Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and a lack of oxygen. Thus, OSA can cause a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Veterans are at an increased risk of OSA due to several factors, including exposure to loud noise, deployment to combat zones, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given the seriousness of this disorder, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes OSA as a servic ..read more

For many veterans, the echoes of service linger not on battlefields but in the quiet moments where they can hear persistent ringing, or a muffled world replaces the vibrant sounds of everyday living. The truth is that hearing loss and tinnitus caused by exposure to loud noises during military service are pervasive issues affecting countless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes these invisible wounds and provides disability benefits to compensate veterans for their struggles. However, navigating a general VA claims process, including hearing loss and tinnitus, can be c ..read more

The invisible wounds of war can be the heaviest to bear. Unfortunately, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects a high number of veterans, which impacts their daily lives and well-being. As a response, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VA) offers support through disability benefits to recognize this issue. This benefit provides tax-free monthly compensation to a qualified veteran. To qualify for VA PTSD benefits, the veteran must meet the following criteria: service connection of their PTSD and Disability. 1. Service Connection: PTSD Diagnosis: Here, a veteran must have a curre ..read more

Veterans suffering from physical and mental disabilities caused or in connection with their service can significantly impact their employability and thus affect their ability to provide for themselves and their dependents financially. Such an issue is exacerbated if a veteran happens to fall under the 100% disability rating set by the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). To hopefully alleviate some of these veterans’ challenges, the VA has created a special designation called TDIU, or the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability Program. This benefit can be an excellent helplin ..read more

Inflation continued to affect the economy in 2023, significantly affecting the public’s cost of living. In response to rising inflation, the Veterans’ Disability Compensation Rates and the Social Security Costs for 2024 have increased. As the 2024 compensation rates have been adjusted, veterans and their dependents need to review and familiarize themselves with the new monthly payments they can expect depending on the veterans’ disability rate and the status of the veteran’s dependents. Note that these calculations are applicable starting December 1, 2023. The Veterans’ disability compensati ..read more

Social Security Disability benefits are a critical lifeline for people who cannot work due to a disability. However, the SSDI application process can be complex, and time-consuming, and many are denied. This is problematic, mainly because applicants rely on this benefit to financially assist them in their daily living. Below are some of the most common reasons why Social Security Disability (SSD) applications are denied: 1. Insufficient Medical Evidence A common reason for denial is insufficient medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires medical evidence to supp ..read more

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides financial assistance to those who cannot work due to a valid disability. However, the SSDI application is a complex process. It can be complicated and time-consuming, and many applications are denied. However, a reputable disability attorney can provide critical assistance in filing an SSDI application, which may bolster the odds of an application being granted by the Social Security Administration. Hiring a disability attorney can increase applicants’ chances of approval for SSDI benefits. Disability attorneys have experience ..read more

Reconsideration is the first level of appeal in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process. It reviews the applicant’s initial decision by a different disability examiner. A reconsideration can be requested if the applicant disagrees with the initial decision that denied their SSDI claim. Why Request Reconsideration? There are a few reasons why an applicant might want to request reconsideration of their SSDI claim: They believe that the disability examiner made a mistake in their decision. They have new medical evidence that supports their claim. They believe that the disabil ..read more

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can serve as a financial lifeline to individuals unable to work due to a disability. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released in its 2020 report that they have denied over 67% of SSD applications. This high rejection rate has severe implications for those who need this benefit. One way to alleviate this issue is for an applicant to file for the proper type of SSD. Thus, to ensure timely claim approval, the applicant must file for the appropriate program and follow its respective requirements. The SSA has five (5) different SSD pro ..read more

Getting hurt on the job or being disabled, which renders a person unable to work, is a serious predicament. To assist in this serious event, the federal government, working with the state government, provides assistance and benefits to disabled members of society by implementing SSDI and SSD benefits. However, the two disability-related aid offered by the government are different. Although SSD and SSDI are both programs that provide financial assistance to people who cannot work due to a disability, there are many differences in their benefits and requirements. What is SSDI? SSDI stands fo ..read more