Life Choices  

The VA makes it damd difficult to get a substantial rating.  The process is long, confusing and cumbersume.  I expect that is by design.  I'm 100% and didn't use a "lawyer" to get there.  I did join the DAV and used their Service Officers.  Most of those folks really know their stuff, and how to work within the VA's system to make things happen.  Not all of them,but most of them.  and, it took me the better part of 10 years working with the DAV to get from the VA what the DAV said I was legitimately entitled and qualified to get.  So, your insinuation that we vets are playing the system is just wrong, not to mention insulting.

BTW, I'm also collecting Social Security Disability too.  3 independant doctors, to include the SSA's own medical examiner said I was totally disabled and could not reasonably hold a job.  That process took 2 years itself and is a completely different system with different criteria tha the VA.  After dealing with the VA I did contract with a lawyer for that process.

Say what you want, but I have a wife and two kids to provide for.  I did what I had to do to and don't apologize for taking advantage of the systems set up for people just like me.  Not to mention I paid into SS for decades so it's NOT like I'm getting someting I didn't pay for or earn.  AS for the VA, like the original meme said, that recruiting office was OPEN to EVERYBODY.  I think we vets EARNED everything we're getting from the VA!