VA Claim Helper: No-BS Tips & Guidance for Veterans

Who the hell is this guy?

I spent a decade in the Navy—six years running deep under the ocean on the USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) as a NAV/ET from '95 to '01, then the rest working topside in Norfolk's Masts and Antenna shop. If you've ever pulled duty on a fast-attack sub, you know the drill: tight spaces, long hours, and zero margin for error. Like a lot of vets, I stayed clear of the VA for years after getting out. Didn't think I deserved help, and honestly, the whole VA disability claims process looked like a bureaucratic nightmare.

Took me 15 years to finally man up and file my first claim. When I did, I was completely out of my depth—felt like I was back to being a non-qual all over again. If it weren't for a couple of solid shipmates who'd already fought this battle, I'd probably still be drowning in paperwork. Those guys showed me the ropes: what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid the rookie mistakes that sink most VA claims before they even get started.

Now I'm paying it forward, submarine-style. VA Claim Helper is my way of cutting through the red tape and sharing battle-tested intel with fellow veterans—especially those who think they don't deserve benefits or don't know where to start. Whether you need straight answers from our FAQ section, want to download proven claim templates, or need guidance on complex issues covered in our veteran guides, you've found your battle buddy for navigating the VA claims maze.