VA Made Easy

Edward Farmer•vaclaimsmadeeasy.podbean.com

Ed Farmer, a disabled combat veteran and VA disability appeals attorney breaks down the VA system, helping you get a good result with your VA claim.

Last refreshed: May 12th, 2026 at 5:14 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The Importance of Knowing Your Effective Date

In today's episode, Ed discusses the importance of knowing your effective date when filing a claim and the most common errors that can occur. He explains how to locate your effective date and how frequently individuals miss out on back payments when their effective date is incorrect. Additionally, he provides guidance on what steps you can take to rectify the situation and what forms to fill out. Forms mentioned: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-0966/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.b...

Dec 08, 2023•12 min•Ep. 17

5 Critical Reasons to Avoid Non-Accredited Reps for Your VA Claims

Welcome back to VA Made Easy! In today's episode, Ed discusses the importance of using only accredited representatives for your VA claims. He highlights five reasons why using unaccredited representatives should be avoided, including the legal ramifications, illegal charging of veterans, non-adherence to VA standards, poor quality of service, and lack of resources available to unaccredited representatives. Ed also offers valuable advice on what to look for in your representative and how to use h...

Dec 01, 2023•8 min•Ep. 16

Case Study: VA Exams Gone Wild!

In today's episode, Ed walks through a case study that is a good example of when you can skip your VA-appointed exam when they are likely looking to deny your claim based on negative evidence. He uses his experience when the VA requests multiple exams for one case and the outcomes. He walks through the positives and negatives of going to an exam and provides resources to help along the way. Forms mentioned: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-20-0995-ARE.pdf Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/...

Nov 24, 2023•9 min•Ep. 15

How to Use Buddy Statements to Win your VA Claim

In this episode, Ed stresses the importance of Buddy Statements in case the VA denies your claim. He provides a few examples where Buddy Statements have been successful and points out the crucial components that make a Buddy Statement effective. Furthermore, he offers several resources in the video to assist you in preparing a strong Buddy Statement. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mqUbXmlyfqc Forms mentioned: VA Witness statement - https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-102...

Nov 14, 2023•11 min•Ep. 14

Five Ways to Fight the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Denial

Has the Board of Veterans Appeals denied your appeal? Don't give up. In this episode, Ed guides you through five options to consider when the VA denies your appeal. Ed not only breaks down these options but also offers valuable links to resources throughout the video. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7yD1ISkYR88 VA forms mentioned: To provide new evidence after denial use Form 20-0995 https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-20-0995-are.pdf Extra resources mentioned: Notice of Appeal...

Nov 07, 2023•13 min•Ep. 13

How to Prevent the VA from Developing Negative Evidence to Deny Your Claim

Have you been denied a claim due to negative evidence or a request for a third exam? In this episode, Ed discusses some helpful tips to prevent this from happening and how you can fight against negative evidence. Additionally, he provides various resources that can assist you in the process. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DT5krqAvcDk www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov - M21-1 https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-0996/ - Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review https://www.knowva.e...

Oct 31, 2023•7 min•Ep. 12

Getting Separate Ratings for Mental Health Conditions: Is It Worth It?

Veterans will commonly have diagnosis for more than one mental health condition. VA benefits for these conditions can be filed for separately or together. Ed discusses the issues with separating these conditions and one exception when separation is actually advisable. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jugvju5MHoQ If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoff...

Oct 24, 2023•5 min•Ep. 11

How to Become Qualified for Benefits with an Other Than Honorable Discharge

You got an Other than Honorable discharge and the VA says you don't qualify for benefits? In this episode, Ed breaks down the myths behind OTH and how to fight back and become qualified. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-kw4IJyPqIM If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on a...

Oct 17, 2023•15 min•Ep. 10

4 Ways to Challenge the 0% Rating for Your Service-Connected Disability

Ed dives into the topic of 0% ratings in VA disability claims. Learn the three main benefits of 0%, and how to get the VA to re-evaluate your claim down the road. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_1nFtXxOplM VA Forms from this episode: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-10206/ If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com Disclaimer: The mat...

Oct 10, 2023•8 min•Ep. 9

How to Expedite Your VA Claim or Appeal: Options and Requirements Explained

Ed breaks down how to speed up your VA claim, both at the Regional Office and with the Board of Veterans' Affairs This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ajsBuLN2V4Y VA Forms from this video: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-10207/ If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and ...

Oct 03, 2023•9 min•Ep. 8

← Prev

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android