Veterans Legal Lowdown: VA Benefits Explained - podcast cover

Veterans Legal Lowdown: VA Benefits Explained

Veterans Legal Lowdown is a podcast created by Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, a law firm representing veterans nationwide on their VA disability claims. In each episode, our legal team breaks down a veterans law topic--from Burn Pits to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and VA claim hacks to the latest VA news. This is CCK On Air.
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Episodes

CCK Live: Why Do VA Raters Reduce Veterans Disability Ratings?

Veterans who have a disability rating that is reduced by VA may wonder why it happened. Join us as we discuss the most common reasons why VA reduces ratings and how you can respond. We will talk about new evidence, re-examinations, staged ratings, temporary total ratings, and others. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit....

Jun 23, 20255 min

CCK Live: What Are the VA Benefits Available for Veterans Rated 90% Disabled?

A 90% rating provides access to many top VA benefits, but not all of them are available to 100% disabled veterans. In this episode, CCK Law’s accredited advocates break down the 2024 compensation benefits and appeal options for veterans with a 90% VA disability rating. We discuss monthly compensation, additional benefits for dependents, healthcare, vocational readiness, state-sponsored benefits, and others. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jun 16, 20258 min

CCK Live: What Your VA Disability Letters Mean - VA Decision Letters Explained

Veterans who file a disability claim with VA may receive different letters about their cases. These letters contain key details concerning the veteran’s claim and the next steps in the VA disability benefits process. In this episode, CCK Law discusses the most common types of VA letters and what to expect from each. We will talk about VA development letters, rating decision letters, notification letters, and others. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law...

Jun 09, 20255 min

CCK Live: Florida State Veterans Benefits

Florida provides extensive support for its veteran population. From housing and financial benefits to employment and recreational opportunities, veterans have access to several state-specific benefits. Join us as we discuss Florida’s programs for veterans, including housing benefits, financial benefits, tax breaks, vehicle benefits, burial benefits, and others. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jun 02, 20256 min

CCK Live: VA’s 5-, 10-, 20-, and 55-Year Rule - Is Your VA Rating Protected?

When veterans have a VA rating for a certain length of time, or they reach a certain age, their rating can be protected from reduction or re-evaluation at future C&P exams. Veterans should know about VA’s 5-year rule, 10-year rule, 20-year rule, and 55-year-rule. Each rule is designed to protect veterans from unjustly losing their VA benefits. Join us as we discuss protected VA ratings and what you can do if you face a rating reduction. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our ...

May 27, 20256 min

CCK Live: What to Expect at Your C&P Exam for Back Pain

The findings from a C&P exam play a significant role in determining a veteran’s disability rating. Veterans who have filed for disability due to back pain should understand what to expect at their compensation and pension (C&P) exam. In this episode, we discuss what happens during these exams and explain how veterans can effectively prepare before they arrive. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTu...

May 19, 20254 min

CCK Live: What Your VA Nexus Letter Should Include - “At Least as Likely As Not”

In this episode, CCK Law discusses why the phrase “at least as likely as not” is important in your nexus letter for a VA disability claim. We also discuss the role nexus letters play and how to create an effective one. A well-crafted nexus letter from a medical professional can significantly boost a veteran’s claim for benefits — especially when no service connection is presumed. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media:...

May 12, 20254 min

CCK Live: VA Mistake? Fighting Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) in VA Claims

CUE claims allow veterans to receive VA disability back pay to their original effective date, even if the deadlines to appeal have passed. CUE claims can help reverse incorrect VA decisions. In this episode, we discuss the steps to file a successful CUE claim — from identifying undeniable errors in VA decisions to understanding the strict requirements that could prevent a second chance at filing. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us...

May 05, 20254 min

CCK Live: Range of Motion Measurements at VA C&P Exam - What to Expect

Range of motion measures a joint’s full movement potential and is pivotal in how the VA evaluates and rates musculoskeletal conditions. In this episode, we dive into why understanding range of motion if important when filing VA disability claims or appeals for joint or spine conditions. Join us as we discuss musculoskeletal VA ratings, what the range of motion measurement is at a VA C&P exam, how the range of motion impacts your VA rating, and the next steps veterans should take if their VA ...

Apr 28, 20253 min

CCK Live: VA Math - How Does VA Combine Your Disability Rating?

A combined VA disability rating is granted to those veterans filing VA claims for multiple service-connected disabilities. In this episode, we discuss “VA math.” This is the system VA uses to determine a single combined rating when a veteran has multiple disabilities. We’ll discuss the fundamentals of VA math, the calculation process, and why VA doesn’t just add individual disability ratings. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ...

Apr 14, 20255 min

CCK Live: Is Your VA Disability Rating Static? Protections for Your VA Rating

In this episode, we discuss what constitutes a static disability and how it protects your VA disability rating. We’ll talk about how to identify if VA recognizes your disability as static through terminology like “permanent” in your rating decision. Additionally, we will talk about the circumstances under which VA may re-evaluate a static disability, including new claims for increased ratings. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on...

Apr 07, 20255 min

CCK Live: VA Development Letter vs. Decision Letter - What Veterans Need to Know

Veterans receive countless VA letters and correspondence, which can be overwhelming. In this episode, CCK Law breaks down the differences between a VA development letter versus a decision letter. We’ll also talk about how to respond to a VA claim notification letter, how to understand the contents of your decision letter, and the next steps veterans can take once receiving a VA decision letter. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us o...

Mar 31, 20254 min

CCK Live: Turning Your 60% VA Disability Rating Into 100% — Here’s How

Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating may be eligible for compensation at the 100% rate. In this episode, CCK Law explores three ways a 60% VA disability rating can increaser to 100 percent. Join us as we discuss filing a new claim for secondary service connection, supplemental VA claims or appeals, TDIU, and more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Mar 24, 20254 min

CCK Live: Understanding the Laws About VA Claims Consultants - Veterans Benefits

In this episode, we examine the legal landscape of the unaccredited claims consulting industry in veterans' benefits. We break down the regulations governing accredited agents and attorneys, the growing presence of unaccredited consultants, the potential risks for veterans seeking assistance, and more. Tune in to learn about the laws surrounding VA claims consultants. For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:...

Mar 17, 20256 min

CCK Live: 100% VA Disability Rating and Working - When Disabled Veterans Can Work

Some veterans with a 100% VA disability rating may wonder if they can still work. Whether you have a schedular 100% rating, a 100% permanent and total (P&T) rating, or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), we discuss the details and limitations surrounding employment. In this episode, we also talk about the circumstances under which veterans with TDIU can work. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on socia...

Mar 10, 20255 min

CCK Live: Incarceration and the Impact on VA Benefits - The Fugitive Felon Act

How does a fugitive felon status or incarceration impact a veteran’s VA benefits? In this episode, CCK Law breaks down VA’s definition of a fugitive felon, the consequences of outstanding felony warrants, and the steps veterans need to resolve this status. We also discuss how incarceration can affect VA benefits, including reductions in payment and family apportionment options. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠...

Mar 03, 20254 min

CCK Live: Making Your VA Claim Move Faster - How to Expedite Veterans Benefits

Many veterans struggle with the slow VA claims process. In this episode, CCK Law discusses how veterans can expedite their VA claims. We also offer some tips to help veterans avoid delays—even if they don’t qualify for expedited status. There are seven ways veterans can qualify for expedited processing, and we get into the specific of each. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit....

Feb 24, 20256 min

CCK Live: Why VA Takes Away 100% TDIU Ratings: Veterans Benefits

In this episode, learn about the most common reasons disabled veterans lose their 100% TDIU VA ratings and what they can do to avoid this happening. We’ll discuss situations where veterans can continue working despite having a TDIU rating and situations where they cannot. Additionally, we talk about the steps veterans can take when VA proposes to reduce a rating. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Feb 18, 20255 min

CCK Live: Artillery Blasts & TBIs: What Veterans Need to Know

A New York Times investigation revealed that veterans who served in artillery units in 2016 are now dealing with unforeseen health issues. These issues include insomnia, chronic confusion, and others. In this episode, we discuss what veterans need to know about artillery blasts and related issues, such as TBIs. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook...

Feb 10, 20254 min

CCK Live: Need a Nexus Letter for a Sleep Apnea VA Claim? Here’s How to Get One

When filing a VA claim for sleep apnea, veterans will need a nexus connecting the condition to an event in service. This can come in the form of a nexus letter, which is a written opinion from a competent medical professional detailing that your disability is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military service. In this episode, we’ll discuss the steps veterans should take to secure a nexus letter for sleep apnea. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Feb 03, 20254 min

CCK Live: Exposed to AFFF or PFAS? We Explain These VA Disability Claims

There are over 455 military bases with confirmed contamination from AFFF, or “aqueous film forming foam.” Veterans who served at these locations might face health risks, including exposure to PFAS, or forever chemicals. In this episode, we explore how this exposure affects eligibility for VA disability benefits. We also talk about the current need for individual service connection proof. Additionally, listeners will learn about a nationwide class action lawsuit and legislative efforts aimed at p...

Jan 21, 20256 min

CCK Live: Lifetime VA Benefits - Do Veterans Get Benefits for Life?

In this episode, we discuss if VA benefits last for a lifetime or if they can change. Learn how and when VA might reduce or take away disability benefits. We talk about process the process behind reexaminations (C&P exams), and how they could lead to changes in the disability rating. We also discuss the VA 5-, 10-, and 20-year rules, and more. For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ...

Jan 13, 20253 min

CCK Live: Top Reasons VA Claims Get Delayed and How to Speed Them Up

In this episode, we discuss why the VA process disability claims and appeals takes so long. We discuss the top reasons behind these VA claim delays. We also share some tips on how veterans can speed up their claims. This can include avoiding simple mistakes like missing deadlines to bigger issues on VA’s side, like backlogs. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ...

Jan 07, 20255 min

CCK Live: The VA 70/40 Rule for a 100% Disability Rating

In this episode, we discuss the VA 70/40 Rule. We’ll discuss how having a combined rating of at least 70%, with at least one of the conditions rated 40% or higher, can help veterans get a 100% VA disability rating through TDIU. We will discuss the 70/40 rule, how much veterans can expect to receive under a 100% rating, and what happens if a veteran doesn’t meet the 70/40 rule criteria. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social m...

Dec 16, 20243 min

CCK Live: Breaking Down Garnishment: Is Your VA Disability Pay Protected?

Can VA disability benefits be garnished? In this episode, we discuss what protections exist for VA disability benefits and the circumstances that could lead to garnishment. Although VA benefits are typically protected from garnishment, there is an exception for veterans with military retirement pay. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠...

Dec 10, 20243 min

CCK Live: A Veterans Guide in Support of Claim (Lay Statement)

In this episode, we discuss lay evidence in veterans’ VA Claims. Specifically, we touch on tips surrounding lay statements, also called “lay evidence,” “buddy letters,” or “statement in support of claim.” Understanding these pieces of evidence will help veterans effectively utilize lay evidence in support of their claim. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Dec 02, 20245 min

CCK Live: What Happens When VA Is Gathering Evidence in the VA Claim Process?

In this episode, we discuss the evidence-gathering stage of the VA claim process. We will talk about what happens during the evidence-gathering phase, explain VA’s duty to assist, evidence veterans can submit to support their case, and what happens after this phase. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKFBL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠...

Nov 25, 20242 min

CCK Live: Is It Possible to Win a VA Claim Without Medical Evidence?

In this episode, we discuss some situations where medical evidence may not be necessary when proving a VA claim. We talk about evidence—such as buddy letters or notes from your current doctor—that can help fill the gap left by missing service records. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKFBL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠...

Nov 19, 20247 min

CCK Live: What Does VA Claim Under Review Mean? VA Claim Status

What idoes it mean when your VA disability claim is listed as "under review?" If you’ve checked your VA claim status and seen this, it’s one of the first steps in the process. We’ll explain how the VA assigns your claim to a Veteran Service Representative (VSR) who evaluates your case and what to expect in terms of wait times. Additionally, we’ll guide you through how to check your claim’s status, available appeal options if you disagree with the VA’s decision, and the benefits of working with a...

Nov 13, 20243 min

CCK Live: Can You Prove VA Disability Without Service Treatment Records?

In this episode, we discuss how veteran can prove their VA disability claims when their service treatment records are missing. The absence of medical evidence from service time poses an obstacle for veterans, but it doesn’t mean they still can’t secure their benefits. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKFBL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠...

Nov 04, 20243 min
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