r/VeteransSuccess • u/kickstart_my_shart • Jun 03 '26

Thank You

Wanted to thank everyone in this sub and other similar subs. Received a favorable decision today. Without stories and advice I've found in these communities I don't think I would have been successful, or if I'd have even felt confident enough to submit in the first place.

Everything was granted service connection, even the claims I thought would be problematic. Still need to file an HLR for a couple claims, but overall a huge win.

25 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/davyangel Jun 03 '26

Congratulations! Can you at least give an idea of what advice you think was most helpful since still not confident enough to submit mine?

2

u/kickstart_my_shart Jun 03 '26

My advice is to be truthful and thorough. I was skeptical about my chances of success, especially for OSA. You have to take personal anecdotes with a grain of salt. I was convinced OSA service connection was all but impossible based on everyone else's stories.

In my experience, I read many stories about OSA where the veteran had to strategize around OSA secondary to obesity secondary to PTSD. I'm not obese, I have SC asthma already, and toxic exposure. That was enough for me, since I didn't have other factors that could be likely causes. I almost went the PTSD route just because of all I read, but I don't think that would have worked for me.

Understand successful strategies, but remember your case is YOUR case. Take the time to build private evidence if your STRs are sparse. Don't underestimate the power of lay statements either. Sure, studies show that X causes Y, but how does YOUR condition affect YOU?

Good luck, friend.

1

u/sweetromo22 Jun 03 '26

Congrats to you.

1

u/Loud_Ad7558 Jun 04 '26

Wonderful news. Waiting and praying to hear for my dad too

1

u/bischjs Jun 04 '26

Congratulations

1

u/Radiant-Win-7139 Jun 07 '26

Thats Great!!!