thedvl69

I fell off a training tower (about 30') 1988. After a year I was honorably discharged dd-214 says combat related injury. They told me to go to the VA and they would take care of me as I had trouble walking at times(still do). After getting a run around for a couple years I gave up on them helping me. Through the years I have had a rough time even was homeless at one point as I could not work for periods of time. About 5 years ago I went to a customer of mines home to give him an estimate and I was having trouble with my back at the time and walking as if I were 90. My customer was a disabled Marine and asked why I was walking like I was. I explained and he gave me the number to a rep at the VFW. This rep had me at the VA and got me a 40% rating right away. They now want me to go to the VA for a re-evaluation. The initial award paperwork said the 40% was not a permanent rating. Not sure what to do as at times I'm ok(meaning I can deal with the pain with the understanding this is now part of my life) other times it can be really bad. Given the history of what I have gone through I am worried they are gonna screw me. What should I do? I also feel I should be compensated from the time of my first claim over 20 years ago. I did not just wake up one day and somehow had a problem 20 years after the injury.Can someone advise?