Share
))
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
…
continue reading
Are Veterans Getting too much Disability with Clay Simms | S.O.S. #240
S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
Manage episode 522722695 series 3512165
Content provided by Theresa Carpenter. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Theresa Carpenter or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
Headlines say the VA system is broken and rife with abuse. Our conversation with Marine veteran Clayton Sims tells a different story—one grounded in lived experience, policy fluency, and a community-first approach to getting claims right without fear or costly consultants.
Clayton shares how a rough transition and a hurried VSO visit pushed him to learn the language of 38 CFR and the evidence behind service connection. We unpack the realities of infantry life—miles in boots under load, daily wear that wrecks feet, ankles, and backs—and why conditions like flat feet and sleep apnea aren’t punchlines, they’re predictable outcomes. We also go deeper than combat. MST, toxic command climates, uneven medical boards, and administrative limbo can all drive mental health injuries that are real and compensable when documented properly.
We cut through the noise about “rampant fraud” with data: far fewer veterans file than most assume, and only a portion reach 100 percent. The bigger problem is confusion. Clayton maps the routes that actually win—direct, secondary, aggravation, presumptive, MUCMI—and the kinds of evidence that matter: deployment health assessments, awards narratives, buddy statements, specialty opinions, and clear medical links. He explains how CivDiv helps veterans self-advocate or meet VSOs prepared, flipping the script on an industry that profits from complexity.
If you’ve felt overwhelmed by forms and jargon, you’ll walk away with a clearer path and a stronger mindset. And beyond claims, Clayton leaves a vital reminder: don’t isolate. Find your circle—online, at a VFW, through church, or with a few trusted friends—because community can save time, money, and lives.
If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a veteran who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest question about VA claims. Your story might guide our next episode.
The stories and opinions shared on Stories of Service are told in each guest’s own words. They reflect personal experiences, memories, and perspectives. While every effort is made to present these stories respectfully and authentically, Stories of Service does not verify the accuracy or completeness of every statement. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the host, producers, or
Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76
Chapters
1. Opening And Guest Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Clayton’s Mission And CivDiv Origin (00:01:18)
3. Teresa’s Show Intro And Background (00:02:35)
4. Clayton’s Early Life And Enlistment (00:03:27)
5. Infantry Life And Deployments (00:06:40)
6. Ship Life And Amphib Tours (00:10:20)
7. Deciding To Leave And Reserve Years (00:12:20)
8. The Rocky Transition And Job Hunt (00:15:06)
9. First VSO Experiences And Early Claims (00:18:05)
10. Learning The System And Helping Friends (00:21:10)
11. From Side Help To YouTube Platform (00:23:44)
12. Contracting To Gov Job To Full‑Time Creator (00:27:10)
13. Reading Policy And Decoding 38 CFR (00:30:05)
14. Public Debate On VA Disability (00:33:22)
15. Stats, Stigma, And Who Actually Files (00:36:15)
16. What Counts As Service Connection (00:39:10)
17. Combat Culture And The “Only Combat Counts” Myth (00:42:05)
18. Flat Feet, Training Wear, And Real Injuries (00:45:20)
19. Mental Health, MST, And Uneven Processes (00:48:30)
20. Fraud Fears, Policy Fixes, And Reality (00:51:10)
21. Final Advice And Building Community (00:54:00)
22. Closing And Upcoming Episode Tease (00:56:00)
250 episodes
