04/28/2026
Reposted: SHARING A SECRET...... from spouse of VBA employee.
Let’s talk VA disability claims… here’s the part no one tells you.
I’m going to give you the “behind the scenes” so you understand how this actually works.
First, attorneys.
Most will take a percentage of your back pay (often around 20–30%). That’s a significant cut of your money. A VSO does the same EXACT job... now you decide.
Now here’s what matters: UNDERSTAND THIS...
Your claim does NOT get handled by one person. It moves through multiple reviewers and departments ON A CONSISTENT BASIS..WHAT THIS MEANS IS IT FLOWS THROUGH A QUE AND DOES NOT SIT ON ONE DESK. Each step is based on the documentation in your file....not who you hired.
That means no one has a direct line to “push” your claim through. Attorney CANNOT speed it up. 100% fact.
So what actually slows claims down?
Incomplete or unclear information from the start.
If you want your claim to move as smoothly as possible, come prepared:
When did the issue start?
How did it happen?
Is it documented in your service records?
Do you have supporting medical records from your doctor?
Can you clearly connect the condition to your service?
The more complete your file is upfront, the fewer delays you’ll face later.
Best advice:
Use a VSO (Veterans Service Officer). Don't get me wrong...there are good attorneys out there. Just trying to keep your money in YOUR pocket.
Organizations (there are multiple and all may not be named) like Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AND your state and county VA agencies have trained VSOs who help you file your claim at NO COST......NO COST....LET THAT SINK IN.
They do this every day. 100% are Veterans themselves. They know what the VA is looking for.
Yes, the system is backed up. Yes, VSOs are busy. The PACT Act has bottlenecked the system even more.
But ...... BEST ADVICE HERE....starting your claim the right way is what makes the biggest difference.
Quick reality check on working with a VSO:
When you show up, come prepared and I mean fully prepared with physical paperwork in hand.
Do the legwork yourself:
Gather your service records
Pull your medical records
Track down documentation from doctors, clinics, or archives
Organize timelines of when and how things happened
VSOs are incredibly knowledgeable, but they are also overwhelmed. They don’t have the capacity to chase down every missing record or piece together your entire history on a tight timeline.
The claims system slows down when files come in incomplete.
So here’s the mindset shift:
Treat your claim like you’re presenting it in front of a judge.
Have your evidence ready. Have your story documented. Have everything lined up from the start.
The more work you do on the front end, the smoother and faster your claim can move.
Bottom line:
It’s your claim....own it from day one.
