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 […]
Many veterans leave the service with shoulder problems. Strain and disabilities to the shoulders are common during deployment, training, and combat. Not being able to use your shoulder can affect your ability to work and limit daily life. For example, you may not be able to safely drive, lift objects, […]
Many veterans are denied VA service connection for medical conditions that existed prior to service. The acronym EPTS means “existed prior to service” and is EPTS is used as a reason to deny a VA claim for disability compensation. Your disability claim rejection may say something along the lines of, […]
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a number of services to Veterans and their families. This includes healthcare, pensions, education benefits, and home loans. The VA also operates a telephone helpline for Veterans and their families. The main VA phone number is 800-827-1000. This number can be used for […]
The Georgia VA is a state-run Veterans affairs organization that provides benefits and services to military Veterans and their families. The Georgia VA operates a number of different programs, including healthcare, education, and employment assistance. The Georgia VA also offers a wide range of benefits and services, which can be […]
Donkeys are extraordinary creatures, but they don’t get much credit for it. In fact, they have been downright defamed. To start, they have an intellect akin to that of dogs and dolphins—two animals widely celebrated for their cognitive prowess—and their limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates emotion […]
This series of articles addresses various notable figures in veterans organizations. At the time of the publication of this article, Melissa Bryant is the Chief Policy Officer of IAVA, which is an advocacy organization for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. The goal of IAVA is to provide support to Veterans and […]
If a veteran’s service-connected disability prevents gainful employment, then the veteran may be entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) under certain circumstances. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will look to see if the veteran cannot secure substantially gainful employment, which is defined under […]
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