Legal Help for Veterans blog.
Aug
19

The Truth of How Long it Takes

Claims Processing, Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press

Brig. General Carol Ann Fausone (ret) In the last year, I have spoken to VA representatives over 600 times for clients of the firm.  I am asked to call on files where the VA process seems stalled for our clients.  The reason for the stalled claim process varies in each case.  I have to call […]

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Aug
16

VA Backlog Initiative To Process Oldest Veteran Benefit Claims

Claims Processing, Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it is launching a compensation claims initiative for vets who have been waiting for one year or more. Claims raters working with the VA have been combing through the oldest claims in the system to allow those vets to get their benefits, if eligible. The Veterans Administration […]

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Aug
13

Former VA Secretary Calls for VA Disability Benefits Reform

Claims Processing, Medical Issues / Disability

According to former VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi, the VA backlog of disability claims is in large part due to the more recent policy decisions and laws have burdened the system. Principi argued that current eligibility requirements are far more liberal than, as President Lincoln once charged, “To care for him who shall have borne […]

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Aug
06

That is Not Fair

Claims Processing, Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press, PTSD, Veterans Law

Jim Fausone Veterans Disability Lawyer Veterans have to really prove up PTSD to VA rating officials to receive about $25,000 a year in disability payments.  But here is a report of a student locked up and forgotten by DEA for five days and he gets $4.1 million from the federal government.  This is not fair. […]

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Aug
01

VA Forms Challenge

Claims Processing, Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press, Veterans Law

Jim Fausone Veteran Disability Lawyer If you are a veteran navigating the VA disability process, you are amazed at the numerous forms that must be completed.  If you are like many vets, the DOD experience with forms did not train you for the VA collection of forms, some of which seem designed to confuse.  A […]

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Jul
30

Native American Veterans to Obtain Help

Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press, Veterans Law

Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone  (ret.) As I have traveled the country helping veterans, one group that is underserved are Native Americans.  My friends in western State Veterans Affairs departments have told me of the issues these Native American veterans face.  So it is with some pleasure that I learned the VA is going to […]

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Jul
24

New Study Suggests Traumatic Brain Injury from Sports May Be Behind Military Suicides

Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, PTSD

Traumatic brain injury from before combat may be partially to blame for the rise of veteran suicides, according to researchers. The unusual number of sports players who experienced TBI (traumatic brain injury) and later committed suicide, and the number of military vets who experienced TBI while in combat and later committed suicide may not be […]

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Jul
18

Veterans Need Better Mental Health Support From Veterans Administration, Study Shows

Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD, Veterans Law

Though mental health support can literally save the lives of returning veterans, many must wait years for the help they need. A new study has determined that vets with mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression typically must wait an average of two years after returning from deployment before their mental health […]

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Jul
15

House Okays Some Changes to TRICARE, Rejects Military Pay Cap

Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press

TRICARE, also known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), provides civilian health benefits for military personnel, vets and their dependents. As the defense budget continues to be slashed, many vet advocates have expressed concern that TRICARE would be affected. But the House armed services subcommittee on military personnel rejected the White House’s plan to substantially […]

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Jul
03

Expert Advice Avoids Problem

Claims Processing, Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, PTSD, Veterans Law

James G. Fausone Veteran Advocate Sometimes we get asked: “Why do I need a law firm to help on my disability claims the doctors agree?”  About thirty years ago, I learned a very valuable lesson from a wise old trial judge.  Judge Stacey leaned over the bench and said in a stern voice, “keep talking […]

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