I was honorably discharged in 1982 after 7 years of service. I sustained several non-combat injuries during my service. I reported them, got treated, and went on my way. Sure, I had some long term issues, but I had pretty good insurance and, in truth, never made the mental connection between the service and the long term issues. My friend, a VA service rep, finally convinced me to apply. I figured I'd at least try for hearing aids, my insurance doesn't cover them and they're becoming hard to afford. I applied, and went to several exams, figuring at least I'd get a second opinion. Yesterday I got a letter from VA. Apparently I'm a mess. They gave me a 50 percent disability rating. It's good to know I wasn't just a whiner all these years.

First off let me say thank you for your service. I'm glad for you, getting a 50% disability 42 years after being discharged is amazing.

Get the VA app for your phone, it's surprisingly very well done. Shows everything you need and lets you manage it all; appointments, prescriptions etc

Thanks, I'll get the app. And I truly enjoyed the Army. Matter of fact, I ended up marrying my gunner.

Congrats, I’m right there with you. I got out in 1987 and my wife talked me into applying several years back. I’m at 80% and once they get some paperwork I’m pretty sure they’ll put me at 100%. While we can always find something about the VA to bitch about, I’m thankful for their care and for the payments.

Wow, 50%. Pretty nice tax free pocket change. Too bad you didn't apply sooner.

If you're near a VA hospital, getting into the system is pretty nice too even if you already have insurance.

Thank you for your service and congrats getting the VA approval.. Hopefully you have access to local services be they a local outpatient clinic or a full blown hospital without having to travel too far.....Also the possibility of being able to get care thru the civilian sector by way of referal if needed....... I got out in 1977 and wife got out in 1978 but waited till about 15 years ago before we both signed up and getting accepted.... We have been pleased with all of the care that we have received thru the VA. .................... drill sgt.

Congrats, I'm a similar case, Got my head crushed by the turret inside a M163 Vulcan in 83. Jeep from the field to branch medical while waiting for ambulance to main hospital on Ft Hood then an emergency Helicopter to San Antonio, Docs said a half in to 3/4 inch more and I would have died from having my skull split open. Gave me an honorable discharge and I went on to finding a job and just trying to make it in life, first appeal in Los Angeles VA in 89, of course I was homeless then and didn't get notification so they granted me 10%, appealed that and got nowhere until 2009 after all the walter reed stuff I got another re evaluation and bumped to 20%.

Just got apethetic at that point, Two appeals through two VA hospitals in Two different states had got me only 20%. Went on with life until last year when I had 3 strokes within a month, Now with time on my hands my wifes brother who is a vet also convinced me to call his vet rep, He in turn gave me a number to a rep with the DAV, It took almost no time before the evaluation exams started coming in. First packet of results added up to 110% but they combined some to bring it down to 70%, another eval brought it to 80%. Now I have to appeal yet again because they tried to tie the loss of balance/equilbrium to the strokes instead of the original injury.

Like you, over 40 years for something that should have been handled at discharge. For any others reading this in similar situations, Don't give up! Now is a good time to get this straightened out, Forget about the Vet reps in the VA hospitals, Look for a rep with The DAV that knows how to get you right.

One more thing, I'm waiting until I've completed all my evaluations Then my rep will put me in contact with a legal team in DC that only handles these VA cases, I know I won't get the full 40 years worth but whatever I get will make one nice retirement check. Anyone interested in their contact info can feel free to email me and I will pass it along when I get to that point.