Tinnitus, which is often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears that no one else can hear, is known to affect millions of veterans. If you’ve served in the military and developed tinnitus, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. Understanding how tinnitus qualifies for benefits and how the […]
Continue ReadingVeterans Disability
How To Build a Solid VA Appeal: Evidence That Matters
Receiving a denial or unfavorable decision on your VA benefits claim can be discouraging, but it’s important to remember that the VA appeal process exists precisely to address these situations. Many veterans successfully overturn initial decisions by submitting well-constructed appeals with compelling evidence. Understanding how to build a strong VA appeal and what types of […]
Continue ReadingWhy Doesn’t My Combined VA Disability Rating Add Up? Understanding VA Disability Math
If you’re a veteran navigating the Veterans Administration (VA) disability system, you may have encountered a confusing phenomenon: when you add up your individual disability ratings, the total doesn’t match your combined VA disability rating. For example, you might have a 30% rating for one condition, 20% for another, and 10% for a third, expecting […]
Continue ReadingWhat Should Veterans Know About Secondary Conditions and Service Connections?
Many veterans may develop secondary conditions as a result of their service-connected disabilities. Educating veterans about how they can get these secondary conditions connected to their service can significantly increase their compensation. What Are Secondary Conditions? The first question we have to answer is, what exactly are “secondary conditions”? As we know, the Veterans’ Administration […]
Continue ReadingVA Disability Benefits vs. Social Security Disability: Am I Eligible for Both?
A common question asked by military veterans is whether they are eligible for multiple disability benefit programs, such as benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. It is possible for a veteran to receive both VA disability benefits and SSDI benefits simultaneously. […]
Continue ReadingHow the VA Rates Disabilities: Understanding the VA Rating Schedule
If you served in the military (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc.), then you may be eligible to apply for certain financial benefits. For example, you may be able to secure financial compensation for service-related injuries. Military benefit programs are administered through the Veterans Administration (VA). When a veteran applies for disability benefits, […]
Continue ReadingToxic Aftermath: How Agent Orange Exposure Contributes to Diabetes Among Disabled Veterans
Agent Orange, the notorious herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, has left a lengthy legacy of lasting health issues for veterans who were exposed to it during their time in service. Among the numerous health problems linked to Agent Orange exposure, diabetes has emerged as a significant concern. Veterans who experienced […]
Continue ReadingWhat Are the Most Common VA Claims Disabilities That Veterans File For on Their Claims?
In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granted benefits to more than 1.1 million veterans and their survivors, which is an all-time record. There are many types of mental and physical ailments that may serve as grounds to apply for disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Let’s take a […]
Continue ReadingUnderstanding the Road Blocks: Challenges in Accessing Veterans Disability Benefits
The path to securing veterans disability benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA) is often riddled with potential roadblocks and pitfalls. Successfully applying for VA disability benefits often requires an understanding of the scope and requirements of veterans disability claims. Engaging in the disability claims process requires time, patience, and accurate information. Common Road Blocks to […]
Continue ReadingToxic Exposure in the Military: How the PACT Act & TERA Can Be Linked to Your Disability Claim
The PACT Act is a bill designed to help veterans who experienced toxic exposure in the military including, for some veterans, a presumption that certain conditions were caused by their toxic exposure. Per The Department of Veterans Affairs, “toxic exposure” refers to contact with harmful substances that can lead to adverse health effects. Types of […]
Continue ReadingThe Link Between Individual Unemployability & Substantial Gainful Activity
What is Individual Unemployability? The Department of Veteran Affairs defines Individual Unemployability as a “a total disability rating for compensation, where the scheduler rating is less than total, when the disabled person is, in the judgement of the rating agency, unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disability […]
Continue ReadingDependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC Benefits): What You Need to Know
The surviving spouse, child, or parent of a military service member who died in the line of duty, or died from a service-related injury or illness, may be eligible to receive a tax-free monetary benefit under the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits provide a vital source of financial […]
Continue ReadingPotential Impact of Proposed VA Rating Change for Veterans with Tinnitus
Introduction The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is contemplating changes to how the federal agency rates various medical conditions, including tinnitus. The proposed VA rating changes could have a significant impact on new disability benefits claims, considering tinnitus is the single most prevalent disability among veterans receiving disability benefits. For example, in 2022, more than […]
Continue ReadingSuffering from a Disability? Why Honest Communication with Your Medical Providers Matters
Do You Need to Disclose All of Your Symptoms to Your Doctor or Medical Provider? Do you need to tell your doctor everything that is wrong with you? This might seem like a very ridiculous question, with a very obvious answer, – which is OF COURSE! Honest communication with your medical providers is crucial to […]
Continue ReadingVeterans Benefits and Compensation Types
If you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, then you may be eligible for certain benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers a range of benefits, from housing assistance to education and training to health care. It also provides disability compensation for veterans who have a […]
Continue Reading