I may be mistaken but seem to remember a couple of vets with disabilities that have not sought a VA disability rating. I'm posting this for them or anyone else who might fall into that category. Attig says that for a service-connection VA claim, you must make sure you have three elements clearly represented: An injury, illness, or event acquired while you were serving in the military. A current diagnosis or disability, or recurring or persistent symptoms of a disability. Competent and credible evidence that shows the injury is related to the current diagnosis. And this does not necessarily mean that a disability has to show up right after serving. It can take decades for symptoms to appear. Read the story @ http://taskandpurpose.com/3-things-you-need-to-nail-your-va-disability-claim/