Struggling with VA disability increase... any advice?

I’m currently rated at 80% as a Navy veteran, but I’ve been fighting for the extra 20% for about 4 years with no luck. I even have a rep from the American Legion helping me, but nothing’s moving forward. I’ve recently requested my service records from the Archives Division to review them myself. I need this because I’m supporting my grandson, and the bills are killing me. Anyone have tips or been through this process?

That sounds so frustrating. Have you considered getting another VSO involved, like the DAV or VFW? Sometimes a fresh set of eyes helps.

Sawyer said:
That sounds so frustrating. Have you considered getting another VSO involved, like the DAV or VFW? Sometimes a fresh set of eyes helps.

Yeah, there’s a DAV office nearby, but my car’s out of commission. Been relying on Uber for months now.

Sawyer said:
That sounds so frustrating. Have you considered getting another VSO involved, like the DAV or VFW? Sometimes a fresh set of eyes helps.

Maybe try calling them? DAV reps can sometimes come to you or work remotely to assist.

Have you submitted Form 21-526EZ to officially request a rating increase? It’s the standard form for this.

Brady said:
Have you submitted Form 21-526EZ to officially request a rating increase? It’s the standard form for this.

No, I haven’t. Is that the same as a regular appeal?

Brady said:
Have you submitted Form 21-526EZ to officially request a rating increase? It’s the standard form for this.

Not exactly. It’s more about providing new evidence or showing how your condition has worsened. Worth looking into.

About the Blue Water Navy stuff—have you looked into PL 116-23? It’s supposed to help with Agent Orange claims.

Nyle said:
About the Blue Water Navy stuff—have you looked into PL 116-23? It’s supposed to help with Agent Orange claims.

Yeah, I know about it, but the Navy’s refusing to recognize the document for the USS Saratoga. It’s in the archives.

Nyle said:
About the Blue Water Navy stuff—have you looked into PL 116-23? It’s supposed to help with Agent Orange claims.

What’s PL 116-23? I’m not familiar with it.

Nyle said:
About the Blue Water Navy stuff—have you looked into PL 116-23? It’s supposed to help with Agent Orange claims.

It’s a law that recognizes Navy ships in blue waters near Vietnam for Agent Orange exposure claims.

If your neuropathy limits work, you might qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Have you checked that?

Tully said:
If your neuropathy limits work, you might qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Have you checked that?

I haven’t looked into TDIU. Does it require a lot of new documentation?

Tully said:
If your neuropathy limits work, you might qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Have you checked that?

Not necessarily. Your VA medical records and the statement from your doctor about work limits could be enough.

Supporting your grandson while dealing with all this is tough. Have you tried reaching out to local veterans’ charities for help with bills?

Mickey said:
Supporting your grandson while dealing with all this is tough. Have you tried reaching out to local veterans’ charities for help with bills?

Not yet, but that’s a good idea. Do you know of any specific ones?

Mickey said:
Supporting your grandson while dealing with all this is tough. Have you tried reaching out to local veterans’ charities for help with bills?

Try groups like Operation Homefront or your state’s veterans affairs office. They often have emergency assistance.