I got out in 2005 with two Purple Hearts from injuries sustained in combat. I was never really focused on VA benefits like I should have but I did find myself slightly jealous of the folks who seemed to achieve 100% with no combat (my issue, not theirs). I tried a few routes for PTSD and TBI and was never really good at it…

Fast forward a few years and the breathing issues I had been seeing the VA for 5 years about was suddenly taken seriously and I was bumped to 100% for sarcoidosis under the PACT act.

The gun shot wound or RPG shrapnel didn’t do it but the burn pits did… don’t put your eggs in the wrong basket I suppose :)