Service-related disabilities can render a veteran unable to keep up with the demands of a job, which may make them eligible for VA disability benefits based on individual unemployability. Summary Veterans with service-related disabilities may qualify for VA disability benefits based on Individual Unemployability if their conditions impair their ability to work non-marginal jobs. The VA sets standards for Individual Unemployability, including benchmarks for disability ratings and the ability to keep a steady job. Veterans classified as Individually Unemployable may qualify for total disability ..read more

Veterans who want to challenge a VA decision should consider hiring a VA benefits lawyer to advocate for them. Summary Veterans who are dissatisfied with a VA decision may benefit from hiring a VA benefits lawyer to represent them in the appeals process. Cases where hiring a VA benefits lawyer may be necessary include when a claim was unfairly denied, the VA made an obvious error, or a veteran needs an extra-schedular evaluation for an extreme presentation of a service-related condition. VA-accredited attorneys offer valuable services, like expert knowledge of the VA appeals process and colle ..read more

Despite the variety of resources the VA provides for sexual assault survivors, Congress recently critiqued the VA’s lack of effort to make veterans aware of these options. Summary Senators representing both parties sent a letter to the VA regarding services for female Military Sexual Trauma survivors, who are at a higher risk of experiencing unwanted sexual contact. The members of the Senate who wrote the letter believe the VA isn’t doing enough to make medical care, mental health counseling, and other programs easily accessible to women veterans. The letter to the VA draws a contrast between ..read more

The VA is acknowledging the severity of digestive conditions with its improved disability rating schedule that provides greater benefits for veterans.  Summary Recent reforms to the VA’s disability rating schedule for digestive conditions mean that veterans may have a higher likelihood of securing disability benefits. A veteran’s experiences in the military can cause them to develop service-related digestive issues. Some of the most common digestive conditions, including IBS, celiac disease, and hemorrhoids, are affected by these updates. VetLaw can assist veterans in navigating these ch ..read more

Navy veterans who believe they were exposed to toxic herbicides in Blue Water Zones can review their records, engage an attorney, and speak with the VA to determine if they qualify for disability benefits. Summary Veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Blue Water Zones while serving on military vessels during the Vietnam War can seek VA disability benefits. Determining exposure in a Blue Water Zone can be challenging, but veterans can review their records and consult with the VA and attorneys for assistance. Blue Water Zones were areas contaminated by herbicides like Agent Orange during the Viet ..read more

A study finds prior traumatic brain injuries can increase a veteran’s risk of developing brain cancer. Summary A new cohort study suggests a strong statistical relationship between severe brain injuries in veterans and an increased risk of developing brain cancer. Veterans experiencing brain cancer due to traumatic brain injuries during service can seek legal support from VetLaw for VA disability claims. Researchers reviewed data from about 2 million veterans to identify a higher risk of brain cancer in those with moderate, severe, or penetrating brain injuries. Causes of severe brain injurie ..read more

Researchers have found evidence that suggests increased rates of anxiety among veterans, especially those who are at a greater risk for experiencing traumatic events.  Summary Emerging research warns that the pervasiveness of anxiety in military veterans presents a threat to their well-being and requires action. There are several types of anxiety disorders, but researchers believe that even mild anxiety in veterans should be taken seriously due to its ties to suicidal thoughts and actions. Veterans who have experienced trauma or recognized they were at a greater risk of being targeted ma ..read more

In June of 2019, President Donald Trump signed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act into law. The bill, which is commonly referred to as the Blue Water Navy Act, expanded medical care and benefits to many Blue Water Navy (BWN) veterans and other military personnel who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Who is Eligible Under BWN Coverage? Under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, individuals who served between 1962 and 1975 within 12 nautical miles of Cambodia or Vietnam may now qualify for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for illnesse ..read more

Veterans with mental health issues may experience related gastrointestinal problems. Summary Veterans can benefit from understanding how gastrointestinal health can be linked to mental health. The gastrointestinal tract hosts bacteria that create and deploy chemical messengers to the brain. A damaged or malfunctioning digestive system can deprive the brain of signals that keep it healthy. Veterans may be eligible for VA disability benefits based on gut and stomach issues stemming from a service-connected mental condition, as well as the other way around. Table of Contents Toggle Poor Gast ..read more

PTSD affects veterans’ lives in terms of their relationships, careers, capacity to care for themselves, and their health. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and even suicidal ideation. Even with treatment, in most cases, PTSD affects veterans for months or years after the initial trauma. Table of Contents Toggle What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? PTSD Symptoms in Veterans How Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD Affects Veterans’ Lives How a VA Disability Benefits Claim Can Help With Veteran PTSD Contact VetLaw If Your VA Claim For PTSD Disability ..read more