Welcome to the Old Sarge Blog — a place where hard-earned military wisdom meets real life after service.
Written by retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Clemons S. “Mike” Duncan, the Old Sarge Blog speaks honestly about military life, veteran struggles, leadership, resilience, family, VA benefits, mental health, and the lifelong lessons learned through service and sacrifice.
This is not polished corporate advice.
It is straightforward guidance built from experience:
The Old Sarge Blog exists to help veterans, military families, and younger generations understand that strength is not the absence of struggle — it is learning how to carry the weight without losing yourself.
Topics include:
Whether you served for four years or thirty, Old Sarge is here to remind you:
You are not alone, your service mattered, and wisdom earned through hardship still has value.
Disagree with your VA decision? Old Sarge compares the three decision review options, Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review and Board Appeal, and explains how to pick the right one.
A buddy statement lets the people who know you tell VA what they saw. Old Sarge explains which form to use, who should write one, and what a strong statement includes.
An intent to file can lock in your VA effective date while you gather evidence. Old Sarge explains how it works, the one-year deadline, and how to submit one.
A plain-language, step-by-step guide to filing a VA disability claim: intent to file, gathering evidence, the 21-526EZ, the C&P exam, your decision letter, and your review options if you disagree.
One damaging misconception about VA disability claims is the belief that a denial means the condition can never be considered
Why Filing Later Can Still Matter Some veterans leave military service and wait years before filing a VA disability claim.
A service-connected injury or illness is not a personal failure. Old Sarge explains why veterans should stop measuring their worth by their pain and seek accurate information and care.
VA considers the evidence in a disability claim. Learn how organizing relevant medical records, service records, medical opinions, lay evidence, and submitted claim materials can help veterans keep an accurate, complete record.
Learn how to prepare for a VA Compensation and Pension exam by reviewing appointment information and being ready to describe symptoms, treatment, medications, frequency, severity, and functional effects accurately.
At a VA C&P exam, neither your best day nor your worst day tells the whole story. Learn how to describe usual symptoms, flare-ups, and functional effects accurately.