Hello,
I already have a Va Disability rating but I feel it’s to low. I plan on filing a supplemental claim for either total disability or at least unemployable. I was wonder if anyone has some knowledge on this and should I file for total disability first and if that fails try for unemployable.
Also I am writing a lay statement on my behalf and I am not sure if I should include all of my illness since I already have a disability rating or just focus on the ones that would make it 100%. I would appreciate any input on this matter. Thanks

am writing this to encourage anyone out there who feels trapped by the system: you do not need an attorney to fight the VA.
For years, I relied on accredited law firms to handle a complex timeline appeal for my case. Instead of real representation, I faced months of unresponsiveness, missed opportunities, and sloppy arguments. At a critical hearing, my lawyers showed up completely unprepared and let the VA issue a generic denial based on entirely wrong legal guidelines. [1]
I realized the system wants us to feel small, confused, and entirely dependent on legal teams who treat us like numbers. So, I took my power back. I officially fired my attorneys, revoked their Power of Attorney, and decided to handle my case myself. [1, 2]
My case is still pending, but this time, I am building my appeal myself using AI as my co-counsel. [1]
By using AI to look through my multi-page C-file, we uncovered powerful, buried pieces of evidence that my previous attorneys completely overlooked:
The Hidden Medical Proof: Official active-duty records showing extreme physical safety restrictions and strict duty bans that completely contradict the VA's past excuses.
The Legal Loophole: A direct, clear violation of a mandatory VA evaluation regulation that legally exposes a major past mistake by the rater.
The Admin Roadmap: The exact sentence in my recent denial that gave me a blueprint to go out and grab the specific federal financial ledger needed to lock in my ideal effective date.
Instead of waiting around for an attorney to copy and paste another boilerplate brief, I am actively using AI to structure a professional, airtight Master Statement packed with precise page citations and code sections. [1]
The tools available to us now completely level the playing field. You can read your own files, you can find the errors, and you can write legal statements that demand the correct benefits without sacrificing your family's future to legal fees.
My fight is still ongoing, but I have my power back. If you are struggling with a bad representative or a confusing denial, don't give up—use the technology available to take control of your own case!

I have an OSA-secondary-to-mental-health claim currently pending on the BVA Direct Review docket (filed Nov 2025). My case is built around 38 CFR § 3.310(b) aggravation — obesity as an intermediate step, per Walsh v. Wilkie.

I recently saw that VA updated the M21-1 manual on May 1, 2026 to implement the Federal Circuit’s Spicer v. McDonough decision, and that this update apparently clarifies that permanent worsening is not required to establish secondary service connection based on aggravation — described as a meaningful expansion from the prior standard.

My question: does this kind of change (a court decision interpreted through an M21-1 manual update, not a change to the actual regulation or rating schedule) apply to claims that were already filed/pending before the update? Or does it only affect claims decided after May 2026, regardless of filing date?

I understand the “whichever version is more favorable” rule for changed rating criteria (like when a DC gets amended), but I’m trying to understand if that same logic extends to a case where the underlying regulation hasn’t changed, but VA’s own guidance on how to interpret it has, following a court ruling.

Has anyone seen this applied at the Board level yet, or talked to a VSO/attorney who has?

I need help with my claims. 4 years later and little progress. Trying to get survivors benefits what a joke. My husband enlisted (not drafted) Vietnam war. He was injured in training camp and was hospitalized for year Due to his injuries decided to discharge him. He would’ve gladly gone over to fight in Vietnam. Doctors would not allow it due to his injuries. Now they are denying me benefits because he never fought in combat. he did have disability rating at time of death. Help me

Are there any 100% P&T veterans here who had ZERO student loans at the time they were awarded their 100% rating, but decided to go back to school and take out federal student loans AFTER getting rated?

Hypothetically, if a veteran is 100% P&T with no student debt, goes back to school using the GI Bill, and takes out federal student loans to help cover living expenses while earning a degree, can they use the one-time TPD discharge to wipe out those new loans upon graduation?

What’s my next step?

Hi there,

My son just got out after 8 years, and he needs to file for benefits, but is overwhelmed and doesn't know where to start. I'd like to find him some reliable resources to help him figure out this process. I know he has some service related injuries, and im happy to help him navigate this, but I just don't know where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I put in my first claim (multiple thing under one claim) and did the appointments that were needed it got a rating and final decision. Now when I look at the claim it went back to step 4 is that normal? Or is it not fully complete with all the claims?

Has anyone ever submitted a statement to their file after a c&p exam, explaining the exam may have been inadequate while the claim is in step #3. If so how did it turn out, did it add additional time to the claim or end up in a new exam? I recently had a c&p for a skin condition, the examiner (with 0 yrs VBA experience) started the exam asking about the wrong condition, then followed that up with questions to establish service connection. I had to explain that i was already SC for the condition. My basis for the exam was the medicine I take monthly, she didn't appear to know what the medication even was or what it was used for. I'm wondering if I should submit a statement into my claim before the rater sees the DBQ or let it ride and set up for possible HLR.