There is no statute of limitations on filing an initial VA disability claim, and there is essentially no downside to filing even many years after discharge, as long as you can show three things: a current problem, an in-service event or injury, and some medical or lay evidence linking the two (38 CFR 3.303). Service treatment records showing the broken ankle with tendon rupture and the abdominal surgery are strong evidence of an in-service event; you would still need a current medical exam (a VA Compensation & Pension exam, or a private Disability Benefits Questionnaire) documenting present-day symptoms and, ideally, a doctor's opinion connecting them to service.
Lack of a hard imaging diagnosis does not automatically sink a claim. VA regulations and case law (including Mitchell v. Shulkin and the codified rules under 38 CFR 4.59) recognize that painful, limited motion can be compensable even when imaging is normal, because ratings are based on functional loss, not just objective findings. Tinnitus is one of the more straightforward conditions to service-connect, especially with an armor crewman's noise exposure. Migraines and insomnia can sometimes be claimed as secondary to a service-connected back condition. PTSD requires a current diagnosis from a qualified examiner and, depending on the stressor, sometimes corroborating evidence, though combat and training-related stressors from an armor MOS are often easier to establish than personal-assault claims.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →Outcomes genuinely vary by condition and evidence quality — some veterans are rated in a single digit percentage, others much higher, and it is common to be rated on some conditions and denied on others. If a decision is unfavorable, you can appeal through a Higher-Level Review, a new evidence submission (Supplemental Claim, VA Form 20-0995), or the Board of Veterans Appeals (VA Form 10182), each with different processing implications.
You do not have to navigate this alone or file it like a private insurance dispute. Accredited Veteran Service Organizations (DAV, VFW, American Legion, or a county veterans service officer) file claims at no cost, handle the paperwork, and can significantly reduce the bureaucratic friction that is causing you stress.
The concrete next step is to contact an accredited VSO to file VA Form 21-526EZ and let them manage the evidence-gathering and scheduling on your behalf.
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