digestive problems

How the VA Rates Digestive Disorders: 2024 Updates and Guidelines

In the VA’s 2023 annual report, it showed that 1.5 million veterans received a VA rating for digestive disorders. Some reasons why a veteran may develop a digestive issue are stress and anxiety from military service, changes in gut microbiome due to deployments, or post-infectious IBS following gastroenteritis during service. The VA rates digestive disorders…

medical malpractice

VA Medical Malpractice: Strategies for a Successful Claim

VA medical malpractice is when a medical professional at any Department of Veterans Affairs hospital/facility provides poor service, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. Veterans who have received a misdiagnosis, substandard care, or negligent care while in the care of a VA medical facility may have a case for a medical malpractice suit….

amputee veteran

What is Special Monthly Compensation?

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional benefit paid to veterans who have service-connected disabilities on top of their regular VA disability compensation. This benefit is only offered in special circumstances for veterans who have a severe life-interfering disability. In this blog, we will give an overview of what SMC is, who can receive it,…

U.S Department of Veterans Affairs

The Role of the Combined Ratings Table in VA Disability Ratings

VA disability ratings determine the severity of your disability based on the evidence you submit as part of your claim. This rating is used to determine how much disability compensation you’ll receive each month, as well as your eligibility for other VA benefits. The VA Combined Ratings Table is a tool used to calculate a…

Disabled Veteran

Filing for VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure

Agent Orange was a herbicide blend utilized by the U.S. military in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971 to eliminate vegetation that could conceal enemy forces. Exposure to Agent Orange has been linked to many health issues in veterans, including: cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more. Understanding how to file for VA disability benefits related to…

disabled veteran

What Are Secondary VA Conditions?

When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns a rating to a disability, they do so by assigning a percentage that reflects the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran’s ability to function in daily life and work. The ratings range from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%, with higher percentages…