My name is Clayton Simms. I am a Christian, husband to my beautiful wife and father of 4.
I served in the US Marine Corps for 10 years.
2011 - 2015: Infantry
2015 - 2019: Psychological Operations and Information Operations Planner
2019 - 2021: Reserve PSYOP/IO
In 2019 I decided to leave the Marine Corps. I found myself in an extremely disappointing Transition Readiness Seminar (or Transition Assistance Program). The Accredited VSO was clueless and left all of us clueless. That began my journey to learn 38 CFR and M21-1 where I now take that knowledge to help veterans understand their evidence, and how to structure their evidence when submitting for VA disability compensation. After the Marine Corps I became a government contractor and eventually landed a federal civilian position as a GS-13 teaching PSYOP/IO disciplines.
After leaving the federal government in 2025, I submitted my application to become an Accredited Claims Agent. Meanwhile, a Claims Agent contacted me about working under his accredidation (38 CFR 14.630) and under the Borne Accredited Claims banner.
I work A LOT here on YouTube and I am a bi-vocational Youth Pastor.
CivDiv's core belief is that veterans should educate and inform themselves on the VA claim process as it pertains to their VA claim situation.
Facts
Most veterans are able to submit their own claim successfully or use an Accredited Rep
Veterans should use an Accredited Rep or file themselves through VA.gov for initial claims
For denied claims, veterans should seek Accredited help like a VA Claims Agent or VA Attorney
Veterans can learn the process themselves and maximize their VA benefits by using these 5 steps; Increases, Secondaries, Denials, New Claims Direct, Presumptive/TERA/MUCMI
Stay informed. Stay educated.
NO ONE CARES MORE THAN YOU!