For veterans filing a disability claim, the effective date, which is crucial for determining when benefits begin, is generally the date the VA receives the claim or the date when the entitlement to the benefit arose, whichever is later. There…
Yes, a veteran’s 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating can be changed under certain conditions. Although P&T ratings are meant to be lifelong benefits, the VA can decrease the rating under certain conditions. There are four specific criteria that…
Navigating the world of veteran benefits can sometimes feel like trying to find your way through a maze. There is Disability Compensation, DIC, Pension, SMC, and other compensations. What do they all mean, and am I eligible for any or…
We talk about presumptive conditions a lot when dealing with VA disabilities. There are presumptive conditions from being exposed to Agent Orange, from exposure to radiation, and for a long list of countries during the Gulf War era. What does…
Veterans face many possible illnesses and medical conditions due to their service. These can range from disabilities like arthritis, tinnitus, and other annoying problems to deadly conditions like cancer. When dealing with cancer specifically, there are things that Veterans need…
VA Aid and Attendance is a tax-free benefit paid to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses to help cover the cost of long-term care. It is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is intended to help veterans…
Sleep disturbances can significantly impact one’s quality of life, but did you know that insomnia affects a significant number of veterans? According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), insomnia is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders among veterans,…
Depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, is a complex mental health condition characterized by a range of symptoms affecting a person’s mood, thoughts, and physical health. It is more than just a bout of the blues; it is a serious…
Three years ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that obesity can be service-connected if it results in a “functional impairment of earning capacity.” That means that even though obesity is not ratable under the VA…
The Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) Act is a crucial piece of legislation that impacts military retirees and addresses the complex relationship between military retirement pay and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This act has…
