The military BROKE you.
Here’s a framework to begin:
The BEST way to begin, is to combine your imagination with your recall ability.
The consultation was instrumental in assisting you to blow off some cobwebs of time and recall.
The imagination part.
It’s Christmas. You are sitting on the hearth with a nice crackling fire in the fireplace.
A grandchild walks over and sits by you and asks, “Grandpa. Tell me about your time in the military.”
You will want them to know (almost) everything.
Start with WHY you enlisted.
WHERE you were at with boot or basic.
WHAT it felt like, physically AND emotionally.
WHAT was your job?
WHAT did your job entail? Did you EVER get injured on your job?
WHERE did you get sent to?
WHAT were you EXPOSED to? Again, physically AND mentally.
VA cares about the IMPACT on your daily life.
Start with each diagnosis or condition. Talk about the frequency of symptoms the duration (how long they last).
Then describe the functional impact; how it affects your job, your sleep, your relationships and your focus.
Examples: I missed three days of work this month due to my migraines. I can’t sit longer than thirty minutes due to my back pain. I avoid grocery stores due to my panic attacks.
Start LOOKING at yourself objectively.
Were you the same person at discharge?
Are you the same person today that you were at enlistment?
Look at humans around you who are similar in age, but did NOT serve.
Are they generally in better condition than you?
The ROOT CAUSE of your conditions are what you need to convey to the raters at VA. They do not have the opportunity we have in being able to spend time with you to learn about you.
It MUST be conveyed through your words, so craft them wisely.
ALWAYS TELL ANYONE FROM VA OR YOUR OWN DOCTOR, PRECISELY WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU AND WHERE. (Basically, take ALL the time you need to MAKE THEM SEE.)
(Also, please solicit a statement from your significant other as that person is your BEST witness.)
DATE IT.
SIGN IT.
AFFIX YOUR SS# TO IT.