Old Sarge BLOG
Welcome to the Old Sarge Veteran Family Blog
A collection of no-nonsense leadership stories, military wisdom, veteran advocacy, and life lessons by C.S. Duncan (Clemons S. Duncan), a disabled U.S. Army veteran and retired Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) with 24 years of military service.
Drawing from decades of military service, aviation safety leadership, mentoring, and personal experience, Old Sarge shares practical insights on resilience, discipline, VA claims, family, perseverance, and the realities veterans face after service.
This blog is dedicated to helping veterans, military families, and everyday Americans navigate life with strength, purpose, accountability, and hard-earned wisdom.
Latest Articles and Insights
As a trusted veteran family blog, we feature short stories built around military leadership principles and the three rules on Old Sarge’s chalkboard. Be on Time, Do What’s Right, and Look Out for Your Buddy. In addition, each story carries a life lesson rooted in the pillars of professionalism, accountability, and selfless service. Consequently, reading these stories becomes more than entertainment. Moreover, it becomes an opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to lead, serve, and hold yourself to a higher standard. New stories are added regularly, so there is always something fresh to discover and share on our blog.
Supplemental Claim vs Higher-Level Review vs Board Appeal: Which VA Review Is Right for You?
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.
How to Write a VA Buddy Statement That Actually Helps Your Claim
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.
VA Intent to File: How to Protect Your Back Pay Before You File
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.
How to File a VA Disability Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide From Old Sarge
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.
The Most Dangerous Myth Veterans Believe About VA Claims
One damaging misconception about VA disability claims is the belief that a denial means the condition can never be considered again. A VA decision is important, but a denial does
Why Filing Late Still Matters
Why Filing Later Can Still Matter Some veterans leave military service and wait years before filing a VA disability claim. They may have pushed through pain, assumed their condition was
You Are Not Broken, You Are Carrying Damage
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.
Why Documentation Is Critical for VA Disability Claims
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.
How Veterans Should Prepare for a VA C&P Exam
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.
How to Describe Good Days, Bad Days, and Flare-Ups at a VA C&P Exam
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.
For more leadership and military wisdom, explore the full library of books by C.S. Duncan. In addition, visit the Grandpa School blog for family wisdom stories or browse Aviation for Kids for STEM learning resources.