In this episode, we discuss the Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision goal for fiscal year 2023 and explain how this compares to previous years, including a breakdown of the additional funding the department has received in its budget. We review the Board’s productivity and the status of VA’s backlog, give budget insights, estimate cost per case, and provide you with an efficiency analysis. Tune in to this informative episode to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law....
Mar 18, 2024•5 min
A secondary service-connected disability is a disability that results from a condition that is already service-connected. Veterans must provide medical evidence linking their back pain to their already service-connected condition, or a nexus. Common conditions that can lead to secondary back disabilities include hip conditions, foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, knee conditions, and more. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us ...
Mar 11, 2024•3 min
Tune in for a discussion on establishing presumptive VA service connection for arthritis (meaning you do not need a nexus connecting the disability to service). Veterans can receive VA ratings for degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis and may be eligible for presumptive service connection. Under 38 CFR § 3.309, arthritis is characterized as a chronic disease eligible for presumptive service connection. Learn how to qualify in this informative episode! For more information, visit our website at ...
Mar 04, 2024•4 min
Confused by VA terms? You're not alone. Over the course of the VA benefits process, veterans will encounter many abbreviations that VA uses to describe key terms. From your initial VA claim to your decision letter, there may be unfamiliar terms. Join us as we break down common terminology such as C&P Exam, RO, CAVC, BVA, P&T, TDIU, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit.ly/CCKYTL...
Feb 26, 2024•10 min
Service members who are separating and plan to file for disability compensation can file their claim before separation through VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge program. The Benefits Delivery at Discharge, or BDD, program allows service members to apply for VA disability compensation benefits between 180 to 90 days prior to separation. Tune in to learn more about who is eligible and how to apply! Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook...
Feb 20, 2024•7 min
In this informative episode, learn which VA rating you may be eligible for if you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Veterans may receive service connection for peripheral neuropathy on a direct basis, by secondary service connection, or through presumptive service connection. It’s important to note that VA does not have a specific code for peripheral neuropathy and is often based on which nerves are involved. Tune in to learn more! Follow us on social media: YouTube - h...
Feb 05, 2024•5 min
Discover the Top 5 Letters Veterans Receive from VA. In this informative episode, we discuss the most frequent letters veterans and their families receive when seeking VA disability benefits, including requests for records, notice of improper form, C&P exam requests, Notice of Action letters, and dependency benefit notifications. Be sure to tune in to learn more! Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - https://bit.ly/CCK...
Jan 29, 2024•3 min
Tune in to this informative episode of CCK Live to learn about a case involving Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Traumatic Brain Injuries at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). SMC allows veterans to be compensated beyond the 100 percent VA disability rate, and one level of SMC exists exclusively for TBIs. In this case, CCK argued that VA regulations conflict with the statute enacting SMC (t) benefits and that VA has added extra legal requirements, making it more difficul...
Jan 22, 2024•10 min
In this episode, we are discussing five secondary service connection claims that could increase your VA disability rating. If a veteran files for and is granted service connection for more than one condition, each conditions receives its own VA rating. If you receive multiple ratings, they will be added together using VA math to form a combined disability rating, allowing veterans to reach a higher level of compensation. Tune in to this informative episode to learn more about 5 secondary claims ...
Jan 16, 2024•5 min
There are several types of VA benefits available to elderly veterans. Eligible elderly veterans could qualify for many VA benefits such as: VA pension, Aid and Attendance, Housebound, and geriatric care at VA healthcare facilities or community centers. Tune in to learn how to qualify for these VA benefits! Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - https://bit.ly/CCKINL...
Jan 08, 2024•4 min
Why does VA reduce veterans’ disability ratings? VA assigns disability ratings to ensure that each veteran is compensated for their current level of disability. If VA identifies evidence suggesting a condition has improved or anticipates that it will improve over time, VA will schedule an evaluation of the veteran’s condition and can potentially reduce their disability rating. Tune in to this episode of CCK Live to learn more about why VA might reduce your disability rating. Follow us on social ...
Jan 02, 2024•7 min
Learn what it means when your VA claim status reads as "Preparing for Decision" throughout the process of getting a decision on your VA claim. Is this stage a good sign for your VA claim? How long should veterans expect to wait from this stage? Plus, learn how to track your VA claim status. Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twit...
Dec 18, 2023•3 min
How should you prepare for a C&P exam? How much weight do C&P exams hold? What are tips for attending C&P exams? Can I bring someone with me? Join the CCK Team in this episode of CCK LIVE as we discuss common questions we hear about VA compensation and pension exams and provide valuable tips to know before attending. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook...
Dec 06, 2023•12 min
For some veterans, a 100% VA disability rating does not adequately capture the severity of their condition(s). In these cases, a veteran may receive Special Monthly Compensation, or SMC. SMC is awarded to veterans with service-connected conditions so debilitating they require a rating higher than 100%. There are different levels of Special Monthly Compensation depending on the nature of the disability, and the amount of compensation varies for each level. SMC(k) encompasses loss or loss of use o...
Nov 27, 2023•4 min
While VA offers benefits to eligible veterans across the country, each state also offers certain benefits for veterans residing in that state. Texas veterans may qualify for a range of veterans benefits, including housing and loan assistance, educational assistance through the Hazelwood Act, employment opportunities and preferences, recreational licenses, and more. Tune in to catch our virtual town hall on Texas state veterans benefits. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.co...
Nov 20, 2023•18 min
Veterans with a 100% VA disability rating are entitled to the highest amount of monthly compensation from VA. However, there are several other benefits veterans with a 100% rating can get, such as permanent and total (P&T) status, VA healthcare benefits, and state veterans benefits. Tune in to learn more about the 5 benefits you can get with a 100% VA rating. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - https://bit....
Nov 13, 2023•5 min
Compensation and pension, or C&P exams, are a typical part of the VA disability benefits process. C&P exams are weighed heavily by VA when determining if a veteran's condition is service connected and assigning a disability rating. As mental health conditions are common among veterans, VA conducts many C&P exams for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other related conditions. To learn more about C&P exams for depression, including how they work and what to expect, be sure to tune in!...
Nov 06, 2023•10 min
VA's presumption of soundness states that every veteran shall be taken to have been in sound condition when examined, accepted, and enrolled for service. In other words, veterans are presumed healthy upon entry into service unless otherwise noted. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the presumption of soundness, as well as VA's presumption of aggravation, and how they work. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - ...
Oct 23, 2023•3 min
The highest possible rating for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is 100%. A 100% rating means that a veteran’s PTSD symptoms are so severe that they are totally impaired and unable to function in daily life. VA assigns PTSD ratings based on the veteran's level of social and occupational impairment, as well as the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms. Tune in to learn how to get a 100% VA rating for PTSD. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow u...
Oct 16, 2023•8 min
Sometimes VA disability ratings are protected, meaning they cannot be reduced or taken away. However, there are certain situations in which VA can take away a veteran's disability benefits, such as if the veteran committed fraud or a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) occurs. To learn about the 3 ways VA can take away your disability benefits, tune in to this episode. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - https:/...
Oct 10, 2023•5 min
Compensation and pension, or C&P, exams are evaluations ordered by VA as part of the claims process. C&P exams are used to evaluate a veteran’s condition(s) to determine if service connection is warranted and, if so, to gather evidence to assign a disability rating. However, VA C&P exams are not necessary for every disability claim. Tune in to learn when an exam is not required, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: ...
Oct 02, 2023•4 min
When a veteran seeks service connection for a condition or disability, VA assigns a disability rating based on severity. Ratings range from 0 to 100% and determine the amount of monthly compensation a veteran will receive. Veterans with a 70% VA disability rating are entitled to certain additional VA benefits, such as TDIU, GI Bill benefits, DIC, and others. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube ...
Sep 25, 2023•3 min
An effective date is used by VA as a start date for the payment of disability benefits for a claim. In other words, this is the date that a benefit became effective. Sometimes, this is not the earliest possible effective date, and there are several ways to argue for an earlier effective date if you believe you are entitled. Tune in to learn more about effective dates, common VA mistakes, and how to file an appeal. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on so...
Sep 20, 2023•6 min
Pes planus, or flat feet, and plantar fasciitis are to common conditions for which veterans seek VA disability compensation. Additionally, having pes planus, or flat feet, can be an aggravating factor for plantar fasciitis. Tune in to learn how veterans can get service connected for both of these conditions, how they are rated, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL ...
Sep 11, 2023•2 min
The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is a bill that was signed into law in 2022 and expands VA disability benefits and health care coverage for toxic-exposed veterans. Veterans who qualify for benefits under the PACT Act can file a claim in the same way they would for any other claim. Tune in to learn how many PACT Act claims have been filed and how VA plans to handle these claims. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on soci...
Sep 05, 2023•9 min
In general, VA should not consider age as a factor when evaluating a veteran’s eligibility for service-connected disability. However, there are two situations in which VA can take age into account for a VA claim or appeal. Tune in to learn more about how a veteran's age can affect their VA claim, including expedited VA claims, reevaluations, and more. For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL ...
Aug 28, 2023•2 min
While veterans cannot be directly service connected for drug or substance, they can be compensated for substance abuse as a symptom if the substance abuse is attributed to a service-connected disability, such as a psychiatric condition. Additionally, VA offers several services to veterans struggling with substance and drug abuse, including rehab and medical treatment. Tune in to learn more about VA services for drug and alcohol abuse, getting compensation through secondary service connection, an...
Aug 22, 2023•7 min
In recent years, the backlog of claims and appeals at both VA and BVA has increased significantly. Veterans often must wait years to receive their earned benefits and disability compensation. With the passage of the PACT Act in August 2022, hundreds of thousands of new claims have been filed. Tune in to hear about how many PACT Act claims are currently pending before VA, VA's efforts to manage this backlog, and what to expect during the claims and appeals process. For more information, visit our...
Aug 15, 2023•3 min
VA deems a disability “permanent” when it is reasonably certain, based on medical evidence, that the level of impairment will continue for the rest of the veteran’s life. When VA decides a veteran’s service-connected condition is permanent in nature, it no longer requires the veteran to attend re-examinations. Join the CCK team as we discuss permanent VA ratings, including how to request a permanent rating, TDIU and permanence, and more. Be sure to tune in for this informative episode! For more ...
Aug 07, 2023•5 min
Each year, VA proposes a budget that outlines where it would like funding to go and its priorities for the upcoming year. This is the largest budget proposal in U.S. history for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Join the CCK team as we discuss how VA plans to allocate this budget across the department, with special focus on veteran suicide prevention, VA health care expansion, caregiver support, veteran homelessness, and more. For more information, visit our website at c...
Jul 31, 2023•10 min
