VA Disability Claims: What a Former VA Rater Wants You to Know

Your VA disability claim could be denied because of missing evidence—not because you don't qualify. Learn what a former VA rater says you need to know. Dewayne Kimble, known as the VA Nugget Man, is a U.S. Army veteran, Soldiers Medal recipient, and retired Department of Veterans Affairs Rating Veterans Service Representative. On VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop, host Kingsley Scott sits down with Dewayne to expose common VA disability claim mistakes, explain what VA raters actually review, and help veterans understand how to advocate for their earned benefits. IN THIS EPISODE • The 12-year benefits gap: How Dewayne discovered his own eligibility after becoming a VA employee—and why he believes veterans need education long before leaving military service. • The VA claim preparation mistake that can cost you: Why documenting injuries, diagnoses, and medical treatment from your first duty station matters, and how to prepare for a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim. • What a former VA rater actually looks for: How service connection, medical evidence, nexus opinions, lay statements, and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) influence a VA disability rating. • The $40,000 back-pay surprise: Why Dewayne told a veteran who had already received $40,000 that an incorrect effective date might mean another $10,000–$15,000 was owed—and how he found a $36,000 error in his own claim. • What to do when the VA denies your claim: How to read your rating decision, identify missing evidence, understand supplemental claims and Higher-Level Reviews, and prepare for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam without minimizing your symptoms. ABOUT DEWAYNE KIMBLE Dewayne "VA Nugget Man" Kimble is a U.S. Army veteran, Soldier's Medal recipient, and retired VA Rating Veterans Service Representative who worked at the VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the founder of KMD89 VA Claims Consulting, he uses his experience reviewing disability claims to educate veterans on VA regulations, service connection, rating decisions, and appeals. His educational resources include books, webinars, and free YouTube videos explaining the VA disability compensation process. CONNECT WITH DEWAYNE KIMBLE Website / Books: https://www.kmd89.com YouTube: KMD89 VA Claims Consulting LinkedIn: Search Dewayne Kimble RESOURCES MENTIONED • Dewayne Kimble's VA disability claims educational books — https://www.kmd89.com • VA Disability Compensation — https://www.va.gov/disability/ • VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program — https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-... • VA Intent to File — https://www.va.gov/supporting-forms-f... • VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) — https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensat... CONNECT WITH VET S.O.S. Website: https://vetsospodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MvK7rv... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram:   / vetsospodcast   LinkedIn:   / vetsospodcast   Support our nonprofit mission: https://givebutter.com/vetsos VET S.O.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating, connecting, and empowering veterans, transitioning service members, and military families. No One Transitions Alone. Grab the Lifeline. CHAPTERS 0:00 - VA Claims: Stop Guessing What the Rater Needs 4:33 - Guest Introduction: Dewayne "VA Nugget Man" Kimble 7:06 - The Denied VA Claim That Inspired His First Book 9:20 - Why Dewayne Went 12 Years Without Knowing His Benefits 15:52 - From Struggling in School to Leaving No Veteran Behind 20:20 - BDD Claims: What to Document Before Military Separation 23:23 - Intent to File and the Different Paths to Service Connection 26:31 - What VA Raters Actually Review in Your Disability Claim 31:24 - How Missing Documentation Can Affect Your VA Rating 36:57 - The Three Elements of Direct Service Connection 39:20 - Buddy Letters, Personal Statements, and Medical Evidence 42:49 - What Really Happens During a C&P Exam 46:37 - How to Document Fluctuating Symptoms and Bad Days 49:19 - What to Do After a VA Claim Denial 50:55 - The $40,000 Back-Pay Case and Incorrect Effective Dates 53:39 - Why Veterans Should Never Give Up on Their Claims 57:46 - Free VA Claims Education vs. Paid Services 1:00:51 - How One Veteran Used Free Information to Improve His Rating 1:06:38 - Denied Again? Go Back to Square One 1:11:03 - Five Essential Steps Before Leaving Active Duty 1:16:28 - Where to Find Dewayne's Books and Educational Resources 1:18:04 - Key Takeaways: Get Your Records and Know Your Rights 1:20:32 - Lifeline Message: Make Your Next Move From Information #VETSOS #HeroesMediaGRP #GrabTheLifeline #TheScoop #VADisabilityClaims