Looking for advice on next steps with new claims after being rated 90%
I could use some guidance on what my next move should be with the VA. I’ll keep it as short as possible.
I separated from the Air Force a little over four years ago. Last year, I filed my initial claim on my own and was granted 90% (combined 88%). My ratings are 70% for mental health, 40% for my back with two 10% secondaries, 10% tinnitus, and 10% rhinitis. All were diagnosed during the C&P exams, and all are static.
I was briefly seen at the VA around the time I filed, but I never got any formal diagnoses from them. I eventually stopped going because the care at that clinic wasn’t great, and they pushed my next appointment out almost a full year. That appointment is coming up soon, but I haven’t been seen since and haven’t renewed the meds they originally prescribed.
Here’s my concern: I want to file additional claims mostly under the PACT Act but the conditions haven’t been officially diagnosed yet. I’m worried that, because I haven’t had regular VA treatment for almost a year, it might look on paper like I’ve improved, which obviously isn’t the case.
These are the options I’m weighing right now:
- Submit the claims the same way I did my initial one—on my own with personal statements. that way its done and not hanging over my head stressing me out.
- Transfer to a different VA facility (which many vets in my area have recommended), get properly evaluated and diagnosed, and then submit. This would take the longest.
- Use a private company to help file everything correctly. A lot of vets I work with went this route and ended up at 100%. It seems like the safest option because I don’t want to jeopardize what I already have, but the cost is what’s holding me back. I’ve also considered VSOs, but the ones in my area don’t have a great reputation.
I’m leaning toward the private-route for peace of mind, but I’m still undecided. Any input from people who’ve been through this would help a lot. Thanks in advance.
Posted Dec 7, 2025, 11:41 PM UTC