Understanding the Distinctions: VA Compensation vs. Pension
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | August 29, 2023 | Disability Compensation
Introduction Understanding the differences between compensation and pension is crucial for effective representation of claimants before the VA. Both benefits are rooted in disability, but they differ significantly in their criteria and implementation. Table of Contents Comparing VA Compensation and Pension The Impact of Employment on Service-Connected Disability Compensation Income, Estate Value, and Compensation Benefits… read more
Navigating the Termination of TDIU Benefits: What Veterans Need to Know
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | March 16, 2023 | Disability Compensation
Introduction A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU or IU) enables veterans to meet their basic financial needs when they are unable to work due to service-connected disabilities. There may be situations, however, when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) might propose to discontinue entitlement to TDIU benefits. In this blog post, I will… read more
Securing an Earlier Effective Date for TDIU: What You Need to Know
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | March 15, 2023 | Disability Compensation
Introduction: A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU or IU) is an extremely valuable benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans whose service-connected disabilities render them unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The effective date of TDIU determines the amount of back pay that a veteran receives, and there… read more
PACT Act – New Presumptive Conditions and Agent Orange Exposure Locations
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | August 4, 2022 | Disability Compensation,Legal Update
Congress this week passed the PACT Act, which might be the most significant piece of VA benefits legislation in years. In short, the PACT Act makes it so that the VA presumes certain cancers and respiratory conditions are considered automatically related to service for Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans. The PACT Act also expands the… read more
TDIU versus 100 Percent Schedular Ratings
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | July 6, 2022 | Disability Compensation
The difference between a TDIU and a 100% schedular combined rating can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of each rating and how they work. A Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (abbreviated as TDIU or IU) is where the VA pays a veteran at the… read more
WHODAS 2.0 vs. GAF Scores and Your VA Disability Rating
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | July 6, 2022 | Disability Compensation
Service members may suffer from a variety of mental health problems following their time in the military. Veterans might experience mental illnesses such as PTSD, anxiety, anger and irritability, panic attacks, depression, and memory loss, which can affect the daily life and well-being of a veteran. While physical illnesses are generally easy to evaluate, symptoms… read more
What To Do When VA Schedules Unnecessary Reexaminations
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | June 9, 2022 | Disability Compensation,State Veteran Benefits
In 2018, the VA Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) released a report that revealed the VA schedules and conducts unnecessary reexaminations for disabled veterans. The report revealed that the VA would waste an additional $100 million in five years on these unwarranted reexams if left unchecked. So, what should you do when you find… read more
Claims For Increased Disability Ratings
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | June 9, 2022 | Disability Compensation,State Veteran Benefits
Once service connection is in effect for a disability, a veteran can file a claim for increased rating at any time. Once a veteran requests an increased rating, the VA will schedule them for a C&P examination, and after the examination, the VA will issue a rating decision that either increases the rating or continues… read more
Benefits Delivery at Discharge Claims: Here’s What You Should Know
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | June 9, 2022 | Disability Compensation,State Veteran Benefits
The VA established the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program to help eligible veterans receive their VA disability compensation benefits as soon as possible after they are released from active duty. In short, the BDD program allows a service member to apply for their VA benefits while they are still on active duty so that… read more
Completing A Military Records Request Form: Here’s What You Should Know
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | April 12, 2022 | Disability Compensation,Legal Update,State Veteran Benefits
Whether you’re retiring, filing a claim for VA benefits, or requesting a discharge upgrade, you will want a copy of your military medical and personnel records. Download and Print the SF-180 Form In order to request a copy of your military records, you need to complete a SF-180 form and mail it to the appropriate… read more
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