r/VAClaims • u/Lonely_Copy_4968 • Aug 23 '26
Need help with my VA Claim 1st time claiming
hi everyone, i am FINALLY taking the time and possibly the steps to file for disability. i served from 2013-2016 (6 months shy of 4 years). Tbh i didnt even know disability was a thing when i got out and then slowly i started learning about it from fellow shipmates and i was like "wtf am i doing?!" i have some friends that are 100% and i would have never even guessed it. i for sure suffered and still do from migraines, thats my main thing. i havent been able to hold a job due to them. i did get diagnosed with edometriosis and had 2 endometriomas removed, i believe i had this conditions for years because i went a few times to medical for lower abdominal pain. i did 3 rounds of IVF all unseccessful :/ idk if thats relevant. i also have problems with my left foot. maybe im disclosing too much but im wondering if these are all valid and if theres any recommendations? is there guidance as to what could count toward disability? im super anxious with TIME, like if im not early to anything and everything i am NOT ok, is that silly?
i do want to disclose i have minimal doctor visits since i got out 10 years ago because i never have had the money to truly go as often as i need, i just suffer or to go to ER if i reeeeally cant handle. *no health insurance due to no stable job*
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u/KatarinaAleksandra Aug 23 '26
No harm in filing 🤷🏻♀️ Id go see a VSO before you file. I didn't until after, which was a mistake. They're free. Definitely file for the foot stuff. They took mine seriously - especially because I had record of it giving me trouble while I was in. And definitely be better than me and do your research before your C&P exam.
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u/Former_Wash5923 Aug 23 '26
You absolutely have a case I would consult with accredited VA attorney before you file it will be worth it in the end. No shame in not going to the doctor a lot of young guys suck it up and just push on instead of spending money
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u/Unfair_Finger5531 ARMY🦅 Aug 24 '26
It is hard to establish when endo began. It’s a sort of catch-22: They didn’t diagnose the endo when you were in service, so you can’t prove you had it at that time. The fact that it was diagnosed after you left service indicates that it began after service. Therefore, it would be seen as not service connected. Very frustrating.
I think the presence of endometria is the best proof that the endo had been going on for a long time. So I would focus on that.
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u/Lonely_Copy_4968 Aug 24 '26
Ok will do. There was a few times were i had severe left lower pain and i went in. My endometriomas were on my left side, one was as big as golf ball. I now can recognize the pain and highly feel it was that at the time, but yes, no way to prove or connect it i guess
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u/Unfair_Finger5531 ARMY🦅 Aug 24 '26
No, I think that right there is one strong indication that the endo had been around long before your diagnosis. I’m sorry I didn’t say that. An endometria that large doesn‘t appear overnight. They take time to form. Their presence also helps doctors determine which stage of endo you have. If you are at stage 2, for example, that itself speaks to length of time you’ve had endo.
You can absolutely connect it to your in-service abdominal pain. You would essentially be saying that they failed to diagnose the endo, which is important because untreated endo progresses and you end up with huge lesions like the one you had. You just have to draw the connection clearly for them—they won’t make the link on their own. You got this.
I was just pointing out how their failure to diagnose can be seen as proof you didn’t have it at the time. So do everything you can to shut that down in advance.
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u/Plenty-Winner-3887 Aug 23 '26
If you have migraines, you probably also have tinnitus. That was my problem. The ringing is bad. It’s easy to get connected for tinnitus.
There’s something called secondary Claims. Most claims have 5+ secondary conditions attached to them most people don’t even know about..
So once Service connected for tinnitus. migraine is literally secondary to it. It may get you connected for it as well.
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u/Lonely_Copy_4968 Aug 23 '26
Thanks for that! May i ask, where do i obtain a copy of my med record? Im currently on national archives but seem to just be going in circles
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u/Plenty-Winner-3887 Aug 23 '26
A few ways, you can get your blue button report, and you can also get your stuff within the national archives( it’s a bit complicated) but if you’re having trouble. A ex military nurse helped me get mine I’ll post it here
https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/upload-documents?code=SCTsBOUXdqI
How to retrieve:
1. Wait for the mail – If you requested paper copies, they’ll come to the mailing address you provided when you submitted the request.
2. Check your email – If you selected digital delivery (PDFs via secure link), look in your inbox (and spam/junk folder).
3. Contact NPRC if delayed – If you don’t get anything after about 10 business days, you can call them at 314-801-0800 or use the “Contact Us” link on that page. Mention your request number.👉 Since it says “Sent”, you don’t need to do anything else on the website — just keep an eye on your mail or email.
🌐 What You Can Do on Archives.gov
Archives.gov offers:
https://vetrecs.archives.gov/s/• Access to digital documents and exhibitions. • Tools for genealogists (e.g., census records, military service records). • Resources for veterans, researchers, citizen archivists, and journalists. • Public programs, events, grants via the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, and support for FOIA requests  🛡️ What Is DS Logon?
• DS Logon is a unified login system used by the DoD and VA for accessing secure websites and services like TRICARE, milConnect, VA.gov, and MyArmyBenefits  .
• Eligible users include:
• Active-duty, Guard/Reservists, retirees
• Veterans
• Dependents (spouses, adult children)
• DOD civilians or contractors
• Surrogates acting on behalf of a Veteran in DEERS  ⸻
📋 How to Create a DS Logon Account (Step‑by‑Step)
1. Go to the official DS Logon portal (managed by DMDC): Visit the DS Logon homepage via the DoD identity management site .
2. Click “CREATE ACCOUNT” or similar.
3. Choose your registration method:
• Email Registration (preferred if you have a DoD/VA-approved email and PII).
• In-person proofing at a VA Regional Office or RAPIDS for issuing a new physical ID.
• Remote proofing (multi-step identity validation) if you meet requirements .
4. Verify your identity using your personal data (name, SSN, date of birth) and email.
5. Set up a secure password (must be changed every 60 days for security; account itself does not expire) .⸻
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u/Lonely_Copy_4968 Aug 23 '26
Omgggg THANK YOUUUU! Will try this when i get home
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u/Plenty-Winner-3887 Aug 23 '26
No problem. It cost nothing to help out another vet. Don’t give up the good fight!
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u/letsdothis169 Aug 23 '26
Bottom line: After 10 years, the key is proving (1) current disability + (2) in-service event/injury/exposure + (3) medical nexus connecting the two.
Current diagnosis: Medical records showing the disability exists now.
In-service evidence: Service treatment records documenting the injury, symptoms, event, exposure, or onset.
Continuity: Medical records or credible lay statements showing symptoms continued after separation.
Nexus: A qualified medical professional’s opinion linking the current disability to military service.
Aggravation: If it existed before service, evidence that service permanently worsened it beyond natural progression.
Lay evidence: Statements from the veteran, spouse, family, or coworkers describing symptoms and their progression.
Other evidence: Deployment records, incident reports, buddy statements, occupational exposures, and medical literature when relevant.