April 5 – Gold Star Spouse Day
Today, we recognize Gold Star Spouses – those spouses of service members killed in action. The sacrifices of Gold Star spouses, and indeed the entire family of the fallen service member, cannot be adequately expressed. Those that must live in the wake of their loss, knowing their loved ones gave their lives for their country […]
April: Month Of Military Child
Military Kids The Department of Defense (DOD) began its initiative to celebrate the Month of the Military Child in April 1986. Every year for the last 36 years, DOD has worked with “national, state, and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies, and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make” as […]
Ratings for Psychiatric Disabilities
Once VA determines that service connection for a psychiatric condition (PTSD or other) is warranted, it will then rate the condition based on VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities. It is important to note that no matter what the underlying diagnosis is – whether VA awarded service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Generalized […]
Service Connection for PTSD or Other Psychiatric Conditions
Service Connection Service connection refers to an injury, disease, or other disability related to a veteran’s active duty service. Once service connection is achieved, VA will compensate the veteran based on the degree of their disability. Generally, to establish a claim for service connection, the evidence must establish the following three elements: (1) the veteran […]
PACT Act
Important Things to Know About Filing Claims Under the PACT Due to Burn Pit Exposure Recently, Congress and VA have implemented expansive legislation, known as the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act), acknowledging that numerous serious health conditions and cancers are related to a veteran’s hazardous service, including exposure […]
K-9 Veterans Day
While not a Congressionally recognized commemoration day, it is nevertheless gathering critical support among advocates and representatives, including organizations such as the American Kennel Club. At present, several states officially recognize K-9 Veterans Day on March 13th. Why March 13th? March 13, 1942 is the birthday of the US Army K9 Corps! Fueled by involvement […]
VA Exams Part 2
Exam Scenarios One of the tips for a successful exam is knowing what the exam is for. Knowing what issues the exam will be focused on is incredibly important. When you submit a claim, you can reasonably assume that an examination will be ordered. What you claim (and even how you claim it) will have […]
VA Exams
3 Things to Keep in Mind for a Successful Exam 1. All exams start with a blank page: All exams start with a blank exam report. How much the examiner is able to fill in on that paper is up to you! Be honest, candid, and forthcoming about your symptoms. Communicate with the examiner during […]
Claim Process Part 2
Curious about the claims process? Feeling a little lost with all the incoming mail regarding your claim? There are many duties that VA owes to a claimant during the claims process and this generates a lot of mail that can be quite bewildering. We’re going to break down some of these common letters here! The […]
The Claim Game
Starting a new claim with the VA? There are probably a hundred questions running through your mind right now: When am I going to hear something? How do I know VA is doing the right thing with my claim? What are all these letters?! What are the rules?! Welcome to the Claim Game! Admittedly, the […]