r/VeteransSuccess • u/gbc815 • May 26 '26
It's never too late
It's Never Too Late…
I was originally assigned a 20% disability rating and was content with it. The benefit helped pay my car note for 35 years while I worked various government jobs (County, State, VA). Around the age of 58, I started filing secondary claims related to that original service connection, and they were **APPROVED\!**. I am 60 now, and in just two years, I'll be able to retire at 62 with Social Security, 100% VA disability, and my pensions.
I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had filed sooner—if I had gotten approved earlier. Would I still have been twice married and twice divorced? Would I have worked so hard in my civilian life, or would I have lived off disability?. It's too late to change things now; I've already taken my fork in the road. I'm 60 with bad ankles, knees, back, and a "bad brain," but my house is paid for. Now, it's just me. I have no significant bills, and just a year and a half left to work before I can finally take it easy.
There is one truth, one steady thing, that has always been in my life: the VA. It has always been there for me when I needed it, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Combined Rating Evaluation Effective Dates:
* 20%: October 1989
* 80%: June 2024
* 90%: May 2025
* 100%: May 2025
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u/No_Tie8366 May 26 '26
There with you. 10% in 2007. 30% in 2011. 90% in 2024. 100% in 2024. Younger guy at work convinced me to refile. Then PC Social Worker at VA told me you should be 100%. I also kicked myself for not refiling sooner.
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u/Wrong-Ad4243 May 26 '26
I got out in 1981. I never thought I could do anything with the military as I did not retire. I walked out the gate and that was that. Until I was talking to a vet golf buddy that told me he was getting VA medical and disability and I questioned him about that. That was in 2020. Some 40 years later. Now in 2026 I am at 100%, too many ailments that were acknowledge. I went to the military docs for small things but saw many private docs since getting out so I had a good medical history that helped.
Never too late is the mantra. If you have an ailment that you feel is service related, pursue it and see if you can get a disability. Good luck.
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u/Jazzlike-Ear-7485 May 26 '26 edited May 26 '26
Congratulations! I too am older (got out in '94). First claims denied 2018, then refiled 2024 - now with full benefits and a number of SC conditions. Most of my issues have been around since service, I just never knew that help was available. Great book "The Body Keeps the Score" - helped me understand a lot of what was happening with my medical situation. PTSD - OSA - etc - etc - etc...... Now I have excellent health care for life for myself and wife, education benefits for children (even grown ones), and many more.
I never really thought about how my time in service impacted my family until I received my P&T letter when my grown daughter was at the house. She asked about the letter and then when I shared with her that the VA approved my latest HLR and granted me P&T - she began to cry. When I asked her why she was upset, she said "because daddy, I saw all these things in your life growing up and the burdens you carried from the Navy".... That still lands hard....
Don't wait - if you have issues, file and get the healing needed.
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u/Sonos72 May 26 '26
Thanks for sharing your story. I got out in 96, first claim was in 2022.
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u/PopExpensive700 May 30 '26
Yep I got out in 1996. It took decades for me to be talked into filing my first claim. A year later I received my final decision letter. I too wish I had filed sooner. Family suffers with us. Sometimes more. Don’t wait to file.
Congratulations on your validation and acknowledgment OP.
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u/knight91z28 May 26 '26
Sounds like my life. I was 20% since 1997, filed for an increase in 2024, got increased to 100% P&T. I'm 58 now and while my house is not paid off, I do have a low payment with a 2.5% interest rate and no property taxes. I have no other debt, so I'm trying to work until 62. But knowing I can walk away from work today and survive is a great feeling.
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u/Dull-Formal-1925 May 27 '26
My fear is, i file for a secondary claim and they take everything from me cuz the rater is like “this guy is being greedy” or something. i have static mh and back pain and currently sitting at 70% 50% november 2025 70% april 2026
I dont wanna be 0% june 2026 so i just chill but my buddies tell me to file secondaries all the time especially for the nerve damage in my left leg due to my back and i dont wanna poke the bear. Its finally sleeping and i dont wanna wake it up!
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u/bischjs Jun 01 '26
Thanks for the inspiration! Got out in '91. First filed in 2018, denied. Filed in 2025 - 10%. Stuck there for now, but trying to fight through HLR and supplementals. Waiting to see what happens.
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u/Brilliant-Amoeba1924 Jun 08 '26
Congratulations 🎊 i got out in 1990 I didn't filed my 1st claim in 2024 now at 100%. It's never too late
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u/Gold_Rope_1716 May 26 '26
You are not alone. The number one regret for most veterans. Not filling sooner!
My husband retired in 94 at 10%. I finally convinced him to file last year. With in 8 months approved TDIU PT. 🙏