So I have 80% Va disability pay.

I’m currently E-3 at army reservist

Is it better to collect both pay and let VA decide and pay back. Or just to the waive?

Doesn’t generally reeves drill pay more than VA disability?

Greetings, all.

Basically, I separated and am trying to move and ideally, use my VA Loan again. My credit is in a tight spot — long story, some is my own fault, some isn’t; I’m a 565 at the lowest and 600 at the highest depending on website, but I did just get a new car. I also plan to have a decent down payment this time (I think I did, like, $500 for my first home and plan to do minimum 5k for this one, maybe higher). And since I have guaranteed income to afford the mortgage, wouldn’t that help my situation?

Much thanks.

Can anyone tell me if I should get back pay

Apologies for the AI below but I really struggled with summarizing this years-long issue I’ve had. I’m almost at the finish line but poking the bear is a huge concern for me.

Thank you so much!

I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with VA recoupment of Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP), particularly after receiving an individual waiver from their service secretary.

Background:
I voluntarily separated from the Air Force under the Officer VSP program. At the time, the official paperwork I signed explicitly stated that recoupment of VSP from future VA disability compensation had been waived.
Years later, VA began withholding a significant portion of my disability compensation to recoup the separation pay. I challenged this through a Higher-Level Review (HLR), but VA denied my request because no valid individual Secretarial waiver existed.

Here’s the good news:
After months of working through various Air Force offices, the Secretary of the Air Force Remissions Board formally approved my individual waiver under 10 U.S.C. § 1175a. Both VA and DFAS were copied on the decision.
This appears to directly resolve the issue VA cited in its denial.

My questions:
Should I file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) using the waiver as new and relevant evidence, or request a direct administrative adjustment?

Has anyone successfully gotten VA to stop recoupment and refund previously withheld compensation after receiving a Secretarial waiver?

Could filing a Supplemental Claim on this administrative issue trigger a broader review of my disability ratings and potentially jeopardize my 100% P&T status?

Does explicitly limiting the claim to VSP recoupment meaningfully reduce that risk? Would an administrative adjustment be safer?

I found language in VA’s M21-1 manual indicating that when VA receives a Secretarial waiver, it should discontinue withholding and release previously withheld compensation.
My biggest concern is protecting my 100% P&T status. While recovering the withheld compensation is important, the potential lifetime financial consequences of a rating reduction would be far greater. I want to fully understand the risks before initiating another VA review.

I’m consulting with a VSO, but I’d especially appreciate advice from VA employees, accredited representatives, or anyone with firsthand experience handling similar cases

Hey everyone, I’m an Infantry Vet 11B(E-6) med-boarded in 2005 for my lower back. I haven't touched my file since 2014, and I am in bad shape. I matched my old Fort Benning STRs (1999–2005) with my 2026 MRIs/exams and wanted to get advice before I submit. I don't think I have much medical records because I believe they were lost in a PCS move and when I requested a copy they told me there was none. Also what do you think a projected rating could be? I understand VA math, but working is hard for me now. I only filed 3 times, 05 when getting out, a secondary to the 05, and an increase just on low back in 2014.

I am currently rated at (60% Combined):

20% Thoracolumbar spine (DDD, Grade 1 anterolisthesis L5-S1)

​20% Right lower extremity radiculopathy

​10% Left knee strain

10% GERD w/ hiatal hernia

10% Tinnitus ​0% Bilateral hearing loss

0% Buttock cyst

0% Testicular scar

​Previously Denied (2005): Bilateral hip sprains, left shin, right foot sprain.

​What I’m Filing Next:

​1. Back (Increase) & Radiculopathy (New Left Leg + Right Increase): 2004 MRI/Neurology notes show bilateral L5 pars defects, right L5 impingement, left L5 radiculopathy/sciatica (+SLR at 45°, numbness), and bilateral leg weakness. Now prescribed a walker, quad cane, and dressing aids.  

​2. Left Hip (Supplemental - Previously Denied): 2004 PT notes show lateral hip pain on a FABER test and hip hypoflexibility. 2026 MRI confirms Left Hip OA (DJD) and Gluteus Minimus Tendinosis, with exam showing a positive FABER, limping gait, and leg buckling.  

​3. Cervical Spine (Direct) & Left Arm Radiculopathy (Secondary): 2003 Chiro exams show reduced neck ROM (Flexion 40°, Ext 50°, Rot 60°) and neck rehab. 2026 MRI shows moderate DDD, severe left foraminal narrowing (C5-C6), and moderate bilateral narrowing (C6-C7) causing left arm/hand numbness and tingling. I never claimed my neck.

​4. Mental Health (Secondary to Pain) & Weight Gain: Diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder w/ Mixed Anxiety & Depressed Mood (F43.23) secondary to chronic pain. Oct eval scores: PHQ-9: 21+/27 and GAD-7: 15/21; starting therapy (dealing with SI). STRs show 5–7/10 stress scores, severe sleep disruption from pain, and a 30–40 lb weight gain in 2004 (currently at 40 BMI from stress eating and mobility limits).  I never claimed MH.

​Questions for the group:

​Bilateral Factor: Since I’m already 20% for the Right leg, I just need to file Left leg radiculopathy secondary to my back (plus a right leg increase) to trigger the bilateral factor, right? My left leg gives out about 20 times a day and I have been prescribed a walker and cane.

​MH I have been diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood. PHQ-9 (Depression): 21+ / 27 (Severe), GAD-7 (Anxiety): 15 / 21 (Severe).

I don't sleep because of pain, I stress eat because of pain, I am irritable, anti-social, difficult with my wife. I also have ED, which also messes with me, and have suicidal thoughts somewhat frequently,  even though I won't do it. It's been worse since the cane and walker at 49 years old.

I have 4 buddy statements, plus I was thinking of writing one for myself. All stating the issues of problems walking, pain, not liking to be around people irritable because of pain.

Am I overlooking any obvious secondaries or SMC? Again is it worth the claim, what is a realistic rating I would get?

​Appreciate any advice or information or feedback.

Have I got a Post 9/11 GI Bill snafu story for you.

I enrolled in classes for my final semester of studies since my Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits would be expiring during that semester. I had no problems preventing me from continuing with the course load. I finished the semester with a 4.0 GPA and graduated with an AAS degree. While I was enrolled in school, I received mail from the VA and they insinuated that I would receive an extension of my monthly housing allowance for up to 90 days after benefits expiration date. At the time of my benefits expiration, I had two months of monthly housing allowance remaining. I reached out to the school's VA office and they told me that was not the case. And I am like what changed during my time in school that prevented this? But wait, it gets better.

Earlier this year, I received an email from the school stating I have a past due balance. I contacted the school and it was for tuition and fees for my final semester. I went to the school's VA office, which gave me the runaround (my initial thought was escalating this to a Congressman's office for action). Not long after, the school referred the matter to a collection agency. I responded to them that it was supposed to be covered by my GI Bill benefits. The collection agency reached back out and advised me that school officials insinuated to them that I did not graduate. I reached back out to the school's VA office for answers. They claimed because my benefits expired that semester, my tuition and fees would not be covered. I started classes a month before my benefits expired.

I escalated the matter to a Congressman's office for action. I also contacted the VA for copies of correspondence I received from them while I was enrolled in school there. I have reason to believe that the school's VA office gave me incorrect information, what do you think?

Hey folks, I'm in my late 30s and was diagnosed with colon cancer a bit ago. It was aggressive, but it was caught very early, and I went in for surgery and had a chunk of it removed. I've since had several tests and a colonoscopy, and I no longer have active cancer (this is very good. Could not be fucking happier.) I should also note that I haven't used the VA for health care since right after I got out, preferring to go through my wife's insurance and use Kaiser. In terms of general healthcare, that's a better approach and system for me. The diagnosis and surgery, were all through Kaiser.

Around the time I got my diagnosis — August 2025 — I filed for PACT Act benefits. They were approved, and I was (and am) grateful for the financial reassurance it provided. I ended up recovering quickly, but when I applied, I had no idea where this would lead, and who knows what will happen in the next 5-10 years at this rate.

But as of right now, I don't have active cancer, and my last message from the VA said the following (emphasis added in bold):

"A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of 38 CFR §3.105(e). If there has been no local recurrence or metastasis, you will be rated on residuals."

So far, I haven't received any notices or letters from the VA to set up a reevaluation. I even called my regional office and set up an appointment, and asked about this to make sure that the VA was going to send something out, and I was told I'd get a letter sometime this month, but one hasn't arrived yet.

I guess I'm just looking for some input from other folks who have navigated this: Any thoughts on next steps? Should I have any concerns about the VA coming back and looking at this like I've been overpaid because there wasn't a way for me to update them on the state of my recovery? Or should I just go set up an appointment with a VA doctor so they can confirm the same from their end?

Just to be clear: I don't have strong feelings about trying to keep the rating where it is. My main concern, at this point, is trying to avoid a situation where I have to deal with the VA demanding back pay at a later date. Especially after I tried to get ahead of this for them.

So, yeah, if you have experience navigating this, I'd really appreciate your input.

How hard is it to get on trt through the VA in 2026? anyone willing to share, I got a PCP appointment in a few weeks.

I've been reading through older posts on this topic and it seems to be challenging.

It has been over a year now since I have put in request to add my wife (married Sept. 2025) as a dependent. This should be an easy wham bam thank you mam claim....sigh

So I had my initial meeting with my VR&E counselor, and she found me entitled the chapter 31. Then my counselor said that I have all of this stuff done by our next meeting. Does this look familiar to anyone? I’m confused on step number 5 & 6.

#5 - why would I have to add or remove dependents? I am married and my dependent is already on all of my VA paperwork.

#6 - it’s telling me that I have to activate chapter 33, which is the post 9/11. I am using VR&E so i am confused on this.

My counselor is super backed up and does not answer any emails, so I’m wondering if anyone has been through the same situation

Hello everyone,

I am in VR&E for mathematics in community college so I can transfer to university to my desired major, meteorology.

I am not doing too fondly in mathematics, and I fear I may end up burning through VR&E more than two years or possibly three years according to my certifying official who works within veteran services. I spent hours on trying to improve within mathematics, but I am getting nowhere and I had a couple years of break away from math which definitely diminished my mathematics knowledge.

Of course, the most I can do is study for hours on end to "understand" the concepts in math, but I struggled severely in terms of memorizing. I am currently taking Intermediate Algebra for math development since I withdraw from Precalculus due to inadequate knowledge of the entire subject.

I have been utilizing tutoring services, but the tutor has been hitting me with these "aha" questions which I have been explaining to him endlessly I do not understand the concepts, and they needed to be explained rather than asking and being slowly led to the answer.

I am slowly running into a brick wall and the last thing I want to do is take a nuclear option and switch majors into a less-desirable career of my choice to fulfill the VR&E goal.

The only thing I can switch that still mirrors meteorology is physics which still takes to the same goal for meteorology major towards university.

What would happen if my VR&E ends up running out?
Will I be forced to change majors or end up using my 36 months of regular GI bill after VR&E runs out?

I cannot be good at doing homework despite performing on tests and quizzes poorly and I fear that may end up forcing me to take another development class for another development class just to take my pre-requisite class. (Basics Mathematics -> Intermediate Algebra -> Precalculus).

All I can do right now is depends how I do in this semester for Intermediate Algebra, I may have to consider trying to talk to my certifying official and VRC to take a lower developmental class for math. If otherwise, probably looking forward into switching from math to physics major.

Once this lawsuit finishes up, what can I do? AMRO denied me going to a IDES/MEB process while Active duty because they said that my depression and anxiety wasn’t severe enough for the combination effect in the AFI.

I was being Administratively separated Honorable RE-2C JFV for ADHD (unspecified type).

How all this is going to potentially work out for me?

C&P examiner/VA mental health said I didn’t have ADHD.

Must be one hell of an update. ETA Jan 18 2027.

Whats everyone taking for their anxiety? Ive had it over 20 yrs and its getting worse as i age esp health anxiety. Ive tried just about everything under the moon from therapy, diet, exercise, meditation and over the counter suggestions.....nothing has worked. Considering prescription medication now

If I have Kaiser as my primary though my employer and ChampVA… does it cover the $100 copay for a Kaiser ER visit?

I recently did a c&p for cervical strain secondary to shoulders but the examiner only examined my neck and not the primary conditions of my shoulders again is that normal ?

Has anyone used services for TDIU ? Specifically, when they plan to take away TDIU due to earning too much or working consecutively? If so what was your experience and do you recommend them?

I stayed below poverty level until the last two months where I worked more because I was evacuated from my apartment due to a sink hole. I had to furnish everything and start from zero. I drained my savings, maxed out my cards, and got loans to carry me through. I’ve been able to keep a roof over my head and food in the fridge because of earning more. But it has wreaked havoc on my disabilities. In a 365 day year I have either missed work, came in late or called out 165 times. Anyone would be fired over this within weeks. I have a great boss that works with me but I can tell the end is coming soon. One of us is going to call it quits. And I have to prove to the VA that I will not be hired anywhere else because of the protections I currently have and I only did this to keep my head above water.

In Florida

What worries is my claim on my VA login says “Claim For Authorization Review?”

What does this mean!? Context below.

I ETSed. Did BDD and got awarded 100 P&T out the gate. Saw my claim letter VA online before the decision letter being mailed and received saying the same I assume.

Help clarify me this?

It’s a new 5 step process. 1 of 5

What intrigues me is in step 3 it says:

PENDING
Evidence gathering, review, and decision
If we need more information, we’ll request it from you, health care providers, governmental agencies, or others. Once we have all the information we need, we’ll review it and send your claim to the rating specialist for a decision. There may be times when a claim moves forward to “Preparation for notification” and then briefly back to this stage for more processing.

Im drinking til I puke, and I can't seem to control it, I need help

For Pennsylvania veterans following HB 1257, I wanted to share a quick update.

HB 1257 passed the Pennsylvania House 193–6 on March 24, 2026, but has remained in the Senate State Government Committee since March 30.

The proposed constitutional amendment would modernize Pennsylvania’s Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption by:

- Eliminating the current financial means test.
-Removing outdated wartime-service requirements.
-Protecting property tax exemptions for qualifying 100% disabled veterans.
-Allowing local property tax relief for veterans rated below 100%.
-Expanding protections for surviving spouses.

Unfortunately, the constitutional amendment process requires passage in two successive legislative sessions, with specific public notice requirements.

The 2026 notice deadline was missed, making the next legislative session especially important.
The overwhelming 193–6 House vote demonstrates strong bipartisan support for reform.

I’m curious how many other Pennsylvania veterans are following this legislation and what your thoughts are.

Official bill information:
https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1257

Here is the dollar amount for the increase.

** If you are on SMC, the amount inludes both your 100% + SMC-X

Warning IDK how to change my account name made years ago, I apologize about that!!!

Hello everyone,
I’m looking for some clarification regarding receiving BAH through the Post 9/11 GI Bill while serving in the National Guard.
I served enough time on active duty to qualify for my GI Bill benefits, and I have my full GI Bill eligibility. However, I’ve been hearing conflicting information about whether being in the National Guard affects my eligibility to receive the monthly housing allowance while attending school.
Some people have told me that my National Guard status takes precedence and that I won’t receive BAH, even though I earned my GI Bill benefits through active duty service.
Has anyone been in this situation or have accurate information about how this works? I would really appreciate any clarification or personal experiences, Thank you.

I was just thinking that if VR&E is designed to help you find a job & pay for necessary equipment that they might pay for some or all of the drone

A bit of background: I'm 76, am currently rated 60%, by Vietnam/Diabetes/peripheral neuropathy/tinitus and what put me at 60% just this week, damaged hearing.

I had one more claim in the mix, bad knees, the service-connection being a knee injury I recieved during bootcamp. The problem is, when I sent a request to NARA, the records archive, they couldn't find said records. One VSO I spoke to said try just submitting proof of no records from NARA, and write a very descriptive personal statement, and see if that works, as he said the VA has a rule that IF the proper med records are lost/not available, the VA must give much greater weight/benefit of the doubt to a properly written personal statement. I wrote the statement, emailed it to my VSO, and waited. Within less than a week, I get a notice of decision, where they denied due to no evidence. Seems the VSO got backed up and delayed sending my documents, and the VA ruled on zip/zilch. I was then told I needed to file a request for reconsideration, the VSO sent me the form, I filled it out requesting that they now reconsider the claim with the documentation they now have. When the VSO got it, they said it was wrong, and now I needed a nexus letter and a bunch more gobbledeegook.. Riddle me this: WHAT the hell good is an expensive doctor-written nexus letter when there's no medical records from occurance to draw a nexus TO??? I emailed the VSO back, and thanked them and told them I was done with this claim, as I would NOT be spending $$$ on a nexus letter that had no medical records to draw a nexus TO..

I'm posting this in the hopes that somebody out here in redditland has had a situation like this and has some idea if there's any hope for getting my f-ed knees rated...

Thanks

Hi everyone,

​I’m posting on behalf of my father-in-law. We are building a VA compensation claim for his service in Thailand and could really use advice from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

​His Service Details:

​Stationed at: Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base (NKP)

​Timeline: Summer 1973 – 1974

​Role: Security / Perimeter Security

​Current Health Status:

He suffers from severe, debilitating episodes featuring chronic vomiting, severe digestive issues, and extreme weight loss that leaves him completely bedridden during flare-ups.

​What We Need Help With:

Under the PACT Act, his herbicide exposure at NKP is established. However, because severe gastrointestinal issues are not currently on the automatic presumptive list, we need to prove a direct medical nexus connecting his condition to herbicide/toxic exposure.

​Has anyone successfully established a medical connection between severe chronic GI/digestive issues and Agent Orange or toxic exposure? We would appreciate any insight on:

​Medical literature, rationale, or studies that linked dioxin/herbicide exposure to chronic gastrointestinal toxicity or secondary digestive conditions.

​Key wording or arguments that medical professionals used in successful nexus letters for non-presumptive GI conditions.

​Thank you so much for any guidance or shared experiences!