer live in Iowa, haven't been to a VA since 07, and it brings pain from my knees to do anything on my feet. My knee problems started with a fall in basic at South Carolina on a pine tree root. Anyone else here with a similar injury? How is this process supposed to work? Who & where do I start?

First off find a local VSO, I'll recommend the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).  Something kinda similar happened to me except my fall was from the back a shit hook, that wasn't quite on the ground.  I waited 20 years before finally getting something done about it, don't wait any longer.  Once you and the VSO get things going DO NOT miss your C&P exams!  Your VSO should be able to guide you through the process, and give you some valuable advice along the way.

Damn good advice!



I had DAV help me each time and they were able to get my rating raised every time. I was maxed out at 70% by the VA until I was approved for Social Security Disability. Within 30 days of being approved for SSD, the VA raised my rating to 100%.



 

Documentation!  Xrays, MRIs, CAT, what ever you have that shows the damage and how it relates to or was aggravated by mil service is critical.  Basically, if it's not written down it never happened!