A Nexus Letter is essential in the VA disability claims process, often serving as the crucial evidence to prove service connection for a veteran’s condition. It acts as a bridge connecting a veteran’s current medical issues to their military service or another service-connected condition, especially for secondary conditions ..read more

Were you injured while in the military?  Or did your time in the military make a previous injury worse or cause a condition to develop over time?  If this describes you, then keep reading because you might have a service-connected disability, which makes you eligible for VA disability ..read more

If you’re a veteran suffering from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggling with daily activities, you may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at the R1 level. This additional benefit is specifically designed for veterans who require regular aid and attendance due to their service-connected disabilities. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of qualifying for SMC R1 for PTSD, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and important considerations. Let’s begin! Table of Contents Summary of Key Points What is SMC R1? SMC R1 vs SMC R2/T T ..read more

The 2025 VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) rates are projected to increase by 2.7%, effective December 1, 2024, with payments starting on January 1, 2025. These updated rates provide additional compensation to veterans with specific disabilities or combinations of disabilities that warrant extra support. Below, you can find the estimated 2025 VA SMC rates with dependents. Table of Contents 2025 VA Special Monthly Compensation Pay Chart What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)? Is There SMC Pay for Dependents? About the Author Brian Reese 2025 VA Special Monthly Compensation Pay Cha ..read more

Calling all veterans with 50% VA disability or higher!  Are you 100% certain you’re taking advantage of all the best 50% disabled veteran benefits? If that question makes you second-guess yourself, check out this list.   Below you’ll find some great 50% disabled veteran benefits you have access to. A few you may already know about, but some you may not.  What Does 50% VA disability get you? Check out our 5 Best 50% Disabled Veteran Benefits below! Table of Contents Five of the Best 50% Disabled Veteran Benefits #1: State Property Tax Exemption #2: Tax-Free Monthly Compensa ..read more

When will my monthly 2025 VA disability compensation payment hit my bank account? For all VA disability compensation benefits, payments are made on the first business day of the following month. However, if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, VA benefits are paid on the last business day before the first. For example, your February 2025 VA disability compensation payment will be made on February 3, 2025, since February 1, 2025, is a Saturday. To make life easier for you, I’ve put together a free 2025 VA pay dates calendar. This tool will help disabled veterans, surviving ..read more

The latest estimate for the 2025 Social Security COLA increase is 2.7%. This adjustment for seniors will take effect on December 1, 2024, with payments beginning on January 1, 2025. Our recent prediction for the 2025 COLA has been slightly reduced due to a lower-than-expected June 2024 CPI report, indicating a continued easing of inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy. If the trend of slowing inflation persists, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 could be lower than the current 2.7% projection. Table of Contents Summary of Key Points What are the Experts Saying About the Social ..read more

THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION’S (SSA) 2025 COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) INCREASE IS PROJECTED AT 2.7%. 2025 VA disability rates are based on the SSA’s 2025 COLA, which is currently estimated at 2.7%. The 2025 VA pay rates are effective December 1, 2024, payable starting January 1, 2025. Table of Contents 2025 VA DISABILITY RATES WITHOUT CHILDREN 2025 VA DISABILITY RATES WITH CHILDREN Is VA Disability Pay Tax Free? How Does the VA Determine My Rating Percentage? How Do I Get Help From a VA-Accredited Representative? How Do I Increase My VA Rating? YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE. We Got Your ..read more

Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic that affects many of our brave servicemen and women—Agent Orange exposure and its profound impact on your health and well-being. If you’re here, it’s likely that you or a loved one has been exposed to this potent herbicide and defoliant chemical, widely used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Understanding the nature of Agent Orange, why it was used, and the long-term health effects it causes is essential in securing the presumptive VA disability benefits you’ve rightfully earned. Let’s go! Table of Contents What is Agent Orange? Purpose and ..read more

Welcome to the 2024 update of The Complete VA Disability Codes List From A-Z! We’ve compiled a detailed list of over 1,100 VA disability codes used for rating purposes in the VA disability compensation system, all organized alphabetically by condition name for your convenience. Note: This list includes not only the standard disability codes but also analogous and equivalent codes that may not be listed in CFR Title 38, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Sources: VA Claims Insider, Military Disability Made Easy, CFR Title 38, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, M21-1: Adjud ..read more