Veterans Legal Lowdown: VA Benefits Explained

Join the CCK team as we discuss everything to do with 0 percent non-compensable VA ratings. VA assigns veterans a 0 percent rating when they are not experiencing symptoms related to their service-connected condition or when their symptoms are not severe enough. Tune in to learn about why a 0 percent still matters, what benefits non-compensable veterans can qualify for, and more! For more informati...

On this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team breaks down everything to do with VA disability ratings for radiculopathy. From the three major types of radiculopathy—cervical, thoracic, and lumbar—to the different avenues to prove service connection—direct, secondary, and aggravation—we cover it all. Tune in to catch all the important details. For more information, visit our websit...

Insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by persistent problems with falling and staying asleep, can have many negative effects on a person’s day-to-day life.  Join the CCK team as we discuss the different types of insomnia, potential causes, how VA rates this condition, and what is needed to prove service connection. Check out this week’s episode to learn more! For more information, visit ou...

Typically, VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected medical condition. The higher the rating, the greater the amount of monthly benefits. Join the CCK team as we go through four different ways to increase a VA disability rating and discuss what veterans need to know before they submit a claim. Tune in today to get all the important details! For more inf...

Sleep apnea and hypertension are two common conditions among veterans. They are also usually connected, as sleep apnea can often cause hypertension to develop. The CCK team is explaining the relationship between these two conditions and discussing the ways in which afflicted veterans can seek service connection. Join us to catch all the details! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.c...

Join the CCK team as we review VA’s proposed budget for the 2022 year. VA is seeking an $8.5 billion increase to its current budget (8.2% increase) as part of the President’s 2022 budget plan. If approved by Congress, this would give VA a $113.1 billion total budget for 2022. We will break down the ways VA plans to spend this money, including expanding research and increasing suicide prevention ef...

An effective date is the date that a benefit became effective, or the start date for VA disability payments. In general, the earlier the effective date, the more retroactive benefits VA must pay to the veteran. On this episode, the CCK team will explain how effective dates work and how an earlier date can benefit a veteran. We will also share six different ways veterans can argue for an earlier ef...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is breaking down the process for veterans who want to appeal a decision from VA at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We will explain the differences between the three dockets within the appeal lane—the direct review docket, evidence docket, and hearing docket—and discuss why a veteran might choose one over another. In addition, we will review t...

Skin conditions are incredibly common among veterans, especially those who were exposed to chemical or environmental hazards during their military service. These conditions range from psoriasis to skin cancer to scars, all of which may be eligible for service connection on a direct or secondary basis. Join the CCK team as we break down the ways VA rates skin conditions, offer advice on how to avoi...

Tune in to catch CCK attorneys Christian McTarnaghan, Kayla D’Onofrio, and Brandon Paiva discussing the most common secondary conditions to back pain. We will review common types of back conditions veterans experience and explain how they can often lead to secondary conditions. In addition to breaking down common secondary conditions, such as radiculopathy and sleep disorders, we will also explain...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the team at CCK is breaking down the recently proposed burn pit bills in both the House and the Senate. Join us as we review the history of burn pits and their impact on veterans’ health. We will explore each of the pending bills and compare their goals. We will also explain how any of these bills, if passed, would offer much needed relief to veterans suf...

Tune in to this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown to hear the CCK team give an in-depth breakdown of the new appeals system under the Appeals Modernization Act. We will discuss the various issues within the AMA system, including the mailing backlog at the Board and the C&P exam delay. In addition, we will address inconsistencies throughout the AMA, and offer advice as to how veterans can be...

Recently, VA introduced five new forms to be used in lieu of VA Form 21-4138: Statement in Support of Claim. Form 21-4138, sometimes known as a “buddy statement,” is a VA form that veterans, their families, and other service members can use to provide information to corroborate a claim for benefits. The CCK team will explain why this form is being replaced, how the new forms will benefit veterans,...

Join the CCK team as they explain the do’s and don’ts of TDIU claims on this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown. We will discuss some of the most common mistakes veterans make when filing claims for TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability. We will offer our tips for avoiding these pitfalls, and more. Join us to catch all the details! For more information, visit our website at...

The President recently signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. It is a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package will provide economic relief to hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Importantly, the ARP Act includes $17 billion for VA to ensure veterans have continued access to health care, assistance programs, and other protections against COVID-19. Tune in to hear...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, we are diving into the subject of proposed rating reductions. The CCK team will discuss why VA might reduce a veteran’s disability rating, how the process works, and rules VA must follow. We will also review which types of ratings are protected and offer tips for veterans to fight proposed rating reductions. For more information, visit our website at cck-...

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is experiencing a massive delay, due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is diving into the details of the backlog, how it came to be, and what veterans can do if they are waiting in the hearing queue. We will also offer our thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of requesting a Board hearing....

The National Defense Authorization Act is a policy and spending bill for the Defense Department that passes through Congress every year. The passage of the NDAA means a series of improvements to pay and benefits for servicemembers, retirees, veterans, and military families. Among these changes are healthcare updates focused on women veterans, expanded medical research for common conditions, new co...

Accrued benefits and substitution are two types of benefits offered by VA to eligible veterans or their dependents. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team explains what these benefits are and who is eligible to receive them based on VA’s requirements. We will discuss which form(s) to use when applying, when benefits will be awarded, and more! For more information, visit our websit...

Wondering whether the Fully Developed Claims program is for you? Join the CCK team as we explain how the FDC program works, and why veterans might opt to file a fully developed claim. We will discuss the differences between fully developed claims and the standard claims process and answer common questions we receive from veterans. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at c...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team delves into the topic of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Common among veterans, PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a distressing, shocking, or otherwise traumatic event known as a stressor. Join us as we explain VA’s rating system for PTSD and break down the criteria and sympt...

In December 2020, a settlement was preliminarily approved that could impact thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan Army veterans who were discharged less-than-Honorably due to behavior stemming from undiagnosed or unacknowledged conditions, including PSTD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. During this episode we will take a closer look at the history of the lawsuit. We will explain wh...

Join the CCK team as they explain some of the most common mistakes veterans make when filing for disability benefits with VA. We will explain the importance of filling out forms properly, including the appropriate evidence, not relying solely on your C&P exam, and much more. We will also share our tips for navigating the claims process and securing the highest possible compensation. For more i...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team dives into the topic of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a monthly benefit that VA awards to a surviving spouse or dependent child(ren) of a servicemember who died in action or from a service-connected condition. Join us as we explain the eligibility requirements for DIC, the application...

Tune in to this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown to catch CCK Partner Brad Hennings and Attorney Nick Briggs discussing topic of chemical exposure at Fort McClellan. They explain the history of toxic herbicide agents at the fort, as well as VA’s inconsistent rulings on previous veterans’ disability claims. In addition, they will break down CCK’s recent court win for a client filing for ben...