Among the challenges faced by a veteran after leaving the service is negotiating various issues with VA benefits. One piece of advice shared among veterans-and definitely worth listening to-is, “Don’t tell anybody your rating. Especially other vets.” Though sharing your VA disability rating may seem innocent enough, unintended consequences can and do arise. Here, then, are the considerable reasons to keep this information close to your vest.
Why you should keep your VA disability rating private
Your VA disability rating is a personal thing. Once you share it, people will start offering judgmental and unsolicited opinions on your condition. Some will question your rating considering you look physically fit. Such scrutiny will not only bring you stress but also tamper with your mental health.
Read more: What conditions automatically qualify you for VA disability?
Potential consequences of disclosing your disability rating
Disclosing your disability rating may expose you to the following:
- Judgments rendered: Others may think they know what your ability entails or whether your rating is valid.
- Inopportune scrutiny: They would question you for your choice of lifestyle and how you cope with your disability.
- Scam bait: Any disclosure might just risk making you a potential victim of those scammer vultures preying on veterans.
Understanding the stigma among veterans
It’s unfortunate, but some veterans engage in a “gatekeeping” mentality, where they judge others’ disability ratings based on visible appearances or personal biases. This behavior fosters a toxic environment and undermines the support that veterans should offer each other. Remember, every individual’s experience and injuries are unique, and it’s not anyone’s place to judge the severity or legitimacy of another’s condition.
Read more: The maximum time it can take for a VA disability claim to be approved
Protecting yourself from scams targeting veterans
Scammers may try to offer you help if you are a veteran. They may try to assist you to get your VA benefits for a fee or promise to speed up the processing time of your claim. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns against paying for such services, as they are available for free through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To safeguard yourself:
- Apply directly to the VA: Utilize official channels for benefit applications.
- Use accredited representatives: Seek assistance from VA-accredited individuals or organizations.
- Be cautious with personal information: Limit sharing details about your benefits to reduce the risk of being targeted.
How to handle inquiries about your disability rating
If a stranger asks you your disability rating, it is okay to set a limit. You may respond with:
- “I prefer to keep that info private.”
- “My rating is private, and I don’t share it out in public.”
- “I prefer to remain in the moment and not get into details of my benefits.”
Having healthy boundaries helps you maintain your privacy and limit opportunities for judgment or unsolicited advice.
Read more: Understanding the VA 70-40 rule and securing 100% disability
Building a supportive veteran community
As veterans, it is important to build a community that understands and supports each other. Instead of comparing disability ratings or arguing about what happened to one another, we can choose to:
- Offer empathy: One’s experience is different from anyone else’s and therefore needs to be understood as such.
- Providing support: Be there for fellow veterans, without judgment.
- Encouraging privacy: Others’ choice for keeping their things private.
Creating an environment around respect makes all veterans feel appreciated and respected.
Continue reading:
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What benefits are you eligible for as a spouse of a disabled veteran?
