Florida veterans health centers moving to virtual appointments to combat coronavirus
to stay home and avoid exposure
How To Get Urgent Care For Free
You are authorized urgent care but you must be prepared!
How Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support
Affect Veterans' VA Benefits
VA benefits can be garnished only for spousal
or child support, and only under certain conditions.
How to file a VA disability claim
Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation
or increased disability compensation.
John Prine, One of America’s Greatest Songwriters, Dead at 73
Grammy-winning singer who combined literary genius with a common touch succumbs to coronavirus complications
His song, Sam Stone, is one of the most poignant and touching war stories ever told.
Written about the Vietnam era soldier, the message affects every veteran.
RIP
You Ready???
Are you aware that Amazon will deliver groceries to you? And often enough they beat in-store prices?
Don't worry that you forgot the dog food.
Shop on!
Your 2020 Guide to Social Security Benefits
Whether you’re claiming Social Security in 2020, have been collecting benefits for years, or are still decades away, here’s what you need to know about this critically important retirement program.
VA Health Care Public Health Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
What you should know
VA is working closely with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners, monitoring an outbreak of Novel Coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
I did that for years & it's
the best thing ever. Get
into the belly of the beast.
Do You Need
Medical Care
RIGHT NOW?
You are already authorized
to use an urgent
care clinic!
Answers to your questions on stimulus checks
Are seniors on Social Security or
veterans on disability eligible?
Key findings about America’s military veterans
The experiences of post-9/11 veterans differ from
those who served in previous eras. Post-9/11
veterans more likely to have been deployed,
seen combat, experienced emotional trauma
Should I file a claim?
Potential VA claims?
What am I missing in the VA claims process?
Best way to check on a supplemental claim online?
Confused on what to do with claim.
Dependent status with education benefits.
Suing the VA for negligence and malpractice.
You've Arrived at the VAWatchdog Dot Org!
Welcome Home
We've been keeping veterans informed of news and events important to them since 2005.
You'll find all you need to file your claim and referrals to professionals who can help you when things don't go well.
What you won't find here is unending chat or opinions from strangers who like to think of themselves as experts.
Our goal is to ensure that you are awarded the benefits you earned with your service to our country.
We're here to help you take charge of your benefits, and that is all.
Extra schedular ratings under
How can I get an extra schedular rating?
To receive an extra schedular rating the veteran
must first show that the veteran’s
conditions result in a disability picture
that is not covered by the schedule of ratings.
Trump: “We’ll be cutting” entitlement programs
White House: He didn’t really mean that.
Following his Fox News town hall, Stephanie Grisham and Kellyanne Conway denied that Trump said what he said.
C&P Service Clinician’s Guide
Scheduled For A C & P??? Filing A Claim?
This is a must read for you!!!
I've been posting this again and again over the years
and it's still one of the best ways I know to win
your case. Published in 2002 the principles and much of
the verbiage still applies and is in daily use at the VA.
VA Urgent Care Pharmacy Locations
Find VA-approved urgent care/retail location
pharmacies near a specific
address or ZIP code, or search by VA Facility.
There is no fee to use the VAWatchdog.
We don't ask that you register or give us any information.
We don't ask for donations, you can't find a way to give us your money.
We aren't tracking you and using your personal information.
We don't have a mailing list and we won't email you unless you email us first.
We are supported by the advertisers you see on the pages of the VAWatchdog.
Because there are ads, we aren't asking you for your hard earned dollars.
Please show them some respect, thanks.
If you'd like to advertise with us, our rates are very reasonable.
Email Jim to talk about your ad here <jim912@gmail.com>
Filing your VA and/or Social Security disability claim is not a spectator sport.
We believe you are the best person to manage your claim. You're smart enough to hold an honorable discharge, then you're smart enough to fill out some forms and put those forms in the mail.
You must be involved. If you expect someone else to do the grunt work for you and for FREE, you lose.
This web site can provide you with all you need to file and win your well grounded claim. But we can't file that claim for you.
Yes, your VA is supposed to help you. No, your VA will NOT help you. You're on your own.
Research your claim as you file it, do it right the first time. We're here to help.
Questions and comments can be sent directly to Jim.
<jim912@gmail.com>
No, we don't use the phone very much. We won't call you, we don't publish our number. We prefer to use email for the security and record it gives us when we are reviewing your claim or evidence.
The veteran or a family member must contact us by email. We can't reach out to veterans, the veteran must contact us.
The fellow above is Larry Scott.
He founded the VAWatchdog in 2005. Larry and I started aggressive advocacy efforts together in 2006.
Larry passed away some years ago from a non-service connected illness.
I promised Larry I'd carry on the tradition of helping veterans to obtain the benefits they've earned.
I'm Jim Strickland.
That's me above, at my VA clinic in Savannah, Georgia. I edit and contribute to the VAWatchdog. I'm a veteran of the Army 1967 - 1970. I served in Germany at the 98th General Hospital. I'm retired from a career in health care that started at Ft. Sam Houston.
I use VA services just like you do. I started working with Larry Scott at VAWatchdog in 2006.
Jim at work editing the VAWatchdog
The Military Veteran's Disability Guide - 2006
Let's see what I was writing 12 years ago.
About the VAWatchdog Dot Org
Privacy Policy
We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.
We strive to be in compliance with such privacy policies as Google.
If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.
Fair Use Policy
We believe that we strictly comply with all copyright and trademark laws, rules and regulations in accordance with accepted fair use policies. We believe that all photographs and other artwork are in the public domain.
If you believe we have violated any of your rights to your work products, please email us immediately.
< jim912@gmail.com>
Photography & Photos
Much of the photography you see on the site is my own.
If you think I've violated rights to your photography, please notify me immediately at
<jim912@gmail.com>
Contact Us
<jim912@gmail.com>
Fax 1-888-658-5058
You're now at the most informative veterans disability benefits site anywhere. Welcome Home!
Since 2005 the VAWatchdog has been keeping an eye on VA...because somebody has to.
The primary goal of VAWatchdog is to educate veterans. It's our philosophy that a veteran should understand the reality of what he or she faces when dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other, similar agencies. Rather than handing your Power of Attorney (POA) over to a stranger who may or may not have any particular skills, education of training, we believe that you are equipped to manage your own VA claim. All you lack is the information about how the system really works. You'll find that here in the pages of VAWatchdog.
As the site grows, navigation becomes more of a challenge. Finding what you need on any busy site can be a problem. We're working hard to try and make it simpler for you. You must devote some time to the task. Many veterans believe that they can hand their benefits issues over to a representative and that the rep will take care of it for them. Nothing is further from the
truth.
The vet who expects a representative to handle their claim is in for a disappointing adventure. We teach DIY...Do It Yourself. A new veterans claim begins with a VA Form 21-526EZ
.Completing that form isn't rocket science. The quality of your outcome is largely up to you. The time you devote to learning how this works will impact the result when you get the award letter.
Our mission, goals and values are simple. We are all about educating veterans.
We do that by providing a headline news aggregation service for veterans and their families. We believe that an informed veteran will fare much better in life.
The benefits we earned through our dedicated and honorable military service can often be complex and not easy to obtain. VAWatchdog provides you with simple instructions that you can use to manage your VA benefits. We believe that most veterans should take a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to handling VA benefits claims.
VA does not require that you have a "representative". The fact is that VA would rather work directly with the veteran to adjudicate a veterans disability claim.
Veterans disability claims are often challenging but once the veteran understands the Veterans Administration rules, the process of managing your benefits is much easier.
Nobody cares about your claim the way you do.
You may be filing a disability claim about obstructive sleep apnea, prostate cancer, agent orange related benefits or you may want information about any of the hundreds of other VA benefits that are available to you. We don't shy from the more controversial topics like marijuana and the VA or your rights as a veteran to own a gun, pistol or to be given a concealed weapons carry permit.We avoid rumors. We aren't here to bash the VA.
We publish the facts that we believe are the most correct and of most use to you. That's all.
The NPRC
Military Records DD 214
Announcing the Veterans Benefits Banking Program
A partnership between VA and the
Association of Military Banks of America
Urgent Care Centers
One of the most important benefits you have today is
the authorization to use an urgent care center
near to you. But first, you have to
to take with you. Don't wait until you need this
benefit to prepare for it. Read this now,
print your papers and be prepared!
Google Tracks You
and we don't.
DuckDuckGo apps block
Google's hidden trackers.
The world needs an alternative
Robert Wilkie <robert.wilkie@va.gov> 855-948-2311
One More Reason You Need An Independent Medical Opinion
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Accuracy of Claims Decisions Involving Conditions of the Spine
A coronavirus outbreak aboard an aircraft carrier is one of
the possibilities facing the US military
How would the Navy react if a sailor aboard a large ship such as an aircraft carrier tested positive for the coronavirus?
'How To Lie With Statistics'
Con artists may try to get your Medicare
Number or personal information so they can steal
your identity and commit Medicare fraud.
Lodging & Camping in southern Illinois with access to the Shawnee National
We offer lodging, camping,
stabling, corral, pasture,
access to a hunting lease and
discounts for America's
military veterans!
What You Should Know about Disability and Debt
There Are Protections...When it comes to debt collection, disability income enjoys special status.
Welcome to the KnowVA Knowledge Base
Locate information more quickly and efficiently
How to ensure seamless care while traveling
Your state runs County Veterans Service Offices
for you and they're working today.
An IMO by an expert often makes the difference!
How To File a VA Disability Appeal
You have the right to appeal any benefits decision made by the Veterans Benefits Administration. The VA appeals process is set in law and is different from other judicial appeals processes. Find out how to file an appeal.
CraveBox Healthy Care Package
Whole Foods Market
Schwans
Grocery and Gourmet Food Store at Amazon
Food Delivery Online - Deliver Near me All-in-one
Medical Malpractice
Download VA benefit letters
To receive some benefits, Veterans need a letter
proving their status.
For Better Brain Health, Preserve Your Hearing
Hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for developing dementia, exceeding that of smoking, high blood pressure, lack of exercise and social isolation.
Drew Early Veterans Law Attorney
Graduate of the US Military Academy, West Point
Adjunct Professor - Emory University Law School
20 Years Army Service - Airborne - Explosive Ordnance Badge
Free Case Review - Nationwide Representation
BVA/DRO Appeals - Fiduciary & Caregiver Issues, Trusts, Wills
Appeals of Veterans & Survivor Claims
(770) 939-1939
Medical Marijuana Card
Tell the doctor you saw it on VAWatchdog
and ask about veterans discounts!
Why Getting a Diagnosis Matters
A diagnosis does so much more than get noted in your medical history. It also can help you apply for programs like Social Security Disability and medical marijuana cards. And maybe even more importantly, it can help you explain yourself to friends, colleagues and family.
The VAWatchdog
doesn't ask for donations, we don't have fees, we don't ask you to register...you can't find a way to give us your money. We're supported by advertising. When you shop via the VAWatchdog,
we'll get a small piece of that.
You get top quality at a good price and you support our mission.
Thank you!!!
Create or update your will fast / 100% free
Make your will with FreeWill today
Healthcare directives,
proxies, living wills and durable financial power of attorney.
All are free to use.
Is your disability pay fair game in a divorce?
(Yeah, it is...)
Veterans get more banking options,
Some veterans may have better access to banking now, through a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Association of Military Banks of America.
Schedule for Rating Disabilities
Which Consumer Lenders Are (and Aren’t) Helping the Most - American Express (cards), Capital One (auto loans and cards) and JPMorgan Chase said they would allow people to skip payments, interest free.
Owe VA Money???
To Loneliness And Isolation For Seniors
Did you know that hearing loss and tinnitus are the
most commonly rated veterans disabilities? Did you
know that hearing loss and tinnitus can cause
other secondary conditions, particularly mental
health problems like depression and loneliness?
Chronic Pain Is an Impossible Problem
A “safe” alternative to opioid painkillers
turns out to be not so safe.
Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits
and a member of the Stateside Legal Website Advisory Board. Jim's Mailbag, is a regular column where veterans,
servicemembers, and family members can ask Jim their questions about VA and Social Security disability benefits.
You can browse all of these Q&As here, and search the Jim's Mailbag archives for helpful answers.
Roger Hale, Veterans Law Attorney
Personal Injury Lawyer - Free Consultation For Veterans
Industrial Accidents Nursing Home Negligence Car Accidents
Workers Compensation Veterans Law
Pain & Suffering Emotional & Mental Anguish
(405) 531-9983
Amazon Is Putting Book Deliveries Into the
Slow Lane Thanks to the Coronavirus
The retail giant is prioritizing household
and medical supplies, and pushing
everything else to the back of the queue.
Just who do you think
you are?
Stats about veterans.
Percent of U.S. adult population who are veterans in 2017, by state
Employment Data for Veterans With Disabilities
Employment Situation of Veterans Summary
Immigrant Veterans in the United States
Demographics of the U.S. Military
Veterans and Military Documents
Military Programs and Benefits
Facts on Veterans and Entrepreneurship
American War and Military Operations
Casualties: Lists and Statistics
Tinnitus and hearing loss among
Veteran Social Security Beneficiaries
Veteran-Owned Businesses and Their Owners
48 Interesting U.S. Military Facts
The American Veteran Experience and the Post-9/11 Generation
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics - Quick Facts
Global Firepower - 2019 World Military Strength Rankings
Medical Malpractice - Veterans 1151 Claims
Malpractice Attorneys Helping Veterans Harmed By The VA
Veterans Healthcare Rights - Federal Tort Claims -
VA Medical Malpractice Claims, Misdiagnosis, Hospital Negligence, Medical Errors
For a review of your VA malpractice case contact our lawyers today. Our firm serves throughout the nation,
and is one of the few firms to have specialized experience in VA malpractice cases.
Call Now! (949) 640-8222
PAPER Evidence Records
and Claims All Go Here
V A Claims Intake Center
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI
53547- 4444
Toll Free Fax:
844-531-7818
How Do You Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits?
Information on social security disability benefits
8 Museums You Can Virtually Tour Right Now
Visit famous institutions in Paris, Amsterdam,
and more—without leaving home.
Regional Offices' Public Contact Closures
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Offices will be closed to the public starting March 19.
Regional offices will remain open, but will no longer accept walk-ins for claims assistance, scheduled appointments, counseling and other in-person services.
Coronavirus distancing: Don't forget about veterans.
For them, loneliness can be deadly.
Legislation already exists to get our service members
the help they need through animal companions.
We must make sure it passes and soon.
Misuse of Certain Nonopioid Analgesics on the Rise
Gabapentin, Baclofen May Be Seen
as Opioid Alternatives
Social Security recipients who don’t usually
file tax returns will automatically get $1,200
payments, Treasury says in reversal
Most high school seniors and college
students still won’t get any money at all.
Nexus and IMO Letters
Call before visiting your VA facility
Free Veteran resources through PATRIOTlink
and Coronavirus updates
VA Releases Survivors Quick Start Guide
Reference guide to help during final
arrangements planning
We get $2,470 a month from Social Security
and want a warm, friendly city near the ocean.
VA launches online patient portal for veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
announced the launch of an online patient portal
this month that will provide service veterans
with digital access to their patient statements.
The Next, Terrible Phase of This Crisis
After cancellation comes triage