About VA Claim Helper

Connect & Support

I'm a Navy submariner who spent six years making steam deep under the ocean on the USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) as a NAV/ET, then went topside for shore duty in Norfolk. After getting out, I did the corporate thing—tech jobs, program management, cloud engineering. But behind the scenes, I was fighting my own battle: navigating the VA claims maze.

My first claim was a complete disaster. Had no clue what a lay statement was or how C&P exams really worked. Got denied, appealed, and spent hours Googling garbage advice from people who'd never actually fought this battle themselves. Felt like being a non-qual all over again.

Eventually, I figured it out the hard way. Started helping other vets on Reddit, writing daily tips, and breaking things down like a salty Chief would for a confused boot. I kept it blunt, honest, and actionable—no fluff, no gatekeeping, no B.S.

That's how VA Claim Helper was born. A straight-talking site by a submariner, for veterans. I built this to give you the plain‑English intel I wish I'd had from the start—whether you're filing your first claim or fighting back after a lowball rating. Check out our no‑nonsense, plain‑English guides for step‑by‑step help.