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Paperwork relief for veterans?
Saying the VA is working towards “reducing paperwork, saving time, and making the application process as straightforward as possible,” VA Secretary Doug Collins touted new proposals to cut the time necessary for veterans to complete application for VA disability compensation benefits. The proposed simplifications would also specifically apply to DIC applications. Read and learn more…
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What veterans need to know about The PACT Act in 2026
To date, the PACT Act marks the most significant expansion of veterans’ disability benefits in a generation. The policy, initially passed in 2022, is reshaping how VA claims are processed, evaluated, and appealed. While the PACT Act has offered more opportunities for veterans to qualify for benefits, there is as expected new complexities that impact…
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Hiring a lawyer for VA disability claims and appeals now more important than ever
Over our many years of experience with veterans disability law, we have observed that veterans endure more challenging obstacles than most of us with face in our lifetimes. Yet, when their service is completed and they seek help for their service-related injuries, they face an increasingly confusing and adversarial system. Even in 2026, the VA…
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Why is VA rating my Sleep Apnea and Asthma-COPD together?
One of the most common Rating Decisions our office reviews involves Veterans who are granted service connection for both a respiratory condition and obstructive sleep apnea, only to discover that the VA assigned a single disability rating instead of separate evaluations. This understandably causes confusion, especially when the VA acknowledges both conditions as service connected…
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The Difference between VA-Accredited Attorneys and Veteran Service Officers (VSOs)
Veterans are often told that a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) and a VA-accredited attorney provide the same assistance with VA disability claims. From a legal and practical standpoint, that simply is not true. While both are permitted to represent Veterans before the Department of Veterans Affairs, the scope of representation, level of accountability, and depth…
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Veterans: Be vigilant amid shady VA claims providers
As reported by NPR, a company has been charging disabled veterans millions of dollars despite a likely illegal operation. According to the article, “The firms operate in a legal gray area — barred by federal law from officially representing vets or charging them money to prepare their disability claim paperwork.” Read more on NPR: This…
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Scammers continue to target veterans
From the VA: Scammers pretending to be official VA representatives and using official communication channels are demanding repayment for alleged benefits overpayments.” The VA advises veterans to verify the authenticity of letters or other communications purporting to be from the VA and to never share sensitive information when responding to unsolicited requests. Learn more on…
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The Power of a Migraine Journal
For many Veterans, chronic headaches or migraines are more than just a painful inconvenience – they are a daily struggle that affects concentration, work performance, and overall quality of life. But when it comes to securing VA disability compensation, simply telling the VA that you have headaches often isn’t enough. The VA relies on objective,…
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Qualifying for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), or more commonly known as Individual Unemployability, stands as a critical avenue for Veterans who served their country and now find themselves unable to secure substantial gainful employment due to the severity of their service-connected disabilities. In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria for Individual Unemployability (IU). Under…
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Travel claims for medical care made easier
From Stars & Stripes: The Veterans Administration has simplified travel claim filings through its VA Health and Benefits mobile app. According to the VA, the app will automatically identify when a veteran’s appointment may be eligible for mileage reimbursement. Veterans must meet a certain criteria, such as a “having a service-connected disability rating of 30%…
