Every veteran has a different experience when it comes to the Department of Veteran Affairs no matter what branch or background one comes from. Getting benefits and receiving healthcare for disabilities and illnesses can  sometimes be easier for others who may not have as severe conditions. On the contrary, it can be very difficult for one who seems to have a clear cut case, to struggle more with the process than another. It is all based on records and wording. When the VA is considering service connection, the organization looks at four primary types of theories of entitlement. Of these four are direct service connection, secondary, presumptive and aggravative entitlement. Direct service connection refers to connections that can be directly linked to service while secondary issues deal with any injury that has already been granted disability for that results in other problems within the patient. Presumptive connection typically refers to those who have been exposed to different ailments such as agent orange or burn pits while aggravative connection deals with injuries endured before service that were made worse through military related activities.  The reason those who outsource, seem to be more successful with the approval of claims is due to knowledge. Utilizing these organizations seem to be the best option for veterans because the VA is a system, and like any system it is designed to have protocol in place  which means many will try but not all will succeed. If you are a veteran in need please consider getting help from the organizations below.