Very good information. This book was very useful in understanding the VA and their process.

This book is worth it's weight in gold and then some. It is written in plain language, so it is easy to understand, and it addresses all of the areas we (veterans) need to negotiate the maze of government bureaucracy. I highly recommend it.

This book is very helpful for Veterans that are filing claims with the VA. I wish this book was available when I put in my claim about 8 years ago.It goes and gives input and resources that I never knew existed.The author explains how the VA goes about denying claims and how a veteran can avoid some of the pitfalls so the veteran has at least a fighting chance of winning their claim.

For veterans or non-profit 'Veterans Service Officers', this is the very best book that explains how to apply for and win VA Disability Claims.

This is the first book I have read on this subject. It is completely factual and helpful. It is a shame to the country of the United States that lets the VA get away with the things it does to and against the Veterans that have served their country so proudly. I would recommend that every veteran read this book regardless if you have a current need to file a claim or maybe in the future. After reading, contact your Congressmen to file complaints against the VA.
I highly recommend this book.

The first edition of THE VETERAN'S SURVIVAL GUIDE packed in details on how to make legitimate claims for federal benefits, moving through a system replete with stumbling blocks. This second updated edition to disability benefits appears in a totally revised presentation that analyzes in detail, offering an updated guide that should be required reading for any military participant and their families. Any collection catering to veterans needs this 'bible' of information.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is a good book for veterans with relatively simple claims. It is still advisable for every veteran to get the services of the best Service Officer (DAV, VFW, VVA, etc.) that they can find to facilitate their claim, as, by law, it is the responsibility of the veteran to prove the circumstances of their claim, not the VA's responsibility. Some claims can be very complicated, and this book is not meant for those types of claims.

An excellent source of information written by a former VA claims official. Filing a claim for service-connected disability is not quick, fun or easy, and often requires weeks or even months of careful preparation.

This book clearly explains the process of constructing a well-grounded "bulletproof" claim to get approved the first time around! Lose, and the appeals process can take 3 to 5 years.

Wish they issued a copy to every member upon completing basic training!

Ken Fessier, TSgt, USAF, Ret.
60% Service-Connected

Overall, a pretty good source of information on wading through the bureaucracy of the VA, written by one of the former beurocrats....

The first chapter almost made me send the book back - it was a seemingly incessant attack against the current Bush Administration, and Republicans in general. It turned me off - I get enough of that in the Media everywhere I go every day.....and it's getting very old. The writer is obviously quite partisan, and unfortunately, colors his commentary, and detracts from a lot of good information contained in the book.

Anyone who has dealt with the VA knows the system is a frustrating quagmire and the epitome of a Government Bureaucracy, but it has been broken for a long time....and not just the Republicans are to blame; as this book would have you believe.

If you are a Veteran looking for good info, I highly recommend it.....if you are a CONSERVATIVE former Veteran ....... take you blood pressure medication before you pick it up.

Content: Four Stars, but the political slant detracts from the excellent information the author puts forth.

Welcome Home Brothers;
Bob B. Combat Wounded Vietnam Vet: 1st Cav, '68

This Veteran's Manual on "How to File a VA Claim" is helpful when veterans are preparing their VA claim. It covers all the necessary requirement's. If a veteran follows all the suggestions in this manual he/she will have NO problems having thier VA claims' approved.
Good Luck,
John

This is a must have for anyone filing for VA service connected benefits. If you are reading this you probably already know how frustrating it can be dealing with this system. There are rules, laws, standards, etc...that the author clearly explains. He also makes it clear that the VA is NOT going to help you with your claim, regardless of what they say they will do. You must collect certain information supporting your claim and follow a particular process to gain the best results. This book is by the far the best tool for anyone facing this system. Empower yourself with knowledge, don't just go along with what others tell you. Best of luck!

I have read the book and very impressed. I have ordered 3 copies, 1 for each Service Officer in Chapter #14 Disabled American Veterans. I recommend this book but do not approve of Veterans trying to get information or service connected Disabilities by themselves. Contact a Chapter Service Officer. Since getting the boks the Srvice Officers have been submitting request and getting excellent results for veterans. The book has been very helpful and will be continued to be used. Everything I have read is true.

Remember the Veterans of this great Country. The Disabled, Physically or Mentally, that need help.

Remember The DAV

The 1st Edition was better.

After 13 years of frustration and aggravation with the VA,I found this book. It was a stroke of luck I have shared with a half a dozen other vets. Those who have followed the advice in the Survival Guide have prevailed with their claim. Like me, they too were able to get through all the roadblocks and detours and submit a claim which the VA accepted. The Survival Guide would be more than worth it if the price was $100.00

chuck young

I found the book quite helpful in how to put a claim together. Especially useful for where to direct your research of records to be able to file a claim. Don't let the attitude of the of the author deter your efforts.