Veterans Disability Info Blog

Trigger Warning: This article discusses sexual trauma. If you have experienced sexual trauma and need assistance, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will offer your confidential support. Military service can lead to unexpected consequences. Some veterans find that physical and mental […]

Shrapnel wounds in veterans can lead to related physical and psychological health problems. Many veterans with shrapnel wounds are eligible to receive benefits from the VA. Understanding how the VA rates shrapnel wounds can help veterans and their families ensure they receive a fair amount to compensate for the lifelong […]

Back pain is the most common cause of chronic pain among adults. Nearly a quarter of adults will have episodes of back pain at some point. Many times, back pain becomes an ongoing part of their lives. For veterans, back pain is a leading cause of disability. Back issues can […]

Back pain disability claims are common among veterans. Traumatic injury or wear and tear on the spine during military service can cause chronic back pain, often leaving veterans with limited mobility, ongoing pain, and an inability to work. The VA recognizes back pain as a disability, including back problems requiring […]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced it will automatically presume service connection for Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War veterans diagnosed with nine rare cancers. The announcement comes after the VA found evidence associating these cancers with burn pit smoke and fume exposure. By adding these nine […]

Every veteran who has filed a claim for VA benefits knows about the dizzying battery of VA forms. There are hundreds of VA forms available. Does it matter what you write in VA form 21-4138? Is VA form 21-0996 even necessary? Should you fill out VA form 21-0781 or 21-0781a? […]

Back pain is a common problem for veterans. The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. Degenerative disc disease and […]

A PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) is assigned to any service member who is diagnosed with a medical condition and referred to IDES (the Integrated Disability Evaluation System). Throughout the DoD Disability Process, the PEBLO serves as the primary point of contact for the service member, his or her […]

As part of the aptly named ‘Honoring Our PACT Act,’ the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 will allow veterans and families exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits in federal court for compensation. Between 1953 to 1987, over one million people, including unborn children, were exposed […]

Great! You received a 70% disability rating from the VA. But does your rating last forever? What if your disability improves over time with treatment or therapy? Can the VA reduce your disability rating? Not always. When a veteran’s service-connected medical diagnosis improves, the VA has the right to reduce […]