Veterans Legal Lowdown: VA Benefits Explained

There are certain mistakes that veterans often make when seeking an increased rating. Join the CCK team as we discuss the most common mistakes in VA claims for increased ratings. From failing to obtain a medical opinion to submitting relevant evidence, we will review it all. Be sure to tune in to this informative update! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social me...

With some exceptions, a 100 percent rating is the highest rating available to veterans. If VA decides that there has been significant improvement in the veteran’s 100 percent disabling condition, it can propose a rating reduction. Join the CCK team as we review different types of 100 percent ratings and when and how they can be reduced. Be sure to tune in to this informative episode! For more info...

Since the enactment of the PACT Act, thousands of Vietnam War-era veterans who have since passed away can now be service connected for their Agent Orange-related deaths. This makes their surviving spouse or dependents (i.e., children and parents) eligible for retroactive DIC benefits. Join the CCK team as we discuss DIC benefits, other survivors’ benefits, and how to apply for Agent Orange-related...

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) manages the disbursement of benefits to veterans and their dependents. Meanwhile, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is tasked with serving the millions of veterans enrolled in VA health care. Join the CCK team as we review how these two programs operate and discuss instances in which they work together. Be sure to tune in to this informative episod...

Join the CCK team as we discuss a recent win in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) for a Vietnam Veteran. After many years of receiving TDIU benefits, VA revoked this Veteran’s TDIU benefits, creating an overpayment. With the help of CCK, the Veteran was able to restore his TDIU benefits and earned about 15 years of retroactive pay. Tune in to learn more about this exciting case! For...

When your VA claim is denied, or you are not satisfied with your rating, you have the option to appeal the decision. However, the VA appeals process can be confusing and daunting. Join the CCK team as we discuss the benefits of hiring an accredited representative for your appeal. Don’t miss out on this informative episode! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social...

Many veterans pursue 100 percent disability ratings because of the amount of compensation and additional benefits associated with it. Therefore, it is important to note that there are multiple types of 100 percent VA disability ratings. Join the CCK team as we review five types of 100 percent disability ratings. Do not miss out on this informative episode! For more information, visit our website a...

The length of the VA claims and appeals process can vary tremendously based on many factors. These include the number of issues for which a veteran is filing a claim, the complexity of the case, whether the veteran is in the Legacy or AMA system, and more. Join the CCK team as we review the many reasons for long VA wait times and how veterans can help speed up the process. Be sure to tune in for t...

Presumption of exposure means that veterans who served in certain locations at certain times do not have to provide the typical elements to establish service connection. In August 2022, the PACT Act expanded presumptions related to Agent Orange exposure to include additional locations and time periods. Join the CCK team as we review the new presumptive criteria and more.  Don’t miss out on th...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is discussing the newly established VA presumptions for veterans affected by burn pits. On August 10, 2022, the PACT Act added 23 new conditions to the presumptive list for toxic and burn pit exposure.  Be sure to tune in as we review the criteria for this VA presumption and how to apply for burn pit benefits. For more information, visit...

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is discussing a recent VA benefits case in which a CCK client received a huge VA back pay award. CCK ultimately reached an agreement with VA without having to file a single formal brief. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how CCK helped the Veteran receive almost 30 years’ worth of retroactive benefits. For more information, visit ou...

If VA finds that a veteran’s condition has improved, and if the condition is not considered permanent, VA can reduce their disability rating. While 100 percent ratings are not automatically permanent, they can be granted permanent status in certain situations. Join the CCK team as we discuss how to determine if your 100 percent rating is permanent. Do not miss out on this informative update! For m...

Veterans can receive disability compensation for mental health conditions caused by military service. When filing for disability benefits for mental health conditions, there are some mistakes veterans commonly make. Join the CCK team as we review some of these mistakes and discuss how they can be avoided. Be sure to tune in to this informative episode! For more information, visit our website at cc...

Women are the fastest growing group in the veteran population, with about two million currently living in the US. In addition to the general health and wellness benefits available to all eligible veterans, VA offers a range of female-specific services and resources. Join the CCK team as we review these health services, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. Tune in to catch our discussion! Fo...

The VA claims and appeals process can be confusing and complicated, and veterans often receive unfavorable decisions or denials. However, there are several ways veterans can strengthen their claim. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is discussing six ways to improve your VA claim. Tune in to catch our discussion! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us...

If a veteran’s service-connected condition causes a separate illness or disability, this is called a secondary condition. Join the CCK team as we discuss how to increase your VA rating by filing a claim for a secondary condition. We also review types of evidence to submit with secondary claims and how VA rates secondary disabilities. Be sure to tune in for this informative update! For more informa...

A claimant can appeal their case to the CAVC, a federal appellate court located in Washington, D.C, if they were unsuccessful before the Board. A claimant can also file a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence for readjudication by VA. Join the CCK team as we discuss four reasons why veterans should appeal to the CAVC instead of taking the Supplemental Claim lane. Don’t miss out on this...

On August 10, 2022, the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was finally signed into law. This bill provides improved benefits and health care to veterans suffering from burn pit and other toxic exposures. Join the CCK team as we break down the PACT Act and discuss how it affects veterans. Be sure to tune in for this informative update! For more information, visit our we...

Total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU, is awarded to veterans who are unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities. This benefit allows veterans to be compensated at VA’s 100 percent disability rate. Join the CCK team as we break down three ways to secure TDIU. Be sure to tune in for this informative update! For mor...

In a recent Court case, CCK helped a Veteran seek benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional back disability that resulted from a back surgery performed at a VA facility. Initially, both VA and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals denied his claim. Tune in as the CCK team breaks down how we challenged the Board decision and secured benefits for our client. Be sure to tune in for this exciting epi...

VA compensation and pension exams are a crucial part of the disability claims process. As such, VA places significant value on the results of these exams to confirm or deny service connection and assign a disability rating. Tune in to find out how C&P exams work, why they are so important, and what to do if your exam is unfavorable. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow...

Hypertension means high blood pressure. Hypertension places people at higher risk for other health problems, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Join the CCK team as we review how VA rates hypertension, how to establish secondary service connection, and common secondary conditions to hypertension. Don’t miss out on this informative episode! For more information, visit our website at...

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the night. There are many conditions that can be caused or aggravated by sleep apnea. Join the CCK team as we discuss secondary conditions to sleep apnea and their VA disability ratings. Tune in to catch all the important details! For more information, visit our website at cck-law...

Migraine headaches are a type of headache characterized by intense pain. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, lightheadedness, and blurred vision.   On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is discussing how VA rates migraine headaches, how to get TDIU, and what types of evidence are useful for VA claims for migraines.  Don’t miss ou...

VA officially announced its intention to add nine rare respiratory cancers to its list of presumptive service-connected disabilities for veterans who served for any period of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. This new legislation comes as part of the COST of War Act of 2021 and is meant to address illnesses stemming from exposure to burn pits and particulate matter. Join the CCK te...