There’s a lot of information out there about VA disability benefits — and a lot of it is wrong.
Myths spread fast in Facebook groups, barracks chats, and outdated websites. But if you’re not careful, those myths can cost you real money, time, and support.
Here are some of the most damaging VA claim myths we see — and the truth that can move your claim forward.
Myth #1: “You can’t get benefits if you weren’t medically discharged.”
False.
You don’t need to be medically discharged to qualify for disability benefits. What matters is whether your condition is:
- Diagnosed
- Service-connected
- Currently impacting your life
Most veterans who receive benefits were not medically discharged — and many didn’t file until years after leaving the military.
🔗 Learn more in our article: Can You Get VA Benefits Without a Medical Discharge?
Myth #2: “If the VA denies you once, it’s over.”
False.
Initial denials are common — and often fixable. Many claims are denied because of:
- Missing documentation
- Lack of a nexus letter
- Incomplete symptom descriptions
You can appeal, submit new evidence, or file a supplemental claim. Woobie helps veterans navigate these re-entries every day — and we often see stronger outcomes the second time around.
Myth #3: “Your ratings add up like normal math.”
False.
The VA uses a “whole person” formula, which means:
- 30% + 20% does not equal 50%
- Ratings are applied to your remaining functionality, not stacked
This often leads to combined ratings that are lower than expected — and creates confusion about what you “should” be getting.
Use the VA Disability Calculator to get an accurate estimate — and avoid planning around the wrong number.
Myth #4: “Mental health claims are harder to win.”
Partially false — and very harmful.
While mental health claims like PTSD and depression require careful documentation, they are just as valid as physical claims — and often receive high ratings when filed correctly.
The key is:
- Being honest about symptoms
- Getting a diagnosis
- Showing how it affects your daily life and relationships
You don’t need a combat event to qualify. Trauma can take many forms — and the VA recognizes that now more than ever.
Myth #5: “If you didn’t go to sick call, you can’t claim it.”
False.
Many veterans didn’t report injuries or symptoms during service — out of pride, lack of access, or cultural pressure.
That doesn’t mean you’re disqualified. You can build a case with:
- Nexus letters
- Buddy statements
- Post-service medical records
What matters is linking your condition to your service — not when it was first reported.
Myth #6: “Asking for help makes your claim weaker.”
False. False. False.
This one hurts to even type — because too many veterans believe it.
Working with a support team like Woobie does not hurt your chances. It makes your claim:
- Cleaner
- Stronger
- Better documented
We’re not here to do it for you. We’re here to do it with you — so you don’t get lost in red tape or miss out on benefits you’ve already earned.
Truth: You Deserve Clarity, Not Confusion
The system is complex. The rules change. And the myths are loud.
But at the end of the day, here’s what matters:
You served.
You’re living with something that’s tied to that service.
And you have the right to ask for support — without shame, guilt, or delay.
If you’re ready to sort fact from fiction, the Claims Accelerator is here to help. One step. One truth. One claim at a time.
There’s what they say.
There’s what you’ve heard.
And then there’s what’s actually real.
Let’s start from there — and build something that serves you.