Cracking the Code: 3 Easy VA Disability Claims Every Veteran Should File

Hey there, fellow vets! Ever feel like navigating the VA claims process is as enjoyable as PT in the pouring rain? I get it—it’s frustrating, confusing, and sometimes feels downright impossible. But I’m here to tell you that filing your VA disability claims doesn’t have to be like scaling Mount Everest with a rucksack full of bricks.

I’m LTC Jason Henry, PA-C. As a 100% disabled veteran with over 24 years of service, I’ve been through it all—from sleepless nights in the field to battling the VA bureaucracy. I founded Patriot Advisors to help veterans like you secure the benefits you deserve by providing Independent Medical Opinions (Nexus Letters) and DBQs that strengthen your claims. Today, we’re tackling three disability claims that are easier to win than a game of spades against a boot. So grab your coffee (or something stronger), and let’s get to work.

Why Subjective Claims Are Your Best Friend

Dealing with the VA can feel like trying to explain common sense to a second lieutenant—it’s frustrating but not impossible. The trick? Focus on subjective claims.

Subjective claims rely on your experience and symptoms, not just test results or hard numbers. No one else can tell you what’s happening in your head or how you’re feeling—that’s your story to tell. If you build your case with the right evidence, the VA has to take you seriously (eventually).

Claim #1: Tinnitus—The Constant Ringing You Can’t Ignore

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is that relentless ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears. If you’ve spent any time near artillery, jet engines, or screaming drill sergeants, you probably know what I’m talking about. It’s like having a concert going on in your head—except no one else can hear it.

Why It’s Easy to Claim

• Subjective Symptoms: Only you can describe the noise in your ears, which makes it a subjective claim.
• Service Connection: If you were exposed to loud noises during service, your case is solid.

How to File

1. Personal Statement: Describe when your symptoms started and how they affect your life. For example, “The ringing began after live-fire exercises at Camp Pendleton in 2005.”
2. Symptoms Description: Explain how tinnitus impacts your daily activities—sleep, concentration, or social interactions.
3. C&P Exam: Be prepared to see an audiologist. Don’t stress; they’re just verifying your symptoms.

Pro Tip: Tinnitus is always rated at 10%, whether it’s in one ear or both. While it won’t buy you a new truck, it’s a foot in the door for filing secondary claims, like migraines or mental health issues caused by the constant noise.

Claim #2: Migraines and Headaches—When Aspirin Just Doesn’t Cut It

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are more than just headaches—they’re debilitating. Think of them as the “surprise field inspections” of your health: unwelcome, intense, and guaranteed to ruin your day.

Why They’re a Good Claim

• Subjective Symptoms: The frequency and severity of your migraines are based on your reports.
• Service Connection: Migraines are often linked to tinnitus, head injuries, or stress from service.

How to File

1. Medical Diagnosis: Get an official diagnosis from a doctor (VA or private).
2. Migraine Log: Track every migraine—date, duration, and severity. Apps like Migraine Buddy can help.
3. Personal Statement: Explain how migraines affect your life, like missing work or struggling to care for your family.

Rating Criteria

• 0%: Less frequent attacks.
• 10%: Attacks once every two months.
• 30%: Monthly prostrating attacks (i.e., episodes that knock you out).
• 50%: Very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks that cause severe economic hardship.

Pro Tip: If migraines are making it impossible to work or enjoy life, push for that 50% rating. And if the VA lowballs you, don’t accept it—appeal!

Claim #3: Mental Health—Because “Suck It Up” Only Works for So Long

What’s Covered

Mental health claims include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. If you’ve served, chances are you’ve seen or experienced something that sticks with you. These conditions are as real as physical injuries, and they deserve compensation.

Why It’s a Strong Claim

• Comprehensive Coverage: All mental health conditions are evaluated under the same criteria.
• Subjective Symptoms: You’re the expert on your mental health—no one else can tell your story.

How to File

1. Get a Diagnosis: See a mental health professional. This isn’t the time to self-diagnose.
2. Document Symptoms: Be honest about your struggles—difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, social isolation, etc.
3. Nexus Letter: Have your provider connect your condition to your service or a secondary condition like tinnitus.

Rating Criteria

• 0%: Symptoms don’t interfere with functioning.
• 10%: Mild or transient symptoms.
• 30%: Occasional decrease in work efficiency.
• 50%: Reduced reliability and productivity.
• 70%: Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, etc.).
• 100%: Total occupational and social impairment.

Pro Tip: Drop the “tough guy” act for this one. Be honest about your struggles. The VA can’t rate what they don’t know, so lay it all out there.

The Importance of Staying in the Fight

Filing a claim is just the first step. The VA might deny your claim faster than your CO could say, “Clean the latrines!” But don’t let that stop you.

Appeal Process

1. Review the Decision: Understand why your claim was denied or underrated.
2. Higher-Level Review: Request a fresh set of eyes to review your case.
3. Supplemental Claim: Provide new evidence to support your claim.
4. Board Appeal: If all else fails, take your fight to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Pro Tip: Deadlines matter. Keep track of all filing deadlines to avoid losing out on benefits. Set reminders, write them on your calendar, or tattoo them on your arm—whatever works for you.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the VA claims process can feel like herding cats, but don’t let the bureaucracy grind you down. You earned these benefits—every last one of them.

Quick Recap

• Tinnitus: A simple claim that opens the door for secondary conditions.
• Migraines: High-value claim, especially if linked to service or tinnitus.
• Mental Health: Significant ratings that can change your life.

At Patriot Advisors, we specialize in providing Independent Medical Opinions (Nexus Letters) and DBQs to strengthen your VA claims. Whether you’re just starting out or need help building a case for appeal, we’ve got your six.

Stay in the fight, stay frosty, and claim what’s rightfully yours. Until next time, keep pushing forward.