Don't worry about it? My VA Disability

A short time ago, I mentioned that I am having difficult with the VA. Simple put, some one in the bureaucracy miss place the form that initiated my claim. After being told on several occasions not to worry about it, I received a letter informing me that was about to loose my disability of 0%.

0%? No big deal right? Wrong. 0% gets my foot in the door. The VA will take care of me at a discounted price with 0%. Also, if I do not have a disability of 0%, I can not make an appeal for greater compensation. And my knees are bad. The VA orthopedic specialist told me that I should not do any lifting from a squatting position and I should avoid running. (My leg workouts consist of leg curls and extensions and easy stuff like that. I highly doubt that I could squat 200lbs now and if I did try, my knees would be killing me for a week or so afterwords). Sounds like more than 0% to me, but what do I know.

Well, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is coming to my rescue. It seems that things should be cleared up soon. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed).

I want to say some things to every Military Service Member, especially those getting ready to ETS (separate from the Military). First, put in your VA claim, even if you are perfectly healthy and not broken. Second, make a copy of your claim form (VA Form 21-526) and keep it in your files. If I had made a copy, I would not be having this problem. And to all of the Vets out there, when the people at the VA 1-800 number say. "Don't worry about it," WORRY about it, and contact the DAV or your other Recognized Service Organization.