Hi kb,
Thanks for serving!!
You have already done the biggest and best thing you can when dealing with the VA, and that is, you went to the VFW to have them help. Sign all the papers you need to and sit back. It has always been an uphill battle with the VA for me and the VFW has helped me much in the past. The DAV has also helped me much in the past as well. The VA is an arm of the government and they have a budget to deal with so they play the numbers more than anyone that attends a Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
Hang in there, the the process is slow by purpose, the fact is, many will drop their request for compensation, just don't be one of them. It's very sad to say, but the VA is betting that you will will drop by the way side as well, don't let them win.
Much has been gained recently concerning records. If the VFW is a local chapter, you may do better to deal with your VFW State Rep that usually has an office at a Federal Building. In NH it's at the same building that the VA is at.
best of luck for you my friend
don't give up
chappy