r/VeteransBenefits

CNBC noticed that the Navy Exchange is in the middle of a turnaround plan in order to compete with the likes of Walmart and Amazon and decided to document how that is going so far. As someone who grew up in a military family (Air Force), I am a bit surprised that the NEX has slow sales even with the competitive prices. Their product selections are somewhat nicer compared to AAFES in my opinion! Here’s a preview:

“Sales have been in decline for the last 12 years, falling 19% between fiscal 2012 and 2024 and outpacing declines in total military personnel. The most recent year with data available, fiscal 2024, saw the lowest sales in nearly 20 years outside the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Meanwhile, dividends generated by store sales that feed MWR programs are a fraction of what they were in the past. Between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2024, dividends fell 43% from $51.9 million to $29.8 million.”

I was talking to the local veterans rep at school recently. He told me it was his favorite conversation to have at work. Most WI disabled veterans aren’t aware that if you are rated at least 30%, all your children and your spouse qualify for up to 128 credits of tuition remission. As long as you enlisted in WI or have lived here 5 years. Thought I would spread the word in case this hasn’t been posted before.

Don’t be boastful or proud about your rating. Don’t brag about it to anyone. Not even your family or friends. People only care enough to destroy what you have. I was at a bar the other day, some drunk gentleman was bragging about being depressed and racking at 100% from the VA. You never know who’s watching, listening or taking notes. Just be smart and be humble with your money. Because just like that 🫰, some petty person can report you. Stay sober 🚱, stay alert ‼️ and stay silent 🤫

CALL TO ACTION: California Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exception - CA SB 296

Quick summary + action 🚨

Huge thanks to @EchoBravoRanch for tracking this and breaking it all down — seriously appreciated.

Where things stand:
SB 296 would provide 100% tax property exemption for 100% P&T and TDIU veterans from 2026–2036. It’s currently in the Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee “suspense file,” which means it’s waiting for a rapid vote (expected May–June). It needs a simple majority to move forward, then goes to the full Assembly, then the governor.

Important context:

• The suspense file isn’t a “death sentence” anymore — it’s where bills get finalized before quick votes
• This bill already passed the Senate
• No recorded opposition + bipartisan support 👉 It’s looking likely to pass, but it still needs support right now

What we need to do (ASAP before May):
Call the Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee members — this is the stage where a small number of calls can actually make a difference.

Who to call:

• Mike Gipson (Chair) 📞 (916) 319-2065 
• Kate Sanchez (Vice Chair) 📞 (916) 319-2071
• Juan Carrillo 📞 (916) 319-2039 
• Carl DeMaio 📞 (916) 319-2075
• Tina McKinnor 📞 (916) 319-2061
• Sharon Quirk-Silva 📞 (916) 319-2067
• Michelle Rodriguez 📞 (916) 319-2053

What to say (keep it short):
“Hi, I’m a California resident and a veteran, and I’m calling to support SB 296. With high inflation and the current economy, this bill would really help provide financial stability for veterans. I’m asking the Assemblymember to vote YES when it comes up in the Revenue & Taxation Committee. Thank you.”

📞 Calls and even voicemails are counted. If a few people speak up, it actually matters at this stage. The goal is 50+ each. Emails get ignored. Reply to this thread once you made your calls.

Let’s get this done before May ASAP.

Semper Fidelis!

I feel like I already know the answer to this about not poking the bear, but just want to confirm my thinking:

I am at 100 P&T with multiple ratings - part of which are a 30% and a 20% hip rating. My hip needs to be replaced in the near future.

I have found quite a bit of information in the various VA rating venues indicating when I get the hip replaced I should file for a hip replacement and SMC. This generates a re-rate with a C&P after 4 months with a statutory minimum 30% rating.

I don't want to trade a current 20% and 30% for a potential single 30% just for SMC. I would still be at 100% P&T if that were to happen, but I just want to confirm I am not missing something?

VR&E Strength and Conditioning

I've posted a few things just trying to get some information of other vets who may have tried or gone this route. I have used my GI bill for a kinesiology degree and physical education. That was pretty much a waste of time for details not relevant to this.

I'd like to use VR&E benefits to get NSCA CSCS certification along with some other career specific certifications in the area of fitness (not a personal trainer). Think more college coach, data driven monitoring and programming, fitness specialist and consultations type jobs.

If you want to know a little more specifics, 100% p&t with mental health and muscleskeletal issues. I have read the manuel and read the reddit post. I just cant find other vets who have used VR&E for similar careers.

100% disabled vet using GI Bill/VR&E for art school in SF? Advice?

Hey everyone,

I’m a 100% disabled veteran and could really use some guidance from people who’ve been in a similar position.

I used to work in the medical field, but physically I’m not in a place where I can do that anymore. My back is pretty messed up, and I don’t know if I can handle being on my feet all day consistently. Because of that, I’m trying to pivot into something more sustainable for me.

I have both VR&E and GI Bill available, and I’m considering going back to school for something creative—possibly an art degree. Part of this is for a career path, but also honestly for my mental health. I need something I can engage in that isn’t physically demanding or overly technical.

I’ve been looking into possibly going to school in the San Francisco area (for the BAH and opportunities), even if it means living 1–2 hours away and commuting or doing hybrid classes.

A few questions I’m hoping people can help with:

- Has anyone here used GI Bill or VR&E for an art or creative degree?

- Any experience with schools in/around San Francisco (especially avoiding predatory programs)?

- Is it realistic to rely on hybrid classes and still get full BAH?

- Are there better locations/programs I should consider that still offer strong BAH but more flexibility?

- Any advice for getting back into school after being out for years (especially with physical limitations)?

I’m not trying to waste my benefits—I just want to use them in a way that fits my current reality and gives me some direction again.

Appreciate any insight 🙏

I had some shipmates provide buddy statements but will this be enough to prove a service connection? I was thinking of explaining my asbestos exposure in anchor windlass as a possible cause, but I already got denied a service connection for asbestos since I didn't have any medical records for it, so I decided for my sleep apnea to just say basically "sleep issues didn't start until my first ship, these were my symptoms." Should I go back on the VA website and use the asbestos exposure as possible triggering event or just leave it alone? Any help would be much appreciated.

Hello, fellow Vets, I'm 100% p&t and looking into using VR&E benefits. I have started to read the M28C in order to educate myself on how I can maximize this benefit. I have also read many articles and reddit posts about the different routes and peoples experiences choosing those routes. The verbiage and the things I've read there seems to be really no limit with what it can help you achieve. I've watched videos of vets starting small/large businesses. I've seen independent living improvements, and the average back to school here is your labtop (desk, printer, etc etc).

My question is, what are some things out of the ordinary that you got covered by VR&E and any details on how you got that done?

Looking to see if anyone has run into something similar with their VA claim.

I filed for OSA as secondary, based on aggravation from an already service connected condition. I submitted what I thought was a strong package: Nexus letter, two buddy statements, my statement, and a Mayo sleep study confirming diagnosis. I’m also prescribed and using a CPAP.

VA sent it to an ACE exam instead of scheduling an in person C and P. The examiner, who shows zero years of experience, denied it and essentially overrode my Nexus letter. The rationale focused on saying my condition wasn’t caused by service, which doesn’t really address the aggravation argument I made.

I also identified about six procedural errors. The biggest one is that, from what I understand, VA policy doesn’t support using an ACE exam if they don’t have your service treatment records. In my case, I actually have a VA letter stating my STRs couldn’t be located, yet the decision says they were reviewed.

I filed for a Higher Level Review about two months ago and am waiting.

Has anyone had a similar experience with ACE exams being used like this or Nexus letters being discounted in this way?

I was finally a to schedule an inspection for a very much needed home repair and the sticker shock was very real. I need foundation repair done and was wondering if there were any grants or something to the like I could apply for to ease the financial burden of this and get it paid off as quickly as possible without totally draining the entirety of my savings account.

I had a c&p a few days ago for my cerebral aneurysm secondary to my putitary tumor also for a Addisons disease increase. At the end the examiner tells me it will likely get denied because they filed the aneurysm secondary to Addisons disease and there’s no way to connect that. I personally did the paperwork and had 2 VSO look over it before submitting so I KNOW IT WAS PUT IN CORRECTLY. It should have been secondary to the brain tumor. What do I do? I wrote a statement and put it on my claim but is there something else I should do? I feel like I’m going to get denied for something the Va did and not me.

At 100% P&T how good is the dental? Specifically I was told by a civilian dentist a while back I’d need most of my molars removed or heavily worked on as well as a few of my front teeth. I have a dental appointment in July but I’m curious if they may just do implants for the molars and possibly cosmetic surgery for the front. What is everyone’s experience?

After waiting almost a year, I finally have a HLR scheduled next week. This appeal has been ongoing. An actual VBA person recommended I do a hearing instead of a regular written appeal so that I can be heard and get all of my thoughts out. I am nervous, yet excited to have this opportunity.

Have any of you gone through a virtual hearing before. The email they sent had a link but it was static. I hope they plan to send me an actual live link so that I can attend. Did you guys see any positive results through a virtual hearing? Was it you just talking and them listening? TIA for any advice or suggestions

Trying to see if anyone has experienced something like this because the timeline on my claim has been a little strange.

This is a supplemental claim for increases only, no new service connections.

Issues being rated:

• bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (increase)

• ankle scar (increase)

All C&P exams were completed and uploaded March 17, so development should have been finished after that.

Here’s the timeline:

Feb 23 – Supplemental claim filed

March 17 – All exams completed and uploaded

April 1 – Claim moved to Step 5 (Preparation for Decision / Rating)

April 6 – Claim suddenly moved back to Step 4 (Evidence Review)

It sat there for a few days.

April 9 – Claim moved back to Step 5 again (second time in Step 5).

Another thing that seems odd is the Temp Jurisdiction changes during this time:

• Providence

• then San Juan

• now Boston

I called the 800 number and they said the claim is in the decision phase, assigned to a rater, and still being worked, but no decision has been made yet.

Currently it shows:

• Step 5 – Preparation for Decision

• Assigned to a rater

• Temp jurisdiction Boston

What’s confusing to me is the Step 5 → Step 4 → Step 5 bounce combined with the Temp Jurisdiction changing three times, especially since this seems like a pretty straightforward increase claim and all exams were done back in March.

Has anyone seen something like this happen while a claim was being rated? Just trying to understand what’s going on behind the scenes.

Hello everyone,

After 2.5 years, I am going to attempt to file again. I got denied twice for my knees, despite having buddy statements with what and how it occurred and why I didn't get seen, and an actual diagnosis. I am fed up with it because it's something that did happen in service, and the favorable findings were that a qualifying event occurred, but still denied. So, this time I am thinking of going with one of those claim lawyers; despite my reservations, this might be the only way to get it approved. I also saw that during the rule change, I can now claim IBS separate from GERD, so I will also be claiming that. If anyone has a genuine recommendation for who to use, or better yet, what I can do to avoid using a lawyer and still get it approved, that would be very much appreciated.

edit: Just a note that each time I have filed, I did utilize the VSO/DAV

Good morning all,

I am new to VA, recently rated on the 26th of March. I set up a direct deposit ahead of that and I expect I will get paid may 1

That said, I had an appointment yesterday and filed a travel claim on the app, will the direct deposit information carry over for that? When I go to the va website it had me sign in again to specifically set up DD for travel claims but that went to a dead/non existent page.

Thanks in advance for any guidance

so to make things short I filled for 7 different things,

my c and p exams stated that I was diagnosed with everything I claimed but the va says I lack the evidence to support the fact its all service connected. which is understandable considering I didnt go to medical, like at all.. I was an 0311.

I put in for ptsd because I had a grenade go off really close to me and I had a buddy write a statement because he was the only person to witness it. Just recently I sent in some 10-35 letter for my hearing claim

im assuming that i need nexus letters to prove the in service connections, but i don't know how to do that at all