I grew up in a household without medical insurance, I would always tough it out with minor injuries. During my time in the Army Reserve (pre and post 9/11), because we were always on alert for deployment, my avoidance of Sick Call continued because I did not want to be left behind when and if my unit deployed. I had surgery due to breaking a bone in my foot during a stateside deployment, and it never healed fully, so I was discharged in my 5th year of service. About 6 years after my discharge, I submitted my first claim to the VA. The only thing that I originally claimed were the things I knew were in my military documents (my broken foot, a skin condition, and hearing loss). Here I am 18 years after my discharge, with only a 20 percent rating for my foot. 1. My VA doctor has stated that because I have spent so many years compensating for my left foot, my feet have now deteriorated to the point that they look like his geriatric patients. 2. My knees and lower back are terrible because of all of the wear and tear I put on them during my service. 3. I suffer from anxiety that is often crippling that stems from some traumatic experiences I had in service. 4. My hearing sucks because of all of my time around loud diesel engines as a mechanic in the Army. (I've worked in IT since I left the service) Like many soldiers in my time I was a tough guy and didn't get this documented years ago. It has gotten to the point where my time in the military is causing me significant problems now. With my high anxiety I've always worried about trying to increase my rating and honestly I'm tired of hesitating. With lack of Sick Call documentation being an issue, how do I get started? I need some solid advice.