On February 4, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued its decision in Hamill v. Collins, No. 24-1543, and it may be the most significant veterans law opinion in years for anyone with a pending or overlooked TDIU claim. The court held that the implicit denial doctrine no longer applies to […]

For disabled veterans struggling to work due to service-connected disabilities, TDIU (a total disability rating based on individual unemployability) can be a financial lifeline. At After Service LLC, we help veterans nationwide navigate complex TDIU rules – starting with one key question: “Does your income exceed $15,650/year?” Below, we explain how the 2025 poverty line […]

As we look ahead to 2025, Congress has just approved a 2.5% bump to monthly payment rates for veterans receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This adjustment aims to help veterans keep pace with inflation and the rising costs of everyday living. Understanding COLA and Its Impact on VA Benefits The […]

In January 2024, the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims issued a decision in LaBruzza v. McDonough, 37 Vet. App. 111 (2024). This decision provided additional guidance as to the definition of the “protected work environment” exception regarding entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (a TDIU or IU). This post […]

For decades, the story of Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, has been shadowed by concerns over water contamination. Recently, a comprehensive government study has shed new light on the health impacts faced by those who lived and worked there during the mid-1970s and ’80s. This blog post delves into the findings of […]

Presumptive service connection for diseases associated with water contamination at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune) in North Carolina is a noteworthy benefit for veterans. This presumption, established by 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.307(a)(7) and 3.309(f), is for veterans, reservists, and National Guard members who served for at least 30 days, consecutively or […]

For veterans grappling with mental disorders, navigating VA disability compensation claims can present a unique set of challenges. These challenges may differ from those experienced in claims based on physical disorders, and understanding the nuances can make a significant difference. In this post, we delve into some of these challenges and offer tips to overcome […]

Introduction Combat veterans, particularly those who experience distressing and traumatic events, sometimes encounter challenges when seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Such benefits are crucial for these veterans, as the fallout from such experiences can lead to serious health issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In this article, we delve into a […]

Introduction Navigating the labyrinth of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims can be a grueling endeavor, especially when your initial claim gets denied. But what if you stumble upon new records related to your service that could make all the difference? The good news is, there’s a mechanism under the VA’s rules—specifically, 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(c)—that mandates […]

When pursuing VA disability benefits, understanding the “benefit of the doubt” standard is paramount. As a linchpin in veterans’ disability benefits, this principle can make or break your claim for service-connected disability compensation. Let’s dive into its implications. Unpacking the “Benefit of the Doubt” Rule How the VA Applies this Standard Making Sense of Conflicting […]