On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team discusses Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for mental health. In a mental health C&P exam, the examiner will evaluate how the veteran’s mental health condition affects their daily life. Tune in to learn about VA’s mental health rating formula, what a C&P examiner will ask a veteran about their condition, tips for attending the exams, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: ...
Sep 27, 2021•19 min
Adjustment disorder occurs when a person has great difficulty coping with a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss, or event. Often, it involves symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive worrying, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness. Tune in as the CCK team discusses how to establish service connection, how VA rates adjustment disorder, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL ...
Sep 20, 2021•19 min
Migraines are a form of intense headache that can last for many hours and are very common among veterans. Join the CCK team as we discuss common secondary conditions to migraines and how VA rates these conditions. From possible symptoms and causes of migraines to tips on how to file a claim for secondary service connection, we will review it all! 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 Instag...
Sep 13, 2021•13 min
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the night. Tune in to hear the CCK team discuss VA ratings for sleep apnea and how to win a sleep apnea VA claim. From common symptoms of sleep apnea to tips on proving service connection, we will review it all. Join us to catch all the details! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit....
Sep 06, 2021•19 min
On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is diving into the topic of nexus letters. A nexus letter is a document that connects a veteran’s in-service event to their current disabling condition. Tune in as we discuss what a strong nexus letter should include, how to find a competent and qualified doctor, how much a nexus letter should cost, and more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bi...
Aug 30, 2021•17 min
PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur following a distressing, shocking, or traumatic experience. Common among veterans, PTSD often leads to secondary disabilities, including sleep apnea, migraines, depression and anxiety, high blood pressure, and more. Join the CCK team as we discuss common secondary conditions to PTSD and their VA ratings. Tune in today to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Fac...
Aug 23, 2021•12 min
On this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team breaks down everything to do with non-compensable VA ratings. VA assigns non-compensable ratings to veterans who have a service-connected condition but do not experience any symptoms, or to veterans who experience symptoms not severe enough to warrant a higher rating. Tune in to learn why 0 percent ratings are still important, what VA benefits are offered, and more. Don’t miss out on this important update! For more information, visit...
Aug 09, 2021•13 min
Tune in to hear the CCK team discuss VA benefits for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis is a response to breathing in specific allergens, while chronic sinusitis occurs when sinuses remain swollen and inflamed for three months or longer. From ways to prove service connection to possible VA ratings, we will review it all. Join us to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http:/...
Aug 02, 2021•14 min
TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability, allows veterans who are unable to work due to their severe PTSD to receive VA compensation at the 100 percent level. Check out this week’s episode to hear the CCK team break down how to win TDIU benefits for PTSD. We will cover the requirements for schedular and extraschedular TDIU, the importance of vocational opinions, and more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.l...
Jul 26, 2021•24 min
Listen to this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown to learn all about VA claims files, also known as C-files. A C-file is a collection of records relevant to a veteran’s disability claim, which VA stores on a compact disc. Join the CCK team as we go through all the documents that may be included in your C-file and how to get a copy. Don’t miss out – tune in today! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http...
Jul 19, 2021•10 min
Join the CCK team as we discuss everything to do with 0 percent non-compensable VA ratings. VA assigns veterans a 0 percent rating when they are not experiencing symptoms related to their service-connected condition or when their symptoms are not severe enough. Tune in to learn about why a 0 percent still matters, what benefits non-compensable veterans can qualify for, and more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Faceb...
Jul 12, 2021•13 min
On this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team breaks down everything to do with VA disability ratings for radiculopathy. From the three major types of radiculopathy—cervical, thoracic, and lumbar—to the different avenues to prove service connection—direct, secondary, and aggravation—we cover it all. Tune in to catch all the important details. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/...
Jul 05, 2021•18 min
Insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by persistent problems with falling and staying asleep, can have many negative effects on a person’s day-to-day life. Join the CCK team as we discuss the different types of insomnia, potential causes, how VA rates this condition, and what is needed to prove service connection. Check out this week’s episode to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.l...
Jun 28, 2021•33 min
Typically, VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected medical condition. The higher the rating, the greater the amount of monthly benefits. Join the CCK team as we go through four different ways to increase a VA disability rating and discuss what veterans need to know before they submit a claim. Tune in today to get all the important details! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL...
Jun 21, 2021•16 min
Sleep apnea and hypertension are two common conditions among veterans. They are also usually connected, as sleep apnea can often cause hypertension to develop. The CCK team is explaining the relationship between these two conditions and discussing the ways in which afflicted veterans can seek service connection. Join us to catch all the details! 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 Instagr...
Jun 14, 2021•16 min
Join the CCK team as we review VA’s proposed budget for the 2022 year. VA is seeking an $8.5 billion increase to its current budget (8.2% increase) as part of the President’s 2022 budget plan. If approved by Congress, this would give VA a $113.1 billion total budget for 2022. We will break down the ways VA plans to spend this money, including expanding research and increasing suicide prevention efforts. Tune in to hear more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on soc...
Jun 07, 2021•10 min
An effective date is the date that a benefit became effective, or the start date for VA disability payments. In general, the earlier the effective date, the more retroactive benefits VA must pay to the veteran. On this episode, the CCK team will explain how effective dates work and how an earlier date can benefit a veteran. We will also share six different ways veterans can argue for an earlier effective date. Don’t miss out – listen today! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com ...
May 31, 2021•20 min
On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is breaking down the process for veterans who want to appeal a decision from VA at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We will explain the differences between the three dockets within the appeal lane—the direct review docket, evidence docket, and hearing docket—and discuss why a veteran might choose one over another. In addition, we will review the process for switching between the dockets. Tune in to catch all this and more! For more informati...
May 24, 2021•19 min
Skin conditions are incredibly common among veterans, especially those who were exposed to chemical or environmental hazards during their military service. These conditions range from psoriasis to skin cancer to scars, all of which may be eligible for service connection on a direct or secondary basis. Join the CCK team as we break down the ways VA rates skin conditions, offer advice on how to avoid pyramiding, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social m...
May 17, 2021•16 min
Tune in to catch CCK attorneys Christian McTarnaghan, Kayla D’Onofrio, and Brandon Paiva discussing the most common secondary conditions to back pain. We will review common types of back conditions veterans experience and explain how they can often lead to secondary conditions. In addition to breaking down common secondary conditions, such as radiculopathy and sleep disorders, we will also explain how to file a claim for secondary service connection. Join us to learn more! For more information, ...
May 10, 2021•25 min
On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the team at CCK is breaking down the recently proposed burn pit bills in both the House and the Senate. Join us as we review the history of burn pits and their impact on veterans’ health. We will explore each of the pending bills and compare their goals. We will also explain how any of these bills, if passed, would offer much needed relief to veterans suffering the toxic effects of burn pit exposure. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.co...
May 03, 2021•20 min
Tune in to this week’s episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown to hear the CCK team give an in-depth breakdown of the new appeals system under the Appeals Modernization Act. We will discuss the various issues within the AMA system, including the mailing backlog at the Board and the C&P exam delay. In addition, we will address inconsistencies throughout the AMA, and offer advice as to how veterans can better navigate this new appeals process. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com F...
Apr 26, 2021•40 min
Recently, VA introduced five new forms to be used in lieu of VA Form 21-4138: Statement in Support of Claim. Form 21-4138, sometimes known as a “buddy statement,” is a VA form that veterans, their families, and other service members can use to provide information to corroborate a claim for benefits. The CCK team will explain why this form is being replaced, how the new forms will benefit veterans, and more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube...
Apr 19, 2021•15 min
Join the CCK team as they explain the do’s and don’ts of TDIU claims on this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown. We will discuss some of the most common mistakes veterans make when filing claims for TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability. We will offer our tips for avoiding these pitfalls, and more. Join us to catch all the details! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFB...
Apr 12, 2021•23 min
The President recently signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. It is a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package will provide economic relief to hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Importantly, the ARP Act includes $17 billion for VA to ensure veterans have continued access to health care, assistance programs, and other protections against COVID-19. Tune in to hear the CCK team break down the ways in which these funds will benefit the veteran community. For more i...
Apr 05, 2021•11 min
On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, we are diving into the subject of proposed rating reductions. The CCK team will discuss why VA might reduce a veteran’s disability rating, how the process works, and rules VA must follow. We will also review which types of ratings are protected and offer tips for veterans to fight proposed rating reductions. 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 In...
Mar 29, 2021•23 min
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is experiencing a massive delay, due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is diving into the details of the backlog, how it came to be, and what veterans can do if they are waiting in the hearing queue. We will also offer our thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of requesting a Board hearing. Tune in to find out more information! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow ...
Mar 22, 2021•19 min
The National Defense Authorization Act is a policy and spending bill for the Defense Department that passes through Congress every year. The passage of the NDAA means a series of improvements to pay and benefits for servicemembers, retirees, veterans, and military families. Among these changes are healthcare updates focused on women veterans, expanded medical research for common conditions, new conditions added to the Agent Orange presumptive list, military pay raises, DBQ updates, and more. For...
Mar 15, 2021•21 min
Accrued benefits and substitution are two types of benefits offered by VA to eligible veterans or their dependents. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team explains what these benefits are and who is eligible to receive them based on VA’s requirements. We will discuss which form(s) to use when applying, when benefits will be awarded, 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/...
Mar 08, 2021•12 min
Wondering whether the Fully Developed Claims program is for you? Join the CCK team as we explain how the FDC program works, and why veterans might opt to file a fully developed claim. We will discuss the differences between fully developed claims and the standard claims process and answer common questions we receive from veterans. Tune in to learn 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...
Mar 01, 2021•14 min
