How Pride is Costing Veterans Thousands of Dollars

For many veterans, the VA claim process can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. It's a process that is supposed to provide the necessary support, benefits, and care that is earned through honorable service for our country. However, what many veterans don't realize is that there is a hidden agenda at play. Pride, not just on the part of the individual veteran but also within the VA system itself, is costing veterans thousands of dollars. It's a high price to pay for something that should be a given right. As someone who has been through the system, I can attest that pride can be just as damaging as any other condition. Don't let pride stand in the way of your right to veterans benefits and care.

In today's society, there is often a stigma attached to asking for help or admitting that we need support. This can be especially true for veterans who have been trained to be self-reliant and put their own needs second to the mission. However, it's important to remember that seeking assistance and benefits from the VA is not a sign of weakness, but rather a necessary step in taking care of oneself after serving our country.

It's also crucial to understand that the VA claim process is a complex and bureaucratic system, and it's not uncommon for claims to be denied or delayed. This can be frustrating and disheartening, but it's important not to give up. With perseverance and the right support, veterans can ultimately receive the benefits and care they deserve.

In addition to seeking help from the VA, it's also important for veterans to reach out to other resources such as veteran service organizations, non-profits, and support groups. These organizations often have a deeper understanding of the VA system and can provide valuable assistance in navigating through the claim process. They can also offer emotional support and camaraderie with other veterans who have gone through similar experiences.

Furthermore, it's essential for veterans to advocate for themselves and their fellow veterans. By sharing their stories and speaking up about the struggles they face, they can raise awareness and bring attention to the flaws within the VA system. This can lead to changes that will benefit not only current veterans but also future generations of service members.

In conclusion, pride and a lack of understanding about the VA claim process can greatly hinder veterans from receiving the benefits and care they deserve. It's important for veterans to overcome any feelings of shame or self-reliance and seek help when needed. With determination, support, and advocating for change, we can ensure that our fellow veterans receive the respect and support they have earned through their service to our nation.

So, don't let pride stand in the way of seeking the assistance and care that is rightfully yours. Remember, you are not alone in this journey and there is no shame in asking for help. Let's work together to improve the VA claim process for all veterans.

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[CombatCraig]

It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
SUPERCHARGE your VA CLAIM!

[TheATXpatriot]

Pride goes out the window when it’s time to get paid. No one in our government gave a shit when we signed a blank check up to & including our lives for the sacrifices we made!!!

[mikesntx]

I just talked a Vet the other day and he said he would never apply for VA disability because he was not blown up. He admitted he had a few things service related, but he felt others deserved it more than him. That’s his opinion and I respect it. I’m sure thousands of Vet’s think the same way. I did too for about 20 plus years.

[CRSpostPMS]

Conditioned to endure Yes, we are always to respond “full of joy, sir” ⚓️ It is such an effort to ask for help for our broken parts.

[barrylitchfield]

Since 1966, when I entered the US Navy, I realized I was going to go into harms way. After boot camp I was sent to a ship that was only about 3 months from deployment to Vietnam. One of my jobs aboard the ship was loading a 3" rapid fire anti aircraft gun during general quarters. These guns were out in the open, and not enclosed. The gun mount had two of these guns that were side by side about 4 feet apart. The rounds were shaped like a 30.06 rifle cartridge, but were about four feet long. Both barrels fired at the same time, every two seconds. There was no hearing protection provided. My job was loading the gun. I was standing 12 feet from the muzzles of these guns as they fired together every two seconds, on an open gun mount. Nothing to stop the sound of these guns from my ears. I started filing for disability for my hearing within 4 or 5 years after getting out of the Navy in 1970. I was denied every time I filed until 2016. A very good Veterans Service Officer looked at my military medical records. She discovered that my exit from the Navy hearing test was falsified. The numbers on my exit exam were crossed out, and the numbers from my entrance hearing exam were written on the exit exam. It only took 41 years to FINALLY start receiving compensation from the VA for my hearing loss from loading guns in Vietnam.

I started having other medical problems in 2009 from my exposure to agent orange. Ischemic heart disease, hypothyroidism, blood clots, sleep apnea, and several others. I'm now 100% P&T with SMC-S. It wasn't easy, but the 100% and SMC-S was PAID back to 2013 until 2022 as a lump sum.

DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT TO GET THE BENEFITS YOU EARNED IN THE MILITARY SERVICE...
It's a slow, and difficult process (by design by the VA).

[dwaynejones]

After 10K hrs. on YouTube & a dozen appeals I finally got 100 P&T. Keep up the good work.

[GODJWilly]

Took me 18 years following my deployment to finally admit my issue and seeing an outside look in. Got my initial consultation complete with a VA Doc, and I was rated clinically severe with PTSD, my Wife helped me get to the point where I'm ready to open up, and I'm currently going through the motions to try and attain 100%. God Bless everyone trying to receive what they deserve for serving our Country. Thank you for your service ladies and gentlemen, and thank you Combat Craig for the information to help fellow Veterans to attain knowledge of ways to complete their claims. Semper Fi

[dougbodenhamer]

I got out in 92, and it wasn't my pride. I was just ignorant about my ptsd and injuries. I truly didn't know I could get help. Thanks to a buddy of mine, 4 years ago he told me I needed to get help. I deal with a lot, just like so many veterans. I finally got into the VA system. I'm at 80%, with a possible 100% tdiu. Don't be ignorant, like I was, or stubborn like so many.

[seismicsoldiers]

You are awesome Craig, you've helped me out from the start of my journey. I'm now at a 100% P&T. Thanks a million times

[BobbyDeez]

Thanks for another awesome video. Love your pjs.

[FiveBlackFootedFerrets]

Took me 25 years to finally file for disability. I had low expectations but once all my medical records were received and reviewed I got a 90% rating. I was stunned! I felt a lot of regret and close behind felt stupid for not filing sooner. Better later than never.

[paull.]

Very well said about the pride component, CC! I have spoken with many fellow vets and pride or feeling that others are more worthy of disability ratings are prevalent in these conversations. Thank you for what you do for fellow vets. I just submitted another several claims trying to get from 90% to the Hundo club💯! You were a big influence on my decision to go for it - thank you!!

[Patriot-vjsg]

Craig - LOVE the jammies!! I just got word yesterday filing for increases and previously denied claims. I was at 80% when I filed and honestly just hoping for 90 but to my pleasant surprise I got 100% P&T! I worked with a private organization and through their medical team they gave me a strong NEXUS letter and I had a favorable C&P Examiner, which I also believe made a difference.

[murrellstreeter]

Love you Craig 💪🏾, thank you for helping us. And you are not alone brother🙏🏾

[jrsurface]

Thank you Combat Craig! You, sir, are an inspiration. You dont know me personally, but you have been a great help to me and obviously, so many others! Thanks for what you do brochacho! 😎

[semperfi-]

100% were stubborn and prideful. After i became permanently dissabled i had to accept that im not 20 anymore and for me retirement is earlier than expected and goona be a different dimension.

[puravida]

I could not agree more! I now live in Central America. I am also a former legal professional and veterans advocate. I have met several vets living in Central America, that could easily be rated at 100%. However, pride keeps them from filing. Even after I explain in detail the benefits to them, and their dependents.

[vinouthavong]

Got out of the Marines 2008 cause of pride to file. 2012 got talked into filing due to the injury during active duty an ankle, they deny me saying it wasn't service connected, but it was in my medical records, so I never looked back, friend told me why I didn't fight and my excuse was the frustration with the VA, 2013 diagnose with chronic PTSD didn't because I didn't want to bother with it again on getting shut down, now all other physical stuff and PTSD are catching up again so 2024 currently filing. My pride and stupidity. This time my fellow veteran friends told me if they push back I should push back and not give up.

[charlenesmith]

I too had that same thing Craig, pride! It prevented me from getting my just do for many years. I finally swallowed that pride and started the process and am now getting all that VA owes me. And like you still have some pride I need to let go of. I served proudly and honorably. Stay well Craig..

[jamesfrench]

I'm currently 90% (89) separated in 1995. first filed in 2005 - all denied. Local VSO is a prick and made me feel like shit in 2021 when I decided to try again. It's been a fight. and I have one claim, on appeal, to go. This pride thing hits so hard and it's so true. It took my ship's corpsman in 2020 to convince me that I should try again. But here's a thing. Now that I've "accepted" that I'm broken, and talked about the stuff that was bottled up, I actually feel broken where before I appeared to have my ducks in a row. I'm falling apart in these past couple of years, but I'm getting help. Makes me wonder now many of the cracks in my vessel are from holding it all in and wish that I was more aggressive way back then.
So, Yeah, CC is right. Don't let pride get in your way.