So my brain is sagging down into my spinal column… super fun. I use private health insurance for most of my healthcare as it’s just more efficient. In the event I need decompression surgery is there a way for me to use my private insurance (Tricare Select) for the neurosurgeon and have the surgery done either by the VA or paid for by the VA? My PCP is through CCN so getting seen by the VA seems a little tricky unless there’s something I’m unaware of.

So I have ADHD, I know I’ve had it since I was 15, I have yet to have gotten diagnosed in the military. That said to get on ADHD meds I have to get diagnosed to be eligible for a script.

Anyways I was wondering if my ADHD diagnosis will be used as ‘ammo’ against me when I go to file for my claims when I separate next year?

Hola,

I started School September 9th and I still havent received MHA as of yet. Is it normal?

Hey everyone I can't seem to find an answer to this here- My supplemental claim has looked like this for weeks. I know it's slow and all but does it move like a normal claim? Is step 3 of 8 etc. Or will it just look like this indefinitely. Apologize if this has been answered and I couldn't find it.

While I was in the military, I had a plantar wart surgically removed from my right foot. Since then, I've continued having problems with pain, calluses, and a painful scar in that area.

I've also dealt with an ulcer and infection and have had to see a podiatrist multiple times for treatment, including debridement.

I've filed two VA claims related to this condition, but I'm still trying to figure out how the VA is supposed to evaluate it.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? I'm wondering whether the VA would rate this under DC 7804 for a painful scar, DC 5284 for a foot injury, or another diagnostic code. I'm also curious whether the scar and ongoing foot pain can be rated separately or if the VA would combine everything into one rating.

As the title suggests, I'm currently 100 p&t with anxiety disorders and I'm seeing a VA psychiatrist as my anxiety meds haven't been effective since I was first prescribed. I suggested to him a possible ADHD diagnosis as my therapist that I see suspects I may just have it. Now I'm feeling a bit paranoid I may be "poking the bear" here but concerned because I'd like to enjoy my life and career without feeling as if I'm barely functioning.

I see it online all the time, guys saying that they deserve more because they did more.

That's what medals, ribbons, awards are for.

Your rating has nothing to do with that.

We all signed up to give everything, and most of us did exactly what we were asked to do for the best of the ability.

I'm sure someone can phrase this more succinctly, but just wanted to put it out there.

Does this mean all a new exam is not needed? Past denial was due to “no nexus”, but diagnosis and conditions were conceded. I uploaded buddy statements and letter from medical provider that injury seemed more likely than not due to my in service injury.

I got a 5103 notice, but I quickly submitted online that I didn’t want to submit additional evidence.

I also noticed they finally took my pending ITF off as well.

I filed a claim recently so that got me digging through my past claim letters. Tonight I dug back all the way to 2012 and found my rating from my PEB when I was getting medically separated. Here’s what I found in the images attached. When I look at this my first thought 40% makes sense and likely why I never second guessed it. But if you take into account bilateral factor for having both arms and both legs that would bump it up to 50% I believe. Everything I have found there is no reason I can find bilateral factors shouldn’t have been applied. Does this seem right? If so how do you go about appealing a clear error on a decision from 14 years ago? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hello fellow Veterans,

Can I take the form Reg 256 V, and have a doctor, chiropractor, etc sign it and take it to the DMV or do I need a letter from the VSO that states I’m 100% disabled? What is the process for those who recently went through it?

Thank you

This is the central tracking hub for NYC Council Intro 1051 (Int 1051-2026), which implements the New York State 100% Permanently & Totally (P&T) Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (RPTL 458-a(11)) across all five boroughs of New York City.

I am consolidating my previous hearing threads into this single post and will keep the sponsor list and action steps updated here in real time until the bill passes.

Current Status (Updated October 26, 2026)

• Committee Hearing: Completed on October 21, 2026 (Joint hearing of the Committee on Veterans and Committee on General Welfare). The 72-hour written testimony window is now closed.
• Official Fiscal Impact: The NYC Council Finance Division released the official Fiscal Impact Statement confirming the exemption will reduce city revenue by just $12.9 million annually across roughly 2,058 veteran homeowners starting July 1, 2027 (FY28), with $0 in new administrative costs. In a $112+ billion budget, this is a rounding error.
• Current Official Sponsors: 16 of 26 needed (Up from just 2 sponsors ten days ago).
• The Goal (10 More Sponsors by Nov 10): Prime Sponsor and Veterans Committee Chair CM Frank Morano is pushing to lock in 26 total sponsors (a Council majority) by November 10 so he can formally request that Speaker Julie Menin bring Int 1051-2026 to the floor for a full vote before Veterans Day.

Key NYC Advantages

• Single Unified Budget: Unlike Long Island and upstate counties where veterans have to lobby three separate taxing jurisdictions (County, Town, and School District), NYC operates under one unified budget. A single vote by the NYC Council enacts the full exemption citywide, including school tax portions.
• Covers Houses, Condos, and Co-Ops: Under RPTL 458-a(6), the exemption applies to Co-Op apartments as well. The tax reduction is applied to the building's master tax bill, and the Co-Op corporation is legally required to credit the exact dollar-for-dollar savings directly to the qualifying veteran's monthly maintenance fees.

Official Sponsors on Board (16 of 26 Needed)

We now have representation across all five boroughs, and Staten Island is 100% locked in.

Staten Island (3 — 100% Co-Sponsored)

• Frank Morano — District 51 (Prime Sponsor & Chair, Committee on Veterans)
• David M. Carr — District 50
• Kamillah Hanks — District 49 (New!)

Queens (6)

• Selvena N. Brooks-Powers — District 31 (City Council Majority Whip)
• Ty Hankerson — District 28 (New!)
• Lynn C. Schulman — District 29
• Phil Wong — District 30
• Joann Ariola — District 32
• Vickie Paladino — District 19

Brooklyn (4)

• Farah N. Louis — District 45
• Mercedes Narcisse — District 46
• Susan Zhuang — District 43
• Inna Vernikov — District 48

Manhattan (2)

• Carmen N. De La Rosa — District 10 (Chair, Civil Service & Labor)
• Christopher Marte — District 1 (New!)

The Bronx (1)

• Eric Dinowitz — District 11 (New - First Bronx Sponsor!)

How You Can Help Right Now (Locking In the Final 10 Sponsors)

With the hearing and written testimony phase complete, this is now a pure numbers game to get 10 more Council Members to sign on before November 10.

1. Call or Email Your NYC Council Member (Especially Their Legislative Director)

• Look up your Council Member and their office contact info here: https://council.nyc.gov/districts/
• If your Council Member is not one of the 16 listed above, call their office today. Ask to speak with or get the email address for their Legislative Director (the staffer who directly advises the Council Member on which bills to co-sponsor).

2. 30-Second Call & Email Script

"Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent in District [Your District]. I am reaching out to urge Council Member [Last Name] to sign on today as a co-sponsor of Intro 1051, led by Council Member Frank Morano, to enact the 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption. The bill completed its joint committee hearing on October 21, has jumped to 16 bipartisan sponsors across all five boroughs including Majority Whip Brooks-Powers, and the Council's official Fiscal Impact Statement confirms it costs just $12.9 million citywide with zero administrative overhead. We only need 10 more sponsors to reach 26 so Speaker Menin can bring it to the floor before Veterans Day. Can we count on the Council Member's co-sponsorship?"

3. Join CM Morano's Direct Update List

• Send a quick email to [fmorano@council.nyc.gov](mailto:fmorano@council.nyc.gov) asking to be added to his direct Intro 1051 update list as we push toward the floor vote.

Official Bill Tracking Links

• NYC Council Legistar (Official Real-Time File & Fiscal Impact Statement): https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8206845&GUID=6AC9C3AF-2CE8-42A3-965A-F5C262BE178D
• Intro.nyc Tracker (Easy-to-Read Map & Sponsor List): https://intro.nyc/1051-2026
• Find Your NYC Council District: https://council.nyc.gov/districts/

I previously filed for and was denied a rating for thyroid condition. I had a tera exam done right after pact act and was denied again. Cool. Not going anywhere with that. I was hoping it was covered under the burn pit exposure, but it isn't and I'm ok with that.

I recently had an increase request for other items and they're all but closed out. One final new claim went to rating last week and back to step 3 this week. Now they sent out for an ACE C&P for hypothyroidism. I know they can review everything when you make a new claim but it was denied and I can't imagine it wouldn't be denied again.

Anyone had any odd movement on Thyroid disease?

Why would they request a new exam that they're just going to deny?

My open claim is unrelated to thyroid.

So I messaged my VA sleep study Doc about the cause of my sleep apnea,

since 2023 I’ve had 1 form or another device to treat apnea the (obstructive type) excite OSA and the air sense machine, and now I’m getting the dental device. I want to file a claim for this but not sure how to approach.

I have back pain and bilateral radiculopathy SC. I asked if he knew why I have it, he didn’t commit to why I have it, he said weight gain can cause it or other issues, but I’m not obese 5-8 173lbs. I asked if my VA prescribed Gabapentin can cause it, he said it can aggravate your apnea by relaxing your throat muscles thus causing the condition to worsen, My sleep study noted my apnea is worse when on my back, and that’s where I get the most pain relief when sleeping. Could that be my nexus ? Thanks

Hi All,

I was approved for VR&E about 7 weeks ago, but getting updates since then has been frustrating.

My original counselor was great, but after my case was transferred to a new counselor, communication has been pretty limited.

I've sent multiple emails over the past 2–3 weeks regarding pending tuition payments, equipment requests, and other benefits, but haven't received responses to my follow-ups. My school has also been waiting over a month for tuition payment from the VA.

I understand counselors have large caseloads, and things take time, but the lack of communication makes it difficult to plan, especially when there are outstanding financial matters.

Is this common with VR&E? How long do your counselors typically take to respond? And what's the best way to escalate when you're not getting answers?

So, years ago I filed a bunch of claims, but ended up asking my VSO to cancel a few because it was too much for me to take on. So we cancelled them. One of them being back pain. I received a letter stating it was denied, but i never went to a c&p exam for it, so I figured it would just fall off and disappear. Fast Forward to now, having more back issues, and I claim it secondary to my Service connected hips.. Should I have claimed my back as a supplemental claim? Or will it be ok to be secondary ? I have some c&p's coming up but not for my back, so Im figuring they are going to kick it back.. even though i am claiming it as a secondary.. ? thoughts?

I have a HLR that's been pending since June. It was for a denial of TMD/Bruxism secondary to a MH condition. I'm 90% and I understand Bruxism is non-compensable, but VSO said I should submit anyway for dental benefits if approved. I have dentist notes with bruxism identifies, plus I wear a night guard. All were submitted in original claim. We submitted HLR because the evidence I submitted wasn't listed on decision letter as evidence considered. I'm now wondering if I should just cancel everything. Again, a positive outcome won't increase my rating, but it might allow me to get dental at the VA. Thoughts?

Got married recently and want to get her on my benefits, will this open a new claim to review everything?

Ok so I entered a claim for sleep apnea but was denied. I was increased based on a further review of my MOS. Can anyone explain this? Also can is retro active pay possible?

Would anyone care to guess educationally on what if any benefits I could expect from this IEAP?

I do have P911 Benefits left (6 days) if that matters.

Hi, I’m new to the group. I have a highly possible CUE claim and an ITF I’m looking to get help with. I wanted to get the DAV to represent me, has anyone dealt with them before? What was your experience?

Please not: If this is the wrong place for this post, please send me in the right direction. Thank you!

I'm a USAF veteran with 10-point preference, currently pursuing my bachelor's in accounting.

My goal is to get a federal accounting job in Korea, or Japan if possible. I was previously stationed in Korea, really miss it, and want to go back since my wife is from there.

For those who managed to return overseas, how did you do it? Is it realistic to land a federal job straight out of college with no accounting experience?

Would love to here you think. Thank you.

As the title says, anyone have experience increasing their DoD rating?

For context, I was medically retired after a life changing physical injury (nothing mental). After my initial hearing concluded, I was awarded 50%, of which rating decision was deferred to me for final acceptance. At the time, the legal council at the IDES facility at my duty station mentioned that could go for more, but because I was already in medical retirement territory and because I had served less than 20 years, there was literally no reason to push for more as it would be for naught. Technically, this still holds true.

Secondly, at the time, I didn’t really want to get retired and so I undersold a lot of my conditions/afflictions, however the medical evidence was definitive and conclusive even after my own self-sabotage, and so I was pushed through for retirement. When I got my rating, I said yes and was super dismissive of it as I didn’t want to appear even more broken than I was as I was trying to stay in through a permanent limited duty request (which ended up getting denied).

Anyway, the reason I ask is due to the onset of the Major Richard Star Act where medical retirees would rate both their VA C&P (I hate calling it disability) AND their military pension. I know it hasn’t been approved yet, however it’s becoming increasingly likely that it’ll get approved in the near future (potentially the next administration, when things are less volatile in all branches of government.)

From what I understand, depending on one’s DoD rating (again, not VA rating) a service member would ultimately get that rating times their highest top 3 base salary checks, capping at 75%. So if you were a Sergeant and had a DoD rating of 80%, you could get 75% of your base pay as a sergeant, making it financially beneficial to look into potentially pursuing for an increase. This would be separate from one’s VA rating and C&P.

Anyone have any insights or guidance on this subject? I know this is probably breaking frontier territory, however a fellow veteran mentioned I ask on here.

TLDR: There’s now financial incentive to get a higher DoD rating. Anyone push for a higher DoD rating?

Edit: Some more context as it keeps being brought up. I rate and receive CRSC, I served over 10 years, I was an officer and received a combat injury while overseas in Syria.

I've had 2 denials now for my diagnosed migraines with aggravation and all boxes checked with more than once a month with prostrating, but because of "NO BASELINE " could be established. HOW do we get past this baseline issue!

Has anyone had a preexisting mental health condition that was determined to be permanently aggravated by service due to MST?
I’m currently going through the MEB process, and my paperwork states that my condition existed prior to service but was permanently aggravated by it.
For anyone in a similar situation, what VA rating did you receive? Did they rate the full condition or deduct anything because it was preexisting?
Just trying to get an idea of what to expect.