dfellows_5

I have been retired from Navy since 2004 and at that time I only applied for Sleep Apnea (why not the rest? I really do not know. Dumb I guess! LOL) which I have had for over 25 years on a CPAP. I was rated as 50% but now that I have gotten older I know there is stuff in my Medical record that will cover some of my current problems so I want to file for some more items but things have sure changed in the process. I have a shipmate that told me about Vet Comp and Pen Medical Consulting LLC and VA Claims Insider which I think work off a percent of your increase for payment. I have also looked at Veterans Law Blog where I can get info, books, videos and forum help to do it myself and am wondering about them. My question is does anyone have any experience dealing with the first 2 and is it worth it to use them? Or are they just a sham. I know to apply for VA costs nothing but what I would be paying them for is their background of supposedly knowing the process in and out which would make things a whole lot easier at this point in my life. I would be trying to put in for Degenerative Arthritis of spine, neck and back (where I have a stimulator implanted) and of the joints (now have had total knee replacement on one leg and will soon be looking at the other) Just had both shoulder Rotor cuffs scrapped and new metal in them, Deviated septum, GERD/Reflux/IBS which continues to cause problems and may be turning into Barrett's disease, 6 Stints in my artery at the heart, COPD (loads of chemicals during aircraft paint and repair) tinnitus and several other secondary problems. Also the last 3-4 years been dealing with depression/Non combat PTSD possibly from working with victims (both live and dead) over 20 years as volunteer firefighter in the military community. So yeah a lot going on. Again just wanted any input from you folks who have been there/done that with VA Claims and the VA people in general which route would be best to go. with one of the 2 companies that has staff? with PA's and such or suck it up and use the info on Veterans Law blog and muddle my way through the process. Thanks for your time and look forward to hearing what others have to say or have done. Have a Fine Navy Day! David