On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team delves into the topic of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Common among veterans, PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a distressing, shocking, or otherwise traumatic event known as a stressor. Join us as we explain VA’s rating system for PTSD and break down the criteria and symptoms that define each rating level. We will also discuss compensation amounts, TDIU and PTSD, and mor...
Feb 22, 2021•22 min
In December 2020, a settlement was preliminarily approved that could impact thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan Army veterans who were discharged less-than-Honorably due to behavior stemming from undiagnosed or unacknowledged conditions, including PSTD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. During this episode we will take a closer look at the history of the lawsuit. We will explain which veterans may be impacted and how, as well as discuss the next steps in the settlement process. F...
Feb 16, 2021•13 min
Join the CCK team as they explain some of the most common mistakes veterans make when filing for disability benefits with VA. We will explain the importance of filling out forms properly, including the appropriate evidence, not relying solely on your C&P exam, and much more. We will also share our tips for navigating the claims process and securing the highest possible compensation. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKY...
Feb 08, 2021•52 min
On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team dives into the topic of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a monthly benefit that VA awards to a surviving spouse or dependent child(ren) of a servicemember who died in action or from a service-connected condition. Join us as we explain the eligibility requirements for DIC, the application process, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media:...
Feb 01, 2021•21 min
Tune in to this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown to catch CCK Partner Brad Hennings and Attorney Nick Briggs discussing topic of chemical exposure at Fort McClellan. They explain the history of toxic herbicide agents at the fort, as well as VA’s inconsistent rulings on previous veterans’ disability claims. In addition, they will break down CCK’s recent court win for a client filing for benefits for exposure at Fort McClellan (McCray v. Wilkie). For more information, visit our website at ...
Jan 25, 2021•17 min
Three new conditions were recently added to VA’s list of presumptive conditions for Vietnam-era veterans affected by exposure to Agent Orange. This means that qualifying veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, or Parkinson’s-like symptoms will receive a grant of service connection from VA. Tune in as CCK Founding Partner Robert Chisholm and Managing Attorney Courtney Ross explain the addition of these conditions and their impact on veterans. For more information, visit our websit...
Jan 19, 2021•9 min
Join CCK Founding Partner Robert Chisholm and Managing Attorney Jenna Zellmer as they consider the recent delay in the mailing of decisions from the Board of Veterans Appeals. They will explain the 120-day period veterans have upon receiving their decision letter to appeal the Board’s decision, as well as how this period has been affected by the mailing delay. In addition, they will discuss next steps for veterans whose letters were delayed but who want to appeal their decisions. Tune in to catc...
Jan 11, 2021•6 min
On this episode of the Veterans Legal Lowdown, CCK attorneys Jenna Zellmer, Alyse Phillips, and Kevin Medeiros break down everything you need to know about VA disability benefits for neck pain. They will discuss common neck injuries among veterans, how VA determines service connection for these injuries, and how ratings are assigned. The CCK team will also explain related issues including TDIU and secondary service connection. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on s...
Jan 04, 2021•19 min
This year has brought about many changes which have impacted a wide range of people, including the veteran community. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team will break down the changes in laws, regulations, VA processes, and more. We will explain what will change for veterans, as well as what will remain the same. Join us for this 2020 year in review! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http:...
Dec 28, 2020•25 min
A VA buddy letter, also known as lay evidence or a lay statement, is a credible statement in support of a claim for VA disability benefits. Buddy letters can serve as valuable pieces of evidence for VA claims, and help VA to get a more detailed picture of the veteran’s condition. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team breaks down the components of a strong buddy letter, explains who can write one, and reviews the do’s and don’ts of VA buddy letters. Tune in to learn more! For mo...
Dec 14, 2020•24 min
Tune in to this week’s episode of The Veterans Legal Lowdown as the CCK team discusses VA disability benefits for secondary conditions to tinnitus. Join us as we explain the causes and symptoms of tinnitus, one of the most frequently claimed conditions among veterans, and discuss common secondary conditions that develop as a result of tinnitus. In addition, we will review the steps veterans must take to apply for secondary service connection for a tinnitus-related condition. For more information...
Dec 07, 2020•19 min
Tune in as the CCK team explains everything you need to know about Protected VA Disability Ratings. We will discuss what it means to have a rating that is protected and review the main types of protected ratings. In addition, we will answer questions regarding VA reexaminations, Permanent and Total Ratings, and what happens when your rating is not protected. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/C...
Nov 30, 2020•24 min
On this episode of The Veterans Legal Lowdown the CCK team discusses two important topics: DBQ access and the outsourcing of C&P Exams. Join us as we review the purpose of DBQ forms and explain why VA removed DBQ forms from their website. Additionally, we will discuss the effects of this decision now that VA has begun outsourcing all Compensation & Pension examinations. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebo...
Nov 23, 2020•14 min
Join the CCK team as we discuss the most common mistakes veterans make during their Compensation and Pension examinations. We will explain how these exams work and why they are important. In addition, we will offer advice and tips to help veterans achieve better outcomes during their C&P exams. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.l...
Nov 16, 2020•30 min
Join the CCK team as we discuss the US District Court of Northern California’s recent decision concerning Blue Water Navy Veterans. We review how Blue Water Navy Veterans, or those who served within 12 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, are entitled to a presumption of herbicide exposure, as well as how the Nehmer case is now being applied to this group of veterans. Our team will explain what this means for Blue Water Navy Veterans with both new and existing claims f...
Nov 09, 2020•7 min
There are several types of accredited representatives who can help veterans with their cases before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Many veterans benefit from the assistance of an accredited representative, but it can be difficult to find the right one. Tune in as we discuss the requirements for accreditation, how much a representative can legally charge, what questions to ask, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follo...
Nov 02, 2020•24 min
Tune in as the CCK team discusses the recent recall of Zantac by the FDA and the legal options for those affected. We will review how this drug is being linked to cancer, examining the specific substances that are considered harmful to humans and the types of cancers that may result. In addition, we will consider how the Zantac recall has impacted veterans, many of whom took the medication to manage chronic heartburn. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social med...
Oct 28, 2020•7 min
In this episode the CCK team sheds some light on the backlog of claims at the Board of Veteran’s Appeals. Looking at both Legacy and AMA appeals, we will review how the BVA processes appeals, explain the reasons behind wait times and delays at different points in the process, and more. We will also introduce our BVA Backlog Transparency Tool and discuss how it breaks down VA’s complicated and confusing data. View the BVA Backlog Transparency Tool here - https://cck-law.com/board-of-veterans-appe...
Oct 26, 2020•10 min
This episode of The Veterans Legal Lowdown covers VA disability claims for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). CCK’s Emma Peterson, Bethany Cook, and Kevin Medeiros discuss the common causes of TBIs in military service, how to file for service-connected compensation, the types of benefits available, important evidence to include with your claim, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL ...
Oct 19, 2020•18 min
Veterans with any disability rating (even 0%) can qualify for certain benefits aside from just disability compensation. Tune into this episode of the Veterans Legal Lowdown as CCK’s attorneys break down these benefits, their eligibility, and application processes. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL...
Oct 13, 2020•19 min
The Department of Veterans Affairs has processed over 30,000 Blue Water Navy claims, since eligibility opened in January 2020. Today, CCK Partner Robert Chisholm joins fellow attorneys in breaking down these statistics. Plus, we discuss a recent development related to the Nehmer class action, which could extend some Blue Water Veterans’ effective dates who have previously filed claims. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYT...
Oct 06, 2020•10 min
The Board of Veterans Appeals has hit a historic milestone in FY 2020 when it reached 100,000 decisions. CCK Partners break down the reasons for this increased productivity, whether we think BVA can sustain these results in the future, and whether this increase has led to reduced accuracy in decisions. Plus, CCK announces a new feature coming to our website soon breaking down key BVA metrics, giving Veterans a better idea of the Board’s backlog affecting wait times on appeals. For more informati...
Sep 28, 2020•10 min
Service-connected knee conditions are ailments Veterans suffer from all too often due to the strenuous nature of military service and potential injuries. During this week’s Veterans Legal Lowdown, learn common knee conditions Veterans experience, how they're rated, special Veterans Law considerations to be on the lookout for in your decisions, tips for your C&P exam, and helpful claim advice. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://b...
Sep 21, 2020•26 min
VA disability claims for Respiratory Conditions can get complicated. Join CCK's VA disability attorneys as we break down common service-connected respiratory conditions, how they're rated, their causes among all eras of Veterans, and how to build a strong claim for disabilities such as Sleep Apnea, Asthma, COPD, Bronchiolitis and more for VA disability compensation. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://...
Sep 14, 2020•34 min
A Total Disability rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows Veterans to receive disability compensation at the 100% rate if their disabilities prevent them from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The CCK team breaks down common misconceptions about TDIU ratings and reinforces important rules for Veterans to keep in mind during this edition of The Veterans Legal Lowdown. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouT...
Sep 08, 2020•24 min
In order to prove a service connection claim for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Veterans must first verify their stressor. Today’s discussion breaks down how to verify your stressor, whether combat-related or not, and the special rules VA must consider when adjudicating a claim for PTSD. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/C...
Aug 31, 2020•40 min
Women Veterans often face distinct challenges compared to their male peers during and after service. Join the CCK team as they discuss common conditions affecting women Veterans and how to navigate the VA disability system. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL...
Aug 24, 2020•38 min
Decades of water contamination at Camp Lejeune, NC left many Veterans and who served there and their family members seriously ill. Learn more about Camp Lejeune, and VA benefits for conditions caused by this exposure the CCK team. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL...
Aug 17, 2020•24 min
VA has provided further insight into the removal of public facing DBQs from its website, including whether it is feasible getting them back online. Additionally, VA has alluded to proposing legislation allowing them to exclude some evidence while adjudicating claims; something they cannot currently do due to the non-adversarial nature of the claims process. Learn more in today’s podcast. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCK...
Aug 10, 2020•18 min
Learn from the CCK team about VA’s proposed 2021 budget and the potential impact these changes could have on Veterans and the VA as a whole next year. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL...
Aug 03, 2020•39 min
