Retold by VA Disability Hub from Wounded Warrior Project. Quoted passages are Claude Boushey's own words as published by Wounded Warrior Project. Claude Boushey is the subject of this story, not its author.
A career of service, a decade of fighting
Claude Boushey served 25 years in the U.S. Army, working his way from helicopter mechanic to helicopter pilot. When he finally filed his VA disability claim, he expected the process to reflect the sacrifice he had made. Instead, he received a 10% rating — and spent the next ten years trying to get it right.
“I still remember the day I got my disability letter,” Claude said. “My wife actually opened it, and said, ‘You probably need to sit down for this one.’”
That letter was the beginning of a fight that would stretch across a full decade. For years, Claude navigated the system largely on his own, trying to understand why his rating did not match the conditions he was living with every day.
The turning point
His Wounded Warrior Project benefits representative helped him collect needed evidence, including an examination with his civilian doctor, and develop a strategy for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. He attended the hearing with his wife and advocate.
“If it wasn’t for somebody on my side, advocating for me, I don’t know if I could have continued this fight,” Claude said.
In April 2018, Claude’s rating was increased to 70%. After a decade of appeals and frustration, the decision brought something he had not expected.
“It kind of gave me some closure,” Claude said. “It finally gave me a sense of closing the door on my military career after such a long process.”
His advice to other veterans
Claude’s message to veterans navigating the VA system is direct:
“Don’t fight alone,” Claude said. “I would definitely say get a claims representative who knows what they’re doing and who has a good reputation. Talk to people who are experts.”
Whether it is a VSO, an accredited attorney, or a fellow veteran who has been through the process, having someone in your corner can be the difference between giving up and getting the rating you earned.
What this story shows about the VA claims process
This section is VA Disability Hub’s own summary for readers, not part of Claude’s account. It describes general VA rules, not a prediction for any one claim.
- A low first rating can be challenged. Claude’s appeal was decided in 2018. Under today’s review options, you generally have one year from the decision notice to choose a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board appeal if you want to keep continuous pursuit.
- Evidence from your own doctor counts. Claude’s representative helped him get an exam with his civilian doctor. Private medical records and evaluations VA has not seen can be new and relevant evidence.
- A Board hearing is one of three dockets. On the Hearing docket you speak with a Veterans Law Judge and can add evidence at the hearing and within 90 days after it. Our Board appeal guide compares the dockets and their wait times.
- Free accredited help exists. Wounded Warrior Project is one of the Veterans Service Organizations that represent veterans for free. You can check any representative’s accreditation on VA’s website.
Correction — October 21, 2026: Updated the source link, corrected his service history to helicopter mechanic and pilot, described the advocate’s help as Wounded Warrior Project reported it, and split combined quotes so each matches the source.
Update — October 21, 2026: Added our own summary of what this story shows about the VA claims process and credited this page to VA Disability Hub, which retold the story from Wounded Warrior Project.
Claude’s story was originally shared through the Wounded Warrior Project. Quoted with attribution for educational purposes.
Related Guides
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult a VA-accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent.