Blood test offers new hope to people with depression
The test would avoid the ‘years of trial and error’ that
currently characterise diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
No matter how clear the error and appeal process may look to you, it never is. A skilled veterans law attorney can prevail when others aren't able to. Better yet, it costs you nothing out of pocket and nothing at all if you don't win.
The link below takes you to the VA site where you'll find the latest and simplest ways to manage your appeal.
Five Reasons to Appeal
1. You filed a claim for a disability benefit and were denied.
2. You filed a claim for a benefit and the rating is too low.
3. You've been denied a health care benefit, for example...prosthetics or dental services.
4. You have had a temporary rating and VA tells you that they are going to reduce that rating.
5. You've been notified that VA is proposing to appoint a fiduciary.
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is a national court of record, established under Article I
of the Constitution of the United States. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review
of final decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals, an entity within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How to Appeal if the VA Denies You Disability Benefits
If you are denied veterans disability benefits, here's how to appeal
VA decision reviews and appeals
The legacy VA appeals process has changed to the decision review process
When you choose this option, you’re appealing to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals
in Washington, D.C. A judge who’s an expert in Veterans law will review your case.
M21-5, Chapter 5 - Higher Level Review Procedures
Higher-level reviews (HLRs) consist of de novo reviews of the issue(s) identified by requesters on a completed
VA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review. De novo review means the reviewer reexamines and readjudicates the claim in question without deference to the prior decision, except for proper favorable findings.
How To Appeal A VA Disability Benefit Denial
VA decision reviews and appeals
The legacy VA appeals process has changed to the decision review process. If you disagree with a VA decision dated on or after February 19, 2019, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case. If you aren’t satisfied with the results of the first option you choose, you can try another eligible option.
Jim Strickland
jim912@gmail.com
Welcome to the VAWatchdog...
Since 2005 we've been a leader in providing
expert resources to help you win your claim for the benefits you earned through your honorable service to our country.
We'll guide you to valuable resources you as you file a claim and when needed, we'll connect you to professional, board certified consultation.
Our privacy policy, fair use policy and contact information is here.
If you're a health care or legal professional interested in helping America's veterans with their claims, drop me a note at <jim912@gmail.com> and I'll be happy to explain how this works. /s/ Jim
Scholz v. United States, No. 20-2163 (7th Cir. 2021)
Scholz has two lawsuits pending against the government under the
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. 1346(b), 2671–2680.
NEHMER - Implementing Court Order
Awards Under the Nehmer Court Orders for Disability or Death Caused by a
Condition Presumptively Associated With Herbicide Exposure
This is the CFR
Title 38 - Pensions, Bonuses,
and Veterans' Relief
Title: PART 17 - MEDICAL
Drug Overdose and Suicide Among Veteran Enrollees in the VHA
The rate of opioid use disorder among patients in the Veterans Health Administration
(VHA) is 7 times higher than that of non-VHA enrollees.
Many service members use industrial solvents in regular military tasks
Benzene Tetrachloroethylene
(PCE or PERC) Acetone Trichloroethylene (TCE) Xylenes
The Secret Nemesis of Sick Vets
For decades, the military and
the VA have repeatedly turned
to one man to guide decisions
on whether Agent Orange harmed
vets in Vietnam and elsewhere.
His reliable answer: No.
Military Families in Hawaii Say They Are Being Sickened by Their Tap Water
Medicare Premiums 2022: How much will you pay for Part B coverage?
The standard premium will have an increase of 14.5%
Alabama
Vaccines work, Pentagon says, as surge in troop COVID deaths comes to a halt
After a months-long surge that saw COVID-19 deaths among service members nearly triple,
there haven’t been any reported in the past two weeks
Long-Haul COVID Can Include Chronic Fatigue
The often debilitating condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be common among COVID-19 long-haulers.
Omaha woman sentenced to time served for threatening VA Hospital employees
Investigators say Tina Hardin told
medical staff she wanted to "shoot up the VA."
Veterans Psych Evaluations
Brett Valette, Ph.D.
Providing Military Veterans Personalized Psychological and Medical Evaluations. Complete the Contact form, and you'll get a personal phone call from us. We listen, and want to know what you are going through. We provide Independent Medical Evaluations (IME), Independent Medical Opinions (IMO) and nexus letters for ratings reviews, secondary conditions, medical conditions, discharge upgrades, and many types of denied claims. We also provide Social Security Disability claim reports.
Some Wounds Can't Be Seen Contact Us Today
Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA
disability benefits. Jim writes extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits.
Jim's Mailbag is a regular column featured at Stateside Legal where veterans, servicemembers,
and family members can ask Jim their questions about VA and Social Security disability benefits.
When You've Hit A Dead End
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs White House Hotline
855 - 948 - 2311 <Denis.McDonough@va.gov>
Yes, this really works. No, it doesn't ring in the White House. Be sure to include your DOB, your last 4, contact info...
a couple of numbers, your preferred email and such. Describe the problem as briefly as you can. Don't rant.
You will get a reply.
After 18 VA patients contract COVID in hospital and 1 dies,
top doc rips staff for coming to work sick, not masking
“We have committed very real harm to a large number of patients this week,” Dr. Sarah Unterman,
chief of staff for the hospital, said in a memo excoriating the “horrific and disturbing” situation.
What is a veteran? What is a protected veteran?
U.S. veterans are those who have served on active duty in the United States Armed forces
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs
It's Your VA - Deal With It!
It's a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired.
You quit when the gorilla is tired.
AND then there are the
Three Great Lies.
I've updated those just a bit.
1: The check is in the mail.
2: Of course I'll respect you in the morning darling.
3: Hello. I'm here from the VA and I'm going to help you.
Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Not every veteran is automatically entitled to medical care from the VA.
Veterans must meet basic eligibility requirements for enrollment.
C&P
Exams
Entitlement to service connection
for bilateral foot disability claimed
as secondary to carbon
tetrachloride exposure.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Military Health History Pocket Card
Did you see combat, enemy fire, or casualties?
Were you or a buddy wounded, injured or hospitalized? Do you have a claim pending for illness or injury related to your military service?
Do you have a service-connected condition?
Disabled Vietnam veteran Eugene Brice finds service to country doesn’t shield him from racism
Eugene L. Brice survived the Vietnam War, the 1968 Tet Offensive and 29 years in the U.S. Army,
but he is struggling to emotionally survive a recent trip to the grocery store.
VA has the second-worst COVID vaccination rate among all federal agencies
Department officials did not provide information on specifics of how many
unvaccinated individuals work in health care or jobs involving direct contact with veterans.
VA Math
Nexus and IMO Letters
HEADS UP!
Are You Scheduled For
A C & P Exam?
This document will save
you a lot of worry!
C&P Service Clinician’s Guide
This is your C & P examiners
guide and it's your only chance
to know what the examiner
knows before you go in the room.
Get Some Hometown Help!
These are the folks that know your state and federal benefits the best. Your state provides service officers to help you navigate all your benefits. Check them out for state tax info, veterans claims, homelessness...and a lot
more. Don't get advice from well meaning
friends, neighbors or volunteer "VA Reps",
go with the pros.
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.”
Let's file a VA claim right now
Too many of us skip this important step. Spending a few minutes taking care of this may give you months of additional benefits.
You may file claims on eBenefits
or you can mail them in using certified mail or you can fax them in.
V A Claims Intake Center
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI
53547- 4444
Toll Free Fax:
844-531-7818
How to file a VA disability claim
Welcome to the KnowVA Knowledge Base
Locate information
more quickly and efficiently
38 CFR Book C
The Schedule for Rating Disabilities
The NPRC
Military Records
or Appeal Status
Learn how to track
your status online
SSDI - TDIU
How To Know If It’s Time To Return To Work
When you have taken a step back from work due to a disability, you may reach a point in your
recovery where you begin to wonder if, when, and how to best approach a return to work.
Disability benefits can enhance your independence and help you care for your family
Veterans’ Benefits Rating and Rates
Disability Compensation
Veterans who have disabilities, medical conditions or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service — no matter when or where they served — may be eligible to receive tax-free monthly benefits.
Thomas J. Seiter, M.D.
Independent Medical Opinions - DBQs - Medical Records Reviews
Marian Medical Dot Com
or click on the CHAT button you see there and
get started winning your VA claim or appeal!
<info@marian-medical.com> Call Us Anytime - 762-994-3529
The VA Watchdog
~ Since 2005 - Facts About Your Benefits - Help With Your Claims ~
Veterans Benefits Administration Reports
Detailed Claims Data - Status Reports
Reports contain data covering claims inventory, claims backlog, claims accuracy, and
Fully Developed Claims.
View your VA disability ratings
If you have one or more disability ratings, you can view your VA
combined disability rating and
your individual ratings online