Alabama
Print out your VA Welcome Kit
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
V A Claims Intake Center
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI
53547- 4444
Toll Free Fax:
844-531-7818
Spine Pain Independent Medical Opinion
James Shields, MD, MBA...A Board Certified Physician
Veteran Spine Pain, Weakness, Stiffness, Neck or Cervical Pain, Fibromyalgia,
Intervertebral Disk Syndrome, Decreased Range of Motion, Degenerative Arthritis
of the Spine, Hip Pain or Weakness, Shoulder Pain or Weakness
Greg served in the Air Force as a C-17 loadmaster in both Operations Enduring
Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Greg's practice includes VA disability compensation
appeals, Individual Unemployability (TDIU) claims, MST, PTSD and other mental health disability claims and appeals and other veterans disability claims processes. Attorney
Rada offers free telephone case evaluations as well as nationwide representation.
Call today!
844-838-7529
Is it fake news ?
Or is it the real deal?
Don't believe everything you read.
Use Google Fact Check Tools and know what's really happening.
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.
Using VA Benefits to Pay for Long-Term Care
Veterans with VA health care may be
eligible to receive long-term care coverage
Spine Pain Independent Medical Opinion
James Shields, MD, MBA...A Board Certified Physician
Veteran Spine Pain, Weakness, Stiffness,
Neck or Cervical Pain, Fibromyalgia
The broken coronavirus economy
A surging stock market while millions go hungry
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.
Combine these principles
with an IMO and you win.
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.
TDIU or IU or unemployability is a pathway to reach a 100% rating when you don't reach the rating by adding up your conditions by The Schedule but you still aren't able to work at gainful employment because of the cumulative effect of your rated disabilities.
To be eligible for the TDIU benefit you must have at least a single rating of 60% or greater or a rating of 70% or greater with at least one rating of 40% or greater in the mix.
The TDIU benefit may be temporary or it may be permanent in the way it's assigned to you and it is equal in every way to a 100% schedular rating other than you are not allowed to work at Gainful Employment.
Many veterans mistakenly attempt to change their 100% TDIU rating for a 100% schedular rating in the false hope of some sort of increased benefit. That's a waste of time and often backfires when VA reviews the record and lowers a rating.
The link you see below takes you to a talk given years ago and is a great explanation of the details of the TDIU benefit.
You may want to consider whether you are eligible for Extra schedular ratings under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)
Service Connection
38 CFR § 3.303 - Principles relating to service connection
In a nutshell, to be service connected and thus rated as a disabling condition by VA there must be reasonable evidence that your diagnosed disabling condition was caused, contributed to or aggravated by military service.
Question:
Jim, You recently answered a veteran, “If [you] have a diagnosis of a service connected cancer, [you] are to remain rated at 100% until the cancer is treated and gone.” Here’s my question: In a case where the cancer (soft tissue sarcoma), is not service connected, would it be considered service connected because it took my VA providers to “diagnose” it, and became “highly infiltrative”? (Actually, my providers never diagnosed it. My lesion was revealed to be soft tissue sarcoma only because VA resected (not biopsied) it, and VA Pathology determined the resected tissue was soft tissue sarcoma. Incidentally, when VA Pathology determined the mass was soft tissue sarcoma, the Tumor Board referred me to civilian care for corrective surgery & radiation therapy, and told me I had to pay for everything myself. Was that kosher? Shouldn’t VA have referred me to civilian care under “fee basis, I had to mesh my treatment with my work schedule, couldn’t keep it up, and ended up bankrupt & homeless. Diagnostic Code 5329 speaks to the seriousness of soft tissue sarcoma, and mandates temporary total disability. Thank you
Reply:
Service connection implies that a condition was caused, contributed to or aggravated by military service. If a condition isn't service connected and rated by VA, VA won't treat the veteran for free unless the veteran is in a Priority category that allows that.
It sounds as if your condition is not service connected and as such VA has no obligation to care for you. You're stuck if you don't have health insurance.
TDIU...how it works, what you need to know
Published in 2005, this is the best explanation of the TDIU benefit you'll find.
What Is IU
Individual Unemployability or IU is the basis on which the Department of Veterans Affairs pays service-connected disability compensation at the rate payable for a 100-percent evaluation to qualified veterans with combined evaluations that are less than 100 percent.
Regional office decision-makers assign IU ratings when veterans meet minimum combined evaluation criteria and, in the judgment of the rating official(s), are unemployable due solely to their service-connected conditions.
In exceptional circumstances, regional offices may refer cases that fail to meet the minimum combined evaluation criteria to the Director of the Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an IU rating.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability
TDIU, IU, Unemployability
What to know about a second payment
Veterans Law Attorney - Personal Injury Law
Nationwide Representation - Free Veterans Consultations
Workers Compensation - Social Security Disability
Pain & Suffering - Emotional & Mental Anguish
Independent Medical Opinions Nexus Letters
Thomas Grieder, MD PhD
25 Years Service as a VA Psychiatrist
Lead Psychiatrist East Los Angeles PTSD Clinical Team
'this is what you'll see at the end of your life'
if Covid precautions aren't taken
Dr. Craig Bash The Veterans Medical Advisor
Nexus Letters DBQs
Call 925-381-7561 <drbash@doctor.com>
Can you explain just how the
TDIU benefit works?
Yup, sure can do that! I have
Gregory Rada - Veterans Law Attorney
Veteran Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom
Free Telephone Case Evaluations Nationwide Representation
Call Today!
844-838-7529
Veterans Law Attorney Drew Early
Graduate of the US Military Academy West Point
20 years of active Army service, multiple deployments, tours with 2 Infantry
Division, 10th Mountain Division , XVIII Airborne Corps, and Third Army,
Airborne and Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal badges.
Graduate of the Command and General Staff College Master's Degree in
Strategic Planning from the School of Advanced Military Studies
Welcome to the KnowVA Knowledge Base
Locate information more quickly and efficiently
I'm Jim Strickland
and I approve of this message.
Veterans who are sick now because of exposure
to burn pits while serving in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan are urged to document their cases.
Failing to assure full disability ratings,
case could affect thousands of sailors, Marines
Fact Sheet
Tell Your Representatives How You Feel
How to Contact Your Elected Officials
Your voice is important.
These people want to hear from you and
often enough, they can be very helpful.
UK gets 2M more doses of COVID-19 vaccine
Roll-out could be ‘days away’
Coronavirus Hospitalization surge in Midwest
Thanksgiving set to accelerate spread
Proposed Rule
Change in Rates VA Pays for Special
Modes of Transportation
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations concerning beneficiary travel.
WARMS
Web Automated Reference Material System
Compensation and Pension Materials
Trump lies. Again.
File The Claim Right Now!!!
PAPER Evidence
Goes Here
Military Programs and Benefits
Military Assistance Programs for Veterans, Service Members, and Families -
Military Tax Guidance and Tax Preparation Help -
State and Federal Benefits for Military Families -
Health Care -
Housing - Education - Life Insurance -
Job Training and Help - Retirement
Informed Consent and Advance Directives
A Rule by the Veterans Affairs Department on 05/27/2020
Drug testing, HIV testing, Mental Health
Medical Malpractice Attorneys Helping Veterans
Misdiagnosis Hospital Medical Errors
Nationwide Representation For Veterans
Call Now! 949 640 8222
COVID-19 Laws and Legal Resources
Employees Evictions Taxes
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.
Schedule for Rating Disabilities
Veterans Law Attorney Drew Early
Veteran 20 years of active Army service, multiple deployments, tours with
2nd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division , XVIII Airborne Corps,
and Third Army, Airborne and Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal badges.
Have you been denied a benefit because of a missed C & P exam?
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Hey Jim,
Let me help clarify that for you. There’s a backlog. Covid made it worse as VHA focused on Covid and told VBA to depend on contractors for C&P exams. Took time to get contractors engaged and understand the process—vets missed exams. Backlog increased. Or you could read the OIG report but that's what it says...
March 1 through April 5, 2020 6,400 of 7,700 claims (84 percent) were prematurely or improperly denied based on a canceled exam.
April 6 through May 13, 2020 3,700 of 5,500 claims (68 percent) were prematurely or improperly denied based on a canceled exam.
From May 14 through June 16, 2020 2,400 claims (48 percent) were prematurely or improperly denied based on a canceled exam.
Krebs Explains That Election Was Secure
On 60 Minutes
Jim Strickland
jim912@gmail.com
Florida adds 7,363 coronavirus cases, 59 deaths Sunday
Of those, 1,091 coronavirus infections and
18 deaths were reported in the Tampa Bay area
Trump Distorts Military Role in Vaccines
Snopes on the Record
'Avoid hair dye, whining and lying'
Giuliani's daughter offers dad 'self care tips'
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!
Do You Need
Medical Care
RIGHT NOW?
You are already authorized
to use an urgent
care clinic!
Extra schedular ratings under
38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)
How can I get an extra schedular rating?
The Department of Veterans Affairs
White House Hotline
855 - 948 - 2311 <robert.wilkie@va.gov>
Yes, this really works. No, it doesn't ring in the White House. The email address and phone number are staffed by a seemingly serious group of players, many who are veterans, and if you have a legit issue, telling these folks is like bringing in the artillery. Let's prepare for your call or email. Make some notes before you proceed so you don't forget anything. I prefer email since there's no waiting for someone to answer and I can take my time to prepare the story in just the right detail. 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. Less is more. Include the necessary
components but don't tell your life story. Don't rant. Be polite...military courtesy will get you places that hollering IN ALL CAPS won't. Respect! Don't waste their time with bogus complaints about your feelings being hurt. If you appropriately utilize this service,
I'll vouch that this works like a champ.
Tell them you read about this at The VAWatchdog Dot Org...they know who we are.
Thomas J. Seiter, Jr., M.D.
Veteran Independent Medical Opinions
DBQs Nexus Letters Service & Civilian Medical
Records Reviews
Thomas J. Seiter, Jr., M.D.
Veteran Independent Medical Opinions
DBQs Nexus Letters Medical Records Reviews
Nationwide Representation For Veterans
Call Now! 949 640 8222
'A natural disaster ... in all 50 states'
Unfolding as travelers disperse
What you need to know prior to your C & P Exam
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!
Do you need some help
filing a claim?
Would you like to learn about your state's veterans benefits?
Not all 'Vet reps" are the same. Many are well meaning volunteers who aren't well trained.
Your state provides the CVSO for you to get the help you need delivered by a professional.
National Association
of County Veterans Service
These are the folks you should speak with first. They can help you with disability and education benefits, survivor benefits and a whole lot more.
If you aren't comfortable with DIY, here's the help you need!
Giuliani Says Goo Dripping From His Head Were 'Brains,' Used 'Rag' to Stuff It Back
Nexus and IMO Letters
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.
disability claim
Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation
or increased disability compensation.
Records Center Shuts Down, Citing COVID
The National Personnel Records Center is Closed
NPRC does not have sufficient on-site capacity to respond to many other important requests, including requests related to other veterans benefits.
Temporary Reduction in Onsite Operations at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis
Title 38 - Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief
Volume: 1
Date: 2019-07-01
Original Date: 2019-07-01
Title: PART 17 - MEDICAL
Schedule for Rating Disabilities
Musculoskeletal System and Muscle Injuries
A Rule by the Veterans Affairs Department on 11/30/2020
The VA Watchdog Dot Org
Since 2005, We're keeping An Eye On Your VA
Because Somebody Has To!
Welcome Home! We're here to help you obtain the benefits you earned by your service to our country.
We'll show you what we're reading today, the important stuff, the things you'd like to know.
We don't have a bone to pick with your Department of Veterans Affairs. We aren't here to criticize, only to inform.
No Registration - Always Free To Veterans & Their Families - No Endless Chatter
You don't have to sign up, we don't bludgeon you with advertising...what you see is what you get. We are a DIY
site, we'll provide you with the data you need and when necessary, a referral to a trusted advocate. It's up to you
to do the heavy lifting. Military and VA benefits aren't charity, they're part of your pay, just as you agreed to.
Scroll down, meet the professional advocates who are here to serve you and yours. Welcome aboard!
Veterans Disability Lawyer Medical Doctor Veteran
The Law Offices of David Anaise
Appeals of Denied Claims Nexus Letters DBQ's
Independent Medical Opinions
How To Win
BVA Annual Report 2018
Board Dispositions By Representation Page 31
Appeals Awarded
Attorney 44.61%
Agent 38.79%
State Service Officer 35.17%
American Legion 34.53%
Disabled American Veterans 33.70%
Here's everything you'll need to know
More than 100 years of history now available online
Veterans Saw Friends Die From COVID
Then It Got Worse
Are You Rated For A Spine Condition?
Mistakes Have Been made!
Accuracy of Claims Decisions Involving
Conditions of the Spine
Dr. Craig Bash The Veterans Medical Advisor
Providing Independent Medical Opinions
and Evaluations Nexus Letters DBQs
Craig N. Bash M.D., M.B.A.
925-381-7561
<drbash@doctor.com>
Number Of Homeless Veterans Increases
Would You Pass?
128 Tricky Questions That Could Stand
Between You and U.S. Citizenship
‘‘Name one example of an American innovation.” Umm … “Real Housewives”? Skyscrapers? This test?
The NPRC
Military Records
DD 214
Refill Your VA Prescriptions
Call your local VA
Pharmacy number
on the prescription label
Get Started
Two easy-to-read options explaining the Veterans Benefits you have earned.
Veterans Disability Lawyer Medical Doctor Veteran
The Law Offices of David Anaise
Appeals of Denied Claims Nexus Letters DBQ's
Independent Medical Opinions
Specializing in Veterans Law
GloverLuck began with one goal in mind —
to help our veteran community get
the benefits and legal services they deserve.