Veterans Affairs disability compensations COLA is based on SSA's COLA. 2019 We will see a 2.8% COLA if you receive VA, SSI, or SSDI they all receive the same COLA. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2019. The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits … [Read more...] about 2019 Cost of Living Allowance
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Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act
The new VA appeals process explained by Matt Hill, grab a cup of coffee and a notepad, as to be expected from VA, it's not a simple straightforward line. The final rule has been published you can view it here. The VA appeals process is going through its biggest change since the 1980s. In 2017, Congress passed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. This … [Read more...] about Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act
Potential Exposure at Fort McClellan
From Hill and Ponton Fort McClellan, AL, served as training and scientific research ground for some of the most volatile chemical, biological, and radiological materials used by the US military. As the US was gearing up to enter WWI, President Woodrow Wilson purchased the property, and it was utilized to train and mobilize troops headed off to the Great War. After the … [Read more...] about Potential Exposure at Fort McClellan
VA Decision Ready Claims
The Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Program is the fastest way to get your claim processed. With the DRC Program you can get a decision on your claim within 30 days when you work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Your VSO will help you gather and submit all relevant records and evidence, including federal and medical records and Disability Benefits … [Read more...] about VA Decision Ready Claims
Less Likely, More Likely Than Not – and why reasonable doubt rule is one of the most important liberalizing rules that Veterans Affairs uses…
If you spend any time reading VA case law you'll come across the phrase less likely, more likely than not and so on. In the VA Clinicians Guide for Disability Examination it lays out how these are weighted. Independent Medical Opinions by Your Private Physician An Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) from a treating physician is in many instances a critical part of a veteran’s … [Read more...] about Less Likely, More Likely Than Not – and why reasonable doubt rule is one of the most important liberalizing rules that Veterans Affairs uses…
Back and Cervical Pain – Bulging Disc and the C and P Exam ROM Test
I have a C&P coming up in October for Neck/Back pains. While in Iraq in 2004, I fell off of a 916 semi-truck and have buddy statements to verify this. I also have medical proof that I went to the TMC in theater and it was considered a "sprain" and was given light duty for a few days. In my medical records from the field hospital in Iraq, it states that this the back injury … [Read more...] about Back and Cervical Pain – Bulging Disc and the C and P Exam ROM Test
The Power of 38 CFR 4.6
I mention here, from time to time, the power of 38 CFR 4.6. I am putting this in the main forum because I think Veterans Affairs makes more CUEs regarding this regulation, then we know. Source Berta Simmons VA Claims Forum One of the first things vet reps should look for in a denial, is whether the VCAA letter was correct (if that letter is detrimental to the claimant, it … [Read more...] about The Power of 38 CFR 4.6
Tinnitus – it’s a brain malady…
Neuroscientists believe they have discovered your dysfunction. Or, more accurately, your neural mechanisms dysfunction. They "gate" noise controlling the noise and pain signals. You see. there are "circuit breakers" that should work, but are not. After an injury tinnitus can occur and sufferers experience phantom sounds. Veterans are exposed to some very loud noises and … [Read more...] about Tinnitus – it’s a brain malady…
Recipients, Payments and Disabilities FY 2016
Read the Full Report here VBA Annual Benefits Report FY 2016 Totals – new recipients Veterans who began receiving compensation benefits 284,550 Survivors who began receiving service-connected death benefits 28,891 Total: 313,441 Estimated annual amounts paid – new recipients Benefit program Number of recipients Estimated average … [Read more...] about Recipients, Payments and Disabilities FY 2016
Contact Federal Elected Officials
Contact Federal Elected Officials Whitehouse Veterans Complaint/Information Line 855-948-2311 Use this number for all veteran related complaints. President Donald Trump - Contact the President of the United States by filling out the online contact form or by calling the White House switchboard at 202-456-1414 or the comments line at 202-456-1111 during business … [Read more...] about Contact Federal Elected Officials