Legal Help for Veterans blog.
News and Press, Claims Processing
A recently introduced bill in Congress is starting to get attention — and raise questions — among veterans who receive (or may eventually apply for) Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU. On June 3rd, 2026, Congressman Keith Self introduced H.R. 9135, the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability Reform Act of 2026. At first glance, a majority of the bill mirrors rules the VA already […]
READ MORE
Claims Processing
Filing a VA disability claim is a big step — and for a lot of veterans, there’s real relief in finally hitting “submit.” But then comes the harder part: waiting. What follows can feel confusing, frustrating, and sometimes just plain slow. One of the first questions most veterans ask after hitting “submit” is: Now what? The answer depends on a few things — […]
READ MORE
Claims Processing
Contributions by Kristina Derro, VA Disability Attorney When veterans receive a VA decision letter, most people immediately look for one thing: the result. Approved. Denied. Percentage assigned. After waiting months — sometimes longer — for a decision, it’s natural to skip straight to the answer. But the outcome is only part of what the letter […]
READ MORE
Mental Health
No one really tells veterans what happens emotionally after a VA denial. People explain timelines, paperwork, and appeals. They explain which forms to file next. But almost nobody talks about what that letter can do to someone mentally. For many veterans, a denial doesn’t just feel frustrating. It feels personal. And after a while, that […]
READ MORE
Mental Health
Leaving the military is one of the most significant transitions a person can experience. For many veterans, it’s not just about finding a new job — it’s about redefining identity, purpose, and direction after years of very structured service. During active duty, everything is clearly defined. You know where to be, what to do, and who you are within your role. Your […]
READ MORE
News and Press
Many veterans lost access to their VA appeals not because they missed a deadline — but because of VA administrative and computer errors. In plain terms, veterans followed the rules — and still lost their appeals. The Freund v. Collins class action lawsuit is aimed at fixing exactly that problem, and it may reopen decades‑old […]
READ MORE
News and Press
Veterans seeking Aid and Attendance or other needs‑based VA benefits are once again being targeted by predatory actors — this time under the cover of home health care services. Recent reports from the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA) raise fresh concerns about a troubling variation on a familiar scheme: unaccredited companies offering “free” care […]
READ MORE
News and Press
In a significant reversal, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has abandoned a controversial plan to review more than a decade’s worth of disability claims using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. The move follows widespread backlash from veterans’ advocacy groups, lawmakers, and legal professionals who warned the proposal could unfairly target disabled veterans. What […]
READ MORE
Claims Processing
The VA disability claim backlog remains one of the most pressing issues facing veterans in 2026. While the VA claims that they’ve made progress in processing claims, hundreds of thousands of cases are still pending – leaving many veterans waiting months for a decision. Where the Backlog Stands in 2026 As of early 2026, the […]
READ MORE