Hopefully he doesn't have all your originals. To get assistance, you should talk to someone at a local DAV (Disabled American Veterans) or VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) chapter. We help guys out all the time get increased disability and help expedite things through the VA. In any event, it shouldn't take that long to get things going. Is the gent helping you out with the VA?

I suspect that your records were being looked at by someone from the VARO Cleveland before you moved to Florida. Noone gets original military records except the military and those are shipped to one of four cities depending on your last branch of service. Your best bet is to go to the VARO in St Petersburg and fill out a form requesting a C&P exam, including dental. The C&P determines any percentage of disabilities affecting your pension. Moneywise - remember your pension amount will not change nor will you get any further funds from the VA. Your tax liability from your pension is just reduced by the total percentage of disability. You should also register at the VAMC Tampa for medical treatment and look up the DAV at the St Petersburg Vet Center or the VAMC. Good luck

My son just started at the Naval Academy. He took out the policy thru the academy for $100,000 at I believe $25 a month for disability (his pay is only about $10,000, increasing to $30,000 or so when he graduates). He wants to be sure and cover himself in all areas. What would you suggest: military disability, non-military disability, etc. His military commitment after the 4 years at the academy is 5 years. Of course, he could go longer and would have full retirement benefits after 20 years. Thx

The same principles apply as did when you were in the service. Follow through first, then go through the chain of command until you get results.

Try to contact the guy who was working on the file. If no communication happens, then contact his supervisor there. And so on, up the chain of command.

You will receive some results within a few phone calls most likely.

The (800) 827-1000 number is the VA benefits toll free number in general, but you probably have more specific numbers in your records.