Cannabis is a common drug now being used in the medical community. It is known to offer anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, psychedelics, currently being studied for further medical applications, are being employed to treat mental health conditions and severe drug-resistant depression. The most often used psychedelic substances used in treatment today include: Ketamine […]
Last month, a very important bill was introduced that aims to research a possible link between aviation veterans and increased cancer rates. Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act The bill was introduced by U.S. Representative August Pfleuger from Texas and is being called the Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act or “ACES Act.” If passed, it would […]
There has always been a need to have services for veterans needing home care or other community-based services. It’s less restrictive for them to choose their programs and the specific help they need. The number of veterans eligible for nursing home care will surge to more than 4 million by 2039. In 2019, that number […]
Recent research suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be a risk factor for various forms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Lewy body dementia, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 110,000 Veterans have PD. PD causes various muscular symptoms, including rigidity, delayed movement, poor balance, and tremors. Other symptoms may include cognitive […]
Those seeking VA disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may need to write and submit a compelling “stressor statement” with their application for benefits. While not every case requires a stressor statement, it is a useful evidentiary tool to maximize available benefits. However, some cases do not require them, and the VA should notify […]
Generally, service members and veterans with honorable and general discharges can access VA benefits. However, those with other characterizations such as, Other than Honorable (OTH), Undesirable, or Bad Conduct, often face challenges securing benefits. These types of discharges are known as “bad paper.” Many people receive incorrect information about VA benefits eligibility, and the misinformation […]
After applying for VA compensation or pension benefits, the VA will likely schedule the claimant for a “compensation and pension” (C&P) exam. Typically, these exams take place at a VA clinic or hospital. Unlike routine doctors’ appointments, the examiner will not provide treatment or medication; instead, they focus on evaluating a medical condition. These exams […]
Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press
On March 1, 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced their intention of adding nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to burn pits. At the time this was just a proposal, but fast forward to April 26 and VA announced they have added these nine cancers to the […]
Medical Issues / Disability, Veterans Law
Even though many states in the U.S. have legalized the use of marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, veterans should know that federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. Meaning it is illegal in the eyes of the Federal government and Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is required to […]
Veterans who were exposed to contaminated water during active duty may be eligible for service-connected disability benefits. Some contaminated water exposures have already been recognized by the VA and specific disabilities are presumed to be service-connected. This means the veteran does not have to prove the disease is service-connected if they served in a certain […]