Helping veterans get the VA benefits they deserve can be challenging, especially when they feel uncertain or worried about the process. Recently, a close friend of mine, a Purple Heart awardee, experienced a life-changing outcome by appealing his VA disability rating.

After retiring more than a decade ago, my friend was stuck at an 80% disability rating. For years, he expressed the same concerns I hear from so many veterans:

• “I don’t want to game the system.”
• “I only served a few years; I don’t deserve more.”
• “There’s nothing seriously wrong with me.”
• “I hate dealing with anything related to the government.”

But after speaking with him many many times and seeing the success of other veterans I’ve helped (5), he finally decided to take the next step. Here’s what he did:

Key Steps That Made the Difference:

1. Getting the Right Help:
   I suggested he visit his State VHA Representative. It was a crucial step that made sure his appeal was handled correctly and with all the necessary documentation.
2. Using What Was Already There:
   Since he already had a disability rating, most of the needed information was already on file. He only needed to add a few things that were missed earlier, which made his appeal smoother and quicker.
3. Knowing Where and How to File:
   The outcome of an appeal can often depend on where and how you submit it. Making sure all the paperwork was accurate and complete helped speed up the process.
4. Pushing Past the Emotional Hurdles:
   Many veterans feel anxious about appealing, thinking it’s somehow dishonorable or that they’re asking for too much. But these benefits are not a handout—they’re earned through service and sacrifice.

The Result:

In just under six weeks, his disability rating went from 80% to 100%. This change means more financial security for his family and gives his wife the chance to consider retirement. They both chose careers focused on helping others rather than financial rewards, so this increase makes a big difference in their lives.

If you’re a veteran, don’t let fears or misconceptions hold you back. Get the support you need, and remember—you’ve earned these benefits through your service. Your well-being matters, and there are people ready to help you every step of the way.

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” – Roger Crawford