Imagine finally winning your VA appeal after more than 20 years of fighting VA? As a veterans disability lawyer I am often privileged to be a part of a veteran’s winning claim in cases where the claim has been on appeal for decades. Just recently we received a favorable Board […]
I commend NPR for its ongoing series on the plight of veterans seeking benefits. The January 14, 2015 story, “Without Help, Navigating Benefits Can Be Overwhelming for Veterans” illustrates some of the reasons for the long delays and repeated denials. The lack of knowledge and adequate assistance can be blamed […]
The January 13, 2015 Washington Post article, “Veterans who were discharged after sexual assaults push for VA benefits” underscores the problems facing military victims of sexual assault. As a veterans disability lawyer that represents victims of military sexual trauma, the story of Elena Giordano is all too familiar. Veterans who […]
How to Get VA to Take Action on Your Appeal
Why does VA take so long to resolve an appeal? This is a question that I hear almost daily from veterans around the country. As a veterans disabiltiy lawyer, I have seen cases that have been on appeal for as long as 30 years. In fact, on average, in cases where […]
Help for Transitioning Military Personnel
Every once in a while something so worthwhile crosses my desk that it demands I take a few minutes to inform our blog readers about it. For veterans separating from active duty, transitioning to civilian employment can often be a challenge. The changing economy and tough job market makes the […]
As a veterans’ disability lawyer who represents the victims of military sexual assault, I know how frustrating it can be when VA denies a claim for PTSD. The trauma and devastation of being sexually assaulted often causes deep shame and guilt. There is often a corresponding hesitancy to report the attack. […]
On January 7, 2015 a gunman entered the El Paso, TX VA medical clinic and shot a doctor and himself. The news reports of the incident did not reveal a motive or the identities of the parties. It is a tragedy and the families of the victim and the shooter […]
If you have a combined rating of less than 70 percent or you do not have one disability rated at 60 percent by itself, chances are the VA has denied your TDIU claim. As a veterans disability lawyer, I can say, based on many years of experience, that VA generally […]
More times than I can remember I have listened to the concerns of veterans about the VA using a non-physician to perform the VA medical exam. I agree wholeheartedly with the concerns that the VA medical exams are less than thorough and are performed by medical practitioners with minimal training. […]
I recently read Secretary Robert A. McDonald’s Op Ed piece in the October 24, 2014 Baltimore Sun. I commend Secretary McDonald for his proactive approach to tackling the significant problems in the VA. As a veterans disability lawyer I keep a close watch on the important statements coming from the […]