New legislation has been passed to provide benefits for millions of veterans who endured toxic exposure during their service. The full title of the law is the ‘Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021.’ It’s also known as the Honoring our PACT Act or, more simply, the PACT Act. The toxic exposure legislation was first introduced in June 2021 after years of pressure from veterans’ rights advocacy groups. On August 2, 2022, the PACT Act was passed by the Senate, despite some opposition from the Republican party. For several days before the passing of the act, veterans and ..read more

Did you know that in August 2021, about 27 percent of veterans in the U.S. had a service-connected disability? If you fall into this category, you may be eligible for disability compensation. This is designed to provide income support so you can lead a normal life. However, VA benefits have become extremely complicated in recent years. If you are applying or planning to apply for the benefits, consider hiring a lawyer. In addition, you may want to familiarize yourself with a few basics, including the VA Individual Unemployability timeline. Here’s what to know. WHAT IS VA INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABI ..read more

There are a number of benefits available for the spouse and unmarried dependent children of deceased veterans. An experienced VA disability attorney can help you understand if you qualify for these VA survivor benefits, how long they last, and can even provide services to help you access the benefits you are eligible to receive. What Benefits are Available for VA Survivors? There are several benefits available for survivors, not the least of which is the survivors pension. Here is a look at some of the benefits available for the survivors of wartime veterans. Survivors Pension Spouses and chil ..read more

Many veterans wonder, “How long do VA disability payments last?” This is an important question if you receive these benefits or plan to apply for them. The VA does not place an arbitrary time limit on disability benefits. Veterans can continue to receive this compensation for as long as they meet the eligibility requirements, whether that’s for several months or a lifetime. How long do VA disability payments last? Learn about eligibility requirements Veterans qualify for VA disability benefits if: Their service caused them to develop an illness or injury; or Caused an existing condition to wo ..read more

After finally receiving your VA disability benefits, you may worry that the VA will ultimately attempt to reduce your compensation. Fortunately, there are protections in place that may allow you to keep your current disability rating. The VA Disability 5 Year Rule could allow you to maintain your benefits indefinitely. If you have received a reexamination notice from the VA or you are getting close to the five-year mark of when your disability rating was given, a VA disability attorney can help you understand the impact of this rule. What Is the VA Disability 5 Year Rule? The VA Disability 5 Y ..read more

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently published a series of proposed changes to the VA rating schedule. The VA proposed rating schedule changes are intended to ensure that veterans are accurately compensated for their disability. As treatment protocols and medical science advance, the VA feels it is time to ensure that veteran payments reflect this. The most recent proposed VA rating schedule changes affect mental health, sleep apnea, tinnitus, and respiratory disorders (such as COPD or asthma). Details of the Proposed Changes Mental health The changes for mental health would se ..read more

After gathering your medical records and evidence and completing your application, the period between filing your initial claim for benefits and receiving a determination from the VA can seem unbearably long. Managing that disability claim on your own may be incredibly frustrating—and you may have more than enough already on your plate. Fortunately, it is possible to check your VA disability claim status online. Read on to learn how to check your VA disability claim status, what each status means, and what to do if you receive a benefits claim denial. How to Check Your VA Disability Claim Stat ..read more

If you were denied benefits or disagree with your current disability rating, you need to know all you can about winning a VA appeal. At VetLaw, we help veterans pursue the benefits that they’re entitled to. We can help you cut through the red tape and ever-changing regulations. Some of the most common reasons for a denial of your disability claim are missing information and the failure to establish service connection. Whatever reason the VA gave you, we can help. Contact us for a free case review. Can a Lawyer Increase My Chances of Winning a VA Appeal? Yes. Keep in mind that no law firm can g ..read more

In spite of vowing that they will do better, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to struggle with how to process military sexual assault claims. In fact, a 2018 VA Inspector General’s report found that the VA had improperly processed about 49 percent of its denied claims for military sexual trauma. Since then, that number has jumped to 57 percent. If you are seeking benefits for military sexual trauma (MST) or your MST claim has been denied, our experienced attorneys can provide services aimed at helping you to obtain the benefits and back pay that you deserve. Why Military Sexua ..read more

The VA disability compensation rates are set to increase for 2022. If you’re a veteran, this will have an impact on your monthly benefits. It’s important to understand the new rates so that you know what to expect, beginning with the payment you will receive at the end of December 2021. As a reminder, VA pays benefits in arrears (at the end of each month), so your December 2021 payment will be deposited either on or near the last day of that month.  Disability benefits are offered to veterans who have a service-connected injury. The amount of the veteran’s disability compensation depends ..read more