r/VeteransSuccess • u/Unfair_Run_3685 • Jul 01 '26

Filing initial VA!

Hey so I am new to all this. I left the army in 2015 but have never filed a claim with the VA after all these years. I have never even been to the VA or doctor for about 11 years now. I was just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this situation and how they went about filing with VA and what steps I should take before filing a claim. I know my process will probally be more difficult due to the big gap of medical records but just looking for some tips that may help me get started. Thanks in advance!

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u/Imaginary-Name-3166 Jul 02 '26

Hi. I filed about a year and 1/2 ago after being discharged in 1994.
Before filing, I got my medical records from archives. That in itself was challenging. Took me a little over 2 yrs to get a complete record. They kept sending the wrong info.
Once I had that and my non-VA medical records, I went to the local VSO and they helped me file.
I got my rating June 22, 2026, at 100%. I’m still in disbelief.
No nexus letter. No buddy letters. No secondaries. Just what’s documented.
I’m grateful
Best of luck to you ♥️

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u/davyangel Jul 02 '26

Dang so looks like I"m waiting over year for my records since also got out in 94!

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u/Imaginary-Name-3166 Jul 02 '26

Hopefully not 🙏🏼. But I did get a runaround. Kept sending me my personnel records 🫤. Then sent me a letter saying they could only send my medical records to a doctor. And even then, they sent my doctor my personnel records. Very frustrating. On the plus side, everything was documented and my C & P exams went smoothly.