Don't Fight Alone — A Decade-Long Battle for Benefits

A career of service, a decade of fighting

Claude Boushey served 25 years in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot. When he finally filed his VA disability claim, he expected the process to reflect the sacrifice he had made. Instead, he received a 10% rating — and spent the next ten years trying to get it right.

“I still remember the day I got my disability letter. My wife actually opened it, and said, ‘You probably need to sit down for this one.’”

That letter was the beginning of a fight that would stretch across a full decade. For years, Claude navigated the system largely on his own, trying to understand why his rating did not match the conditions he was living with every day.

The turning point

What changed was not the evidence or the regulations — it was getting help. After connecting with an advocate who understood the claims process, Claude finally had someone who could translate his military service and medical records into the language the VA needed to see.

“If it wasn’t for somebody on my side, advocating for me, I don’t know if I could have continued this fight.”

In April 2018, Claude’s rating was increased to 70%. After a decade of appeals and frustration, the decision brought something he had not expected.

“It kind of gave me some closure. It finally gave me a sense of closing the door on my military career after such a long process.”

His advice to other veterans

Claude’s message to veterans navigating the VA system is direct:

“Don’t fight alone. Get a claims representative who knows what they’re doing and who has a good reputation. Talk to people who are experts.”

Whether it is a VSO, an accredited attorney, or a fellow veteran who has been through the process, having someone in your corner can be the difference between giving up and getting the rating you earned.

Claude’s story was originally shared through the Wounded Warrior Project. Quoted with attribution for educational purposes.