zonk.vet
Get some!

Are you a Veteran? Did you deploy in the ACU? You really were the tip of the spear, ready to rock whenever your country called.Just over a million of us went downrange.Less than a quarter of that number regularly went outside the wire, facing the crucible of combat.Truly the 1% of the 1%. The tip of the spear—just like your battalion commander said.War is hell. You made it home. You deserve rest.
You deserve a zonk. Let's get you one.

Steps to File Your VA Claim1. Get Logged In
- Go to va.gov and sign in (or create an account) using ID.me, DS Logon, or MyHealtheVet.
- You’ll need an email, phone number, and your SSN.2. Grab Your DD-214
- It’s your golden ticket to prove your service.
- If you don’t have it, request a copy at vetrecs.archives.gov.3. Start Your VA Claim
- On va.gov, click File a Disability Claim.
- Select the conditions you’re claiming (e.g., PTSD, TBI).
- Attach your DD-214 (that alone is enough to start!) and hit Submit.
- You can add more evidence later—don’t wait.4. Gather Evidence (If You Have It)
- Service Records: Show deployments, combat, or other trauma events.
- Buddy Letters: Ask fellow veterans to describe what they saw (specifics help).
- Medical Records: Include both military and civilian documentation.5. Prepare for Your C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension)
- Be Honest & Specific about symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance).
- If PTSD affects your work or relationships, say so—no downplaying.
- Bring any records or letters you’ve submitted already.6. Follow Up
- Check your claim status on va.gov under My VA Claims and Appeals.
- If the VA needs more info, respond ASAP.
- Need extra help? Reach out to c3, DAV, or a local VSO.7. Don’t Quit
- If denied, appeal. Submit a supplemental claim or notice of disagreement.
- Gather more buddy letters, medical evidence, or service records.
- Keep going until you get the rating and diagnosis you deserve.You made it home. Now’s the time to rest, heal, and get the VA benefits you’ve earned.

For a deeper dive on PTSD, C-PTSD, TBI, and trauma’s effect on the brain, and to learn how we at c3 empower Veterans along every step of this ruck toward Post-Traumatic Growth, check out c3 main.When you’re ready to file your claim, follow these steps. Hit us up if you need help.Even if you never deployed, you started racking up brain injury hours the moment that drill sergeant got on your bus and started screaming about yellow footprints.That hypervigilance changed your brain.Now you’re a civilian—it's time for new training, validation, and healing, so you can place your footprints wherever you please.All you need to begin is your service info, your DD-214, and the desire for post-traumatic growth.

Charlie3: out

zonk.life, zonk.vet, and elevenbravo.org are partner projects of the Charlie Company Cooperative, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Vets by connecting them with Veterans Affairs, helping them understand PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and helping them experience post-traumatic growth. Donate on Venmo @charliecoco or visit charlieco.co to learn more.
EIN: 93-3744013.If you are in crisis, dial 988 now(c) c3 2022-2025