Comp and Pen

This may come with some backlash, but I have to make this article known. As a veteran, currently going through the claim process, I have been exposed to two types of examiners that will either support or hinder a veteran’s claim process.

Let it be known that any veteran related to a combat training or actual live event, should automatically receive 100 service connected compensation. No, this is not a confirmation based on solely the occupational hazard, but the causes that affect the veteran.

Let me break down the first examiner. This person has no connectivity to the military service and he/she is there for one goal! To make sure the veteran fails the exam. Yes, we live in a world of scammers and those who try to get over; however, any veteran that served and with an honorable discharge deserves the rating. As sure as anyone that knows the sun will go up and down until the end of time, I can guarantee there is something during a veteran’s enlistment that caused a mental or physical disability.

The unspoken wear and tear on the body, the mental abuse and the countless bullying are only some factors that weigh in when considering the veteran’s military enlistment. No, I’m not saying that everyone enlisted are entitled; I’m saying veterans true experience should not be scrutinized to be anything else.

Then there is the examiner that has been in the veteran’s shoes, or knows from firsthand experience of what the veteran is going through by way of family or close friends or even personal contact with the military way of life.

If you are a veteran reading this and you are going through the claims process, my best advice is to speak your truth. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked to explain my personal story and broke out into tears while telling my story of the aches and pains, the mental mistreatment and a host of other verbal combative situations that I have encountered during my enlistment.

Yes, it’s easy for any other person to step away in the civilian life, but what are the options when you have a platoon sergeant you cannot get away from because he/she knows if the veteran breaks their commitment, could face a lifetime of setbacks!

The claim system is not perfect, but has come a long way. Unfortunately like all industries, some dummy believes that more can be done with less! Which leaves examiners and even case judges reviewing appeals often overwhelmed and overlooked claims are left with errors and discrepancies that often leaves the veteran disappointed.

Stay strong, be encouraged and watch your 6! The world out there is not going to hand veterans a thing in life, even though veterans are responsible for protecting the very freedoms that most take for granted.

There is light at the end of the tunnel! Once a veteran is granted with 100 percent service connected disability, the world opens up to new perks! I’m making my way to my 100 percent rating as it is well deserved after the abuse my body and mind took! I’m am looking forward to the perks that I’ve heard about and deserve.

I will not list some of the perks, but even with my current rating, I am glad that I can receive because my income could not afford the things I currently do for my physical and mental heath.

Last, to all those who are not veterans or not connected to one, have patience and try to educate yourself of the lifestyle of a veteran and even when they are enlisted. In other words, examiners should lighten up!