What is a disability rating, why do I need it, and what does it mean to me? In this article, I will break down what the VA disability rating is, why it is a necessary part of your transition, and why you should acknowledge its importance and potential benefit to your and your future endeavors.

During my research, while preparing for retirement, one common theme kept appearing: I was constantly told by previously retried and separated individuals to make sure I document any medical issues I’ve had during my military career so I can receive the correct VA Disability rating if it applies. My father who was medically retired from the Army 30+ years ago also had the exact same advice.

You are not an indestructible machine. You can get hurt. You can and will age during your military service and encounter medical issues you didn’t have when you enlisted at the age of 17 as I did. You will get injured in the field, at field training, or while deployed. You will realize one of your legs is longer than the other. You will have issues with your knees after 45 ruck marches, 50 parachute parajumps, and 35 Wing runs. The purpose of the VA disability rating is to compensate you for the livelihood you lost during your military service; to make you whole despite the long-term medical conditions you may suffer.

Pretty much from day one of my military service, I began documenting an medical issues that arose. If I had an pesky recurring pains, aches, illnesses, surgeries, health problems, I made sure to see a medical doctor about it and I made sure those visits, treatment, and notations were in my medical records. And just to ensure those problems and diagnosis showed up in my medical records, I got copies (sometimes hard and sometimes soft) of my records after each and every PCS.

But, now that I am actually retiring and all of the diligent work will come in handy, I had to find out the right way to go about making sure my health issues receive the VA rating they deserve. The below paragraphs outline the steps you need to take in order to make sure you complete the proper steps to get your correct VA rating as well.

Establish the Service Connection–Evidence Gathering

1. In order to receive a rating for an ailment, you MUST establish a connection between your ailment and your military service. Create a list of each and every medical issue/procedure/problem you have had during your military service. Include all issues you have had no matter how insignificant you think they are. Consult those close to you and ask them if they have noticed any physical issues they have witnesses, or that you always complain about, or even joke about. Sometimes you have an injury that you have never been seen for because you don’t even realize you have it. But, those around you can tell the difference in your gait or they have to listen to your unconscious yet constant complaining about your back or your neck.
2. Take that list to your PCM (ensure you have them slot enough time for your appointment) or better yet, get a copy of your medical records and comb through them to see if each and every one of those issues has been documented. If there are ailments that have not been documented, have your PCM address it via an official medical appointment or refer you to the appropriate specialist to get it documented.
3. Bring your updated list and updated records to your final medical appointment before your separation. Your preparedness will ensure your issues are properly addressed and included in your VA claim form. Don’t leave something this important in the hands of a disinterested party. You are your best advocate.
4. After that appointment, take a digital copy of your medical records to your local VSO (DAV or VFW) to ensure the issues you thought were on your VA claim form, actually made it to your VA claim form. Have you ever heard of the phrase “Trust but Verify?” I am the girl who always checks her fast-food order AT THE WINDOW, not after I drive off. Use the VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge program which allows you to submit your claim 90-180 days before your separation/retirement date.

The Exam

1. After your VA claim has been filed, you may (should) be contacted within a few weeks to schedule and complete a medical examination
2. This is your chance to vocalize and visualize all of the issues you notated on your list and in your medical records. I know, it goes against everything in you to put your faults and weaknesses on display and documented into perpetuity. But, you MUST be authentic in your pain and discomfort.
3. If it hurts to bend your finger, but you can bend it all the way down, you need to tell the examiner when the pain begins. It doesn’t matter that you are still able to bend your finger if it only occurs with pain. Rotation of your shoulders, pain in your back, knee pain, pain that only occurs at night, or when it’s raining. You must identify when and where that pain occurs, even if the pain isn’t present on the day of the exam. Be brutally honest. Your silence will only hurt your case and likely decrease your benefit in the end.
4. Doing this while you are active duty is the best way to document your initial claim. Further updates after your separation will be easier since the initial documentation is already complete.

The Unspoken Pain

Unspoken pain cannot be fixed. Physical and mental issues need acknowledgment to be remedied. Behavior Health can help you with some of that. Countless times, I have witnessed service members terrified to go to Behavioral Health because they are afraid of how the visit will hurt their career. If that is you, and you have decided to separate or retire, now is your time to implement Self-Care. Behavioral Health determinations can and likely will be factored into your final VA rating. If you won’t take care of yourself, no one else will take care of you.

Unaddressed problems WILL get worst with time. I will be in my very early 40s when I retire, I literally could have more than half of my life left to live. Minor knee pain or a recurring rotator cuff issue will only deteriorate with time, It is your obligation to address your issues, get them documented, file for the damage, and seek resolution to the extent it can be helped.