What is Gulf War Illness (Also Known As Gulf War Syndrome)? Gulf War Illness (also known as Gulf War Syndrome) is a collective term for a set of symptoms primarily experienced by veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. While it does not fall under a conventional medical diagnosis, the variety, severity, and persistence of these symptoms have led to the recognition of this syndrome. This acknowledgment is a crucial step towards getting veterans the appropriate disability benefits they’re entitled to, aiding in their journey towards recovering or managing their health. The Gulf War was a conflict w ..read more

On August 23, 2017, the Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Pub L. 115-55) was enacted, often referred to as the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). For a complete understanding, you can explore the legislation on Congress.gov. This groundbreaking law: Revamps the claims and appeals procedure Offers three distinct decision review choices for disagreements regarding benefits decisions Mandates enhanced communication on VA decisions Facilitates swifter claim resolutions Guarantees the earliest possible effective date Appeal Review Options All VA rating decisions must be app ..read more

The VA uses an effective date to determine the start of a veteran’s disability benefit payment for a claim, typically the date of their initial or increased compensation application. However, this date may not be the earliest, and there may be various arguments for a different effective date. It’s important for a veteran to pay attention to the effective date when they’re awarded VA disability benefits. This is because the compensation they receive depends on this date. To get more retroactive compensation, it’s best to try to secure the earliest possible effective date. New and Material Evide ..read more

The PACT Act broadens the scope of VA healthcare and benefits for Veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other harmful substances. By extending the list of medical conditions presumed to be caused by such exposures, the PACT Act amplifies the support and care accessible for affected Veterans and their survivors. Gulf War and post 9/11 Veterans Burn pit and toxic exposure presumptive conditions These illnesses are now presumptive conditions: Asthma that was diagnosed after service Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic rhinitis Chronic s ..read more

Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances including burn pits and other airborne hazards may soon be eligible for disability compensation. Exposure to Toxic Substances The VA is now processing claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis for Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances including burn pits and other airborne hazards who were diagnosed with the condition(s) within 10 years of the following qualifying service: • Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present, or • The Southwest Asia theater of operations from ..read more

Migraine Headaches, or migraines, are a painful type of headache with one or more of the following symptoms: Nausea Vomiting Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to sound Changes in vision (such as scotoma, flashes of light, tunnel vision) Sensory changes (such as feeling of pins and needles in extremities) Oftentimes, migraine headaches can be so painful that they cause “prostrating attacks.” This type of attack results in the person being forced to lay down until the pain subsides and the sufferer usually must also rest in a dark and quiet room. The frequency of these headaches varies anywher ..read more

The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act allows Veterans and their representatives to appear at BVA virtual hearings via videoconference from locations other than a VA regional office. The BVA virtual hearing option is available to any Veteran who can access a WiFi connection from a personal computer or mobile device. That’s right, you can even appear in a hearing through your cell phone or tablet! No more travel to the VA regional office is needed. Instead of getting up early and waiting in line at your local VA office you can now join the hearing right from the comfort of your own home. What c ..read more

The VA discontinued public facing DBQ (Disability Benefit Questionnaire) forms online. We believe this to be a great disservice to all Veterans. Why rely on an inadequate C&P exam for your disability claim? Download your own DBQ form(s) now for your private doctor to complete. If you are not satisfied with the decision on your claim(s), contact us immediately to appeal and protect your rights! Cardiovascular 21-0960A-2 Artery and Vein Conditions (Vascular Diseases including Varicose Veins) 21-0960A-3 Hypertension 21-0960A-4 Heart Conditions (including IHD, Non-IHD, Arrhythmias, Valvular D ..read more

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals Eligibility (Surviving Spouse) To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse must meet the requirements below. The surviving spouse was: Married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR Validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957, OR Married the V ..read more

On August 23, 2017, the Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Pub L. 115-55) was enacted, often referred to as the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). For a complete understanding, you can explore the legislation on Congress.gov. This groundbreaking law: Revamps the claims and appeals procedure Offers three distinct decision review choices for disagreements regarding benefits decisions Mandates enhanced communication on VA decisions Facilitates swifter claim resolutions Guarantees the earliest possible effective date Appeal Review Options All VA rating decisions must be app ..read more