Privacy Policy - Vet-Rate.org

Last Updated: January 18, 2026

Your privacy is protected by design

1. Introduction

Welcome to Vet-Rate.org. I'm a service-connected disabled veteran who built this site to help fellow veterans navigate the VA disability rating process. This Privacy Policy explains how information is handled when you visit this website. By using this site, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information Collection

2.1 Personal Information

This site does NOT collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The application operates entirely client-side in your browser. No data is stored, transmitted, or processed including:

Names, addresses, or contact information
Social Security Numbers or military service records
Medical information or disability details
Search queries or browsing history

2.2 Minimal Analytics (GoatCounter)

Transparency: We use GoatCounter , a privacy-respecting, open-source analytics tool to understand basic site usage.

What GoatCounter collects:

Page views (which pages are visited)
Referrer (how you found the site)
Browser type and screen size (aggregated)
Country-level location (no city or precise location)

What GoatCounter does NOT collect:

No cookies are used
No personal identifiers or fingerprinting
No tracking across sites
No IP address storage
No advertising profiles

GoatCounter is GDPR-compliant by design. You can read their privacy policy .

2.3 Hosting Metrics (Render.com)

Our hosting provider (Render.com) collects standard server logs including IP addresses, timestamps, and request URLs. This is standard for all web hosting and is required for security and abuse prevention. These logs are not used for tracking or advertising.

2.4 No Advertising Networks

This site does not use advertising networks or third-party trackers. To protect veteran privacy, I have intentionally avoided implementing any tracking technologies that could collect your personal data or create advertising profiles.

3. Cookies and Tracking

This site does not use cookies for tracking or advertising purposes. Any cookies used are strictly for essential functionality (such as saving your preferences locally in your browser). No information is shared with third-party advertisers.

4. How Information Is Used

Since this site does not collect PII or use tracking technologies:

Your search queries remain private in your browser
Your disability research is never transmitted to any server
Your "My Packet" saved items are stored only in your browser's local storage
No advertising profiles are created about you

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

Your personal information is never sold, traded, rented, or shared with anyone. Since no data is collected, there is nothing to share. Your privacy is protected by design.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Since this site does not collect personal data, your privacy is inherently protected. However, you always have the right to:

Clear Local Storage: Delete any locally saved preferences from your browser
Browse Privately: Use your browser's private/incognito mode
Contact Me: Ask questions about the privacy practices on this site

⚠️ CRITICAL PRIVACY NOTICE - READ CAREFULLY

Using Google Gemini API with your own key (BYOK) sends your data to Google's cloud data centers. Your text, documents, and prompts are transmitted over the internet to Google's servers for processing. While this is a direct connection between you and Google (Vet-Rate.org does not see your data), your information leaves your device and enters Google's infrastructure. For maximum privacy, use Local AI models that run entirely on your device.

🔐 7. AI Processing & Privacy (BYOK Model)

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) Model:

Vet-Rate.org does NOT provide AI services directly. To use AI-powered features (such as statement enhancement, document analysis, or recommendations), you must supply your own Google Gemini API key. No other AI providers are enabled by default. This BYOK approach ensures that: (1) You maintain direct control over your data, (2) Your API key and usage are solely between you and Google, (3) Vet-Rate.org never sees, stores, or transmits your AI interactions.

Your Privacy Options:

Local AI Models: Run AI entirely on your device using WebGPU/WebLLM for maximum privacy (no internet connection required for processing)
Cloud AI Warning: Google Gemini (BYOK Required): If you choose to use cloud AI, you must provide your own API key. Your data goes directly from your browser to Google - Vet-Rate.org is not involved in the transmission
No Third-Party AI by Default: Other AI providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.) are NOT enabled unless you explicitly choose to enable them and provide your own API keys
You Have Complete Control: You decide which AI model to use (local or cloud), what data to process, and can disable all AI features at any time

Privacy Recommendation: Maximum Privacy Design: For the highest level of privacy, use Local AI models that run entirely on your device. If you choose to use cloud AI with your own Google Gemini API key, please review Google's Gemini API Terms and Privacy Policy. When using your own API keys, data handling is governed by your direct agreement with Google, not by Vet-Rate.org. We recommend using local models whenever possible for maximum privacy and data security.

Cloud AI Provider Links:

8. Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. No information is knowingly collected from children under 13. If you believe any such information has been inadvertently collected, please contact me immediately.

9. Security

This application operates entirely client-side and does not transmit or store PII. Your searches and interactions remain private on your device. We use only GoatCounter for minimal, privacy-respecting analytics. No advertising networks or invasive tracking services are used.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please reach out via the Contact page.