This is how the Veterans Administration would probably like to deal with all the Vets’ problems. To ensure you get a piece of the pie, please file you claim properly and promptly as soon as you notice you are not feeling well. This will ensure you are compensated for at least a small portion of that owed and due you. Perhaps the VA will come out with: VAOGCPREC 10-2008; ” Veterans have recently begun dying in large numbers prior to receipt of Service Connection. This must cease immediately. This practice is unacceptable as it provokes poor PR with the mainstream press. Please attempt to at least issue a rating for 0% for something pertaining to the issue so Senators and Congressmen can’t claim we’re not completing claims processing in a timely manner. Your attention to this problem would be greatly appreciated. Signed : Jimbo Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs”

http://www.va.gov/vetapp08/Files3/0824802.txt