Ona personal note i got out of the service in 97. Not knowing how the VA worked i dicked around and didn't file for a few issues i had until 2021 ( tinnitus and a knee issue) got denied and had some bullshit excuse for a local admin not file on time.
In August while on vacation my brother took me to his admin group in Ohio, they helped me file an appeal and new stuff from the PACT act. Well got notice today the two appeals got approved for 10% each and I now get 20% VA disability. Back pay to August 1st.
It's a start