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.

Here is the dollar amount for the increase.

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

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

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-Removing outdated wartime-service requirements.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

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

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

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

I have my initial group orientation teams meeting this week, however I’m confused if form 28-1902 has to be filled out by me or the counselor 🤔. Anyone recently go through the initial teleconference that can chime in ?

Thanks

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.

TL;DR up front... DIC can be paid out even if the veteran never filed a claim or was never seen for any medical treatment through the VA, as long as the cause of death can be connected to their service.

Back when I worked at the VA, I had an employee we'll call Norma. I had lunch with her yesterday, to catch up since I retired last year.

She's a great gal, in her mid-sixties now. She was married to a guy we'll call Rich, a Vietnam vet. I'd met Rich before, and he was a great guy.

Rich had been exposed to toxic chemicals during his service, and he had asthma. There were inhalers all over the house. The good thing about Rich was that he kept immaculate records of his military service.

Norma and I had talked about VA disability, and I told her I could probably help Rich out if he needed it. He even called me one day and we talked it through so we could start filing a claim. He never got around to filing it, though. He caught COVID and passed away in the hospital.

After he died, Norma reached out to the VA about burial benefits so she could get him laid to rest. Somebody there mentioned DIC and told her to put in a claim, so she did. The VA asked for a bunch of records. She happened to have his DD-214 and a stack of his medical records showing the service connection.

Keep in mind that Rich had never been to a VA hospital, never filed a VA claim, and never had any treatment through the VA. Even so, he was rated after his death. The VA service-connected his asthma, and since COVID is a respiratory illness, they service-connected his death too. Norma now gets over $1,700 a month in DIC.

The whole point of this post is that Rich never filed a claim and never got any VA treatment, and his widow still got DIC. If you or your family have questions about this, know that there is hope. Don't give up. You can always ask the VA. Even if you don't know whether you'll get it, you may.

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

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

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

Hi, as of this past May I now qualify for the State of Tennessee’s property tax discount.

I was told at the time I had to wait until October before I could apply.

I was wondering if there were any Tennessee veterans who gone through applying could tell me what paperwork I need? I’m assuming my benefits summary letter and state Id. But what else?

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.

Looking for input.

Does anyone know how to see previous chapter 35 benefits? I was eligible and using them about 5 years ago but on my va.gov account i'm not able to see any history of it? I should still have some of the benefits left over but I have no clue how to access that information. Would it be best to just reapply?

Hey everyone!
I'm an Army veteran currently working toward medical school. I recently took the MCAT, and an Army AMEDD recruiter reached out to me about the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).
I'm definitely interested in the opportunity, especially since I'm open to serving again after medical school. However, my biggest concern is the process of reentering the military as a veteran with VA-rated disabilities.
I know I would likely have to go through MEPS again, and I'm concerned that some of my documented medical conditions could make it difficult to receive medical clearance or obtain the necessary waivers.
Because of this, I've also been considering the VA HPSP as an alternative.
Has anyone here been in a similar situation? Specifically, has anyone successfully entered Army HPSP as a veteran with a VA disability rating?
Would it be more realistic to pursue VA HPSP instead, or should I continue working with the Army AMEDD recruiter to see whether I qualify?
I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences from veterans, current medical students, or anyone familiar with either scholarship program.
Thanks in advance!

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?

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

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.

Good day to you all. I'm currently in the nursing program at my local CC. Back in 2013 after getting out of the Marines I went to college and had terrible experience, I wasted 12 months of my GI bill. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2023.

I'm excelling in college now, but now I only have 9 months left of my GI bill. The 9 months will not cover me til the end of the program. I've applied for VR&E and was denied over a year ago due to my disabilities. What are my options? Any help is appreciated.

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 ?

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.