Veterans Legal Lowdown is a podcast created by Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, a law firm representing veterans nationwide on their VA disability claims. In each episode, our legal team breaks down a veterans law topic--from Burn Pits to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and VA claim hacks to the latest VA news. This is CCK On Air.
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Tuesday & Wednesday at 7AM Central. Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit h ...
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Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) : A Hidden Disability for Veterans | All You Need To Know
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10:01Leah breaks down the often-overlooked condition of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) and its significant impact on veterans. She explains the symptoms, causes, and heightened prevalence of DES in the veteran population, especially among those with PTSD, depression, or who underwent refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK during active duty. Leah supports her i…
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Alzheimer's Disease and Tinnitus in Veterans | All You Need To Know
8:36
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8:36Leah explores the potential connection between Alzheimer's disease and tinnitus in veterans, highlighting how both conditions—often overlooked as related—may actually share neurological links. Drawing from multiple scientific studies, Leah presents compelling evidence that tinnitus could be an early indicator or risk factor for cognitive decline an…
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CCK Live: What Your VA Nexus Letter Should Include - “At Least as Likely As Not”
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3:41In this episode, CCK Law discusses why the phrase “at least as likely as not” is important in your nexus letter for a VA disability claim. We also discuss the role nexus letters play and how to create an effective one. A well-crafted nexus letter from a medical professional can significantly boost a veteran’s claim for benefits — especially when no…
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Can You Work with a 100% VA Disability Rating? | All You Need To Know
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23:59Leah teams up with VA attorney Rebecca Deming of ProVet Legal to unpack a complex but crucial topic: working while rated 100% disabled by the VA. They clearly differentiate between 100% scheduler disability, which allows full-time work with no income restrictions, and TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), which comes with mor…
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CCK Live: VA Mistake? Fighting Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) in VA Claims
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3:42CUE claims allow veterans to receive VA disability back pay to their original effective date, even if the deadlines to appeal have passed. CUE claims can help reverse incorrect VA decisions. In this episode, we discuss the steps to file a successful CUE claim — from identifying undeniable errors in VA decisions to understanding the strict requireme…
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CCK Live: Range of Motion Measurements at VA C&P Exam - What to Expect
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2:58Range of motion measures a joint’s full movement potential and is pivotal in how the VA evaluates and rates musculoskeletal conditions. In this episode, we dive into why understanding range of motion if important when filing VA disability claims or appeals for joint or spine conditions. Join us as we discuss musculoskeletal VA ratings, what the ran…
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CCK Live: VA Math - How Does VA Combine Your Disability Rating?
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4:37A combined VA disability rating is granted to those veterans filing VA claims for multiple service-connected disabilities. In this episode, we discuss “VA math.” This is the system VA uses to determine a single combined rating when a veteran has multiple disabilities. We’ll discuss the fundamentals of VA math, the calculation process, and why VA do…
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What is a DBQ in VA Disability? (Disability Benefits Questionnaire Explained)
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8:17What is a DBQ in VA Disability? (Disability Benefits Questionnaire Explained) Episode Overview In this episode, we break down the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)—a key tool in the VA disability claims process. Whether you’re filing a new claim, appealing a decision, or looking to increase your rating, understanding how a DBQ works can make …
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CCK Live: Is Your VA Disability Rating Static? Protections for Your VA Rating
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4:39In this episode, we discuss what constitutes a static disability and how it protects your VA disability rating. We’ll talk about how to identify if VA recognizes your disability as static through terminology like “permanent” in your rating decision. Additionally, we will talk about the circumstances under which VA may re-evaluate a static disabilit…
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CCK Live: VA Development Letter vs. Decision Letter - What Veterans Need to Know
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4:03Veterans receive countless VA letters and correspondence, which can be overwhelming. In this episode, CCK Law breaks down the differences between a VA development letter versus a decision letter. We’ll also talk about how to respond to a VA claim notification letter, how to understand the contents of your decision letter, and the next steps veteran…
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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know
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18:46Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know Episode Overview In this episode, we dive into the impact of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy on veterans and their VA disability claims. We’ll discuss how the repeal of DADT has affected veteran benefits, what LGBTQ+ veterans need to know about filing for VA disability, and h…
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CCK Live: Turning Your 60% VA Disability Rating Into 100% — Here’s How
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3:51Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating may be eligible for compensation at the 100% rate. In this episode, CCK Law explores three ways a 60% VA disability rating can increaser to 100 percent. Join us as we discuss filing a new claim for secondary service connection, supplemental VA claims or appeals, TDIU, and more! For more information, visit ou…
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CCK Live: Understanding the Laws About VA Claims Consultants - Veterans Benefits
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5:35In this episode, we examine the legal landscape of the unaccredited claims consulting industry in veterans' benefits. We break down the regulations governing accredited agents and attorneys, the growing presence of unaccredited consultants, the potential risks for veterans seeking assistance, and more. Tune in to learn about the laws surrounding VA…
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CCK Live: 100% VA Disability Rating and Working - When Disabled Veterans Can Work
4:57
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4:57Some veterans with a 100% VA disability rating may wonder if they can still work. Whether you have a schedular 100% rating, a 100% permanent and total (P&T) rating, or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), we discuss the details and limitations surrounding employment. In this episode, we also talk about the circumstances unde…
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Alzheimer's Disease and Tinnitus in Veterans: Potential Causes and Impact
8:36
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8:36Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Exploring the Importance of Veteran Service Organizations
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9:30Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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What Happens in a Veterans Disability C&P Exam for Breast Disorders
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9:23Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Incarceration and the Impact on VA Benefits - The Fugitive Felon Act
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3:42How does a fugitive felon status or incarceration impact a veteran’s VA benefits? In this episode, CCK Law breaks down VA’s definition of a fugitive felon, the consequences of outstanding felony warrants, and the steps veterans need to resolve this status. We also discuss how incarceration can affect VA benefits, including reductions in payment and…
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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How Veterans Disability Conditions Can Lead to GERD: Top 3 Links
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8:50Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Making Your VA Claim Move Faster - How to Expedite Veterans Benefits
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6:00Many veterans struggle with the slow VA claims process. In this episode, CCK Law discusses how veterans can expedite their VA claims. We also offer some tips to help veterans avoid delays—even if they don’t qualify for expedited status. There are seven ways veterans can qualify for expedited processing, and we get into the specific of each. Tune in…
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What Happens in a VA Disability C&P exam for Gallbladder Disorders
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12:58Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Everything You Need to Know About Veterans Automobile Allowance
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8:04Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Why VA Takes Away 100% TDIU Ratings: Veterans Benefits
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4:55In this episode, learn about the most common reasons disabled veterans lose their 100% TDIU VA ratings and what they can do to avoid this happening. We’ll discuss situations where veterans can continue working despite having a TDIU rating and situations where they cannot. Additionally, we talk about the steps veterans can take when VA proposes to r…
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Veterans Guide to the Foreign Medical Care Program: What You Need to Know
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8:05Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Rudasill Decision: Big News for Veterans’ GI Bill Benefits!
8:20
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8:20Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Artillery Blasts & TBIs: What Veterans Need to Know
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3:39A New York Times investigation revealed that veterans who served in artillery units in 2016 are now dealing with unforeseen health issues. These issues include insomnia, chronic confusion, and others. In this episode, we discuss what veterans need to know about artillery blasts and related issues, such as TBIs. Tune in to learn more! For more infor…
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Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Gulf War Veterans | All You Need To Know
7:35
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7:35Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Asbestos Exposure and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
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8:35Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Need a Nexus Letter for a Sleep Apnea VA Claim? Here’s How to Get One
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4:18When filing a VA claim for sleep apnea, veterans will need a nexus connecting the condition to an event in service. This can come in the form of a nexus letter, which is a written opinion from a competent medical professional detailing that your disability is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military service. In this episode, we’ll dis…
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Top 5 Conditions Related to Back Pain in VA Disability
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14:41Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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VA Launches First Study on Psychedelic - Assisted Therapy for Veterans !
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7:58Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Veterans Disability Clothing Allowance | All You Need To Know
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8:24Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Raynaud's Disease and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
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7:28Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Exposed to AFFF or PFAS? We Explain These VA Disability Claims
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5:35There are over 455 military bases with confirmed contamination from AFFF, or “aqueous film forming foam.” Veterans who served at these locations might face health risks, including exposure to PFAS, or forever chemicals. In this episode, we explore how this exposure affects eligibility for VA disability benefits. We also talk about the current need …
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CCK Live: Lifetime VA Benefits - Do Veterans Get Benefits for Life?
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3:06In this episode, we discuss if VA benefits last for a lifetime or if they can change. Learn how and when VA might reduce or take away disability benefits. We talk about process the process behind reexaminations (C&P exams), and how they could lead to changes in the disability rating. We also discuss the VA 5-, 10-, and 20-year rules, and more. For …
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CCK Live: Top Reasons VA Claims Get Delayed and How to Speed Them Up
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5:22In this episode, we discuss why the VA process disability claims and appeals takes so long. We discuss the top reasons behind these VA claim delays. We also share some tips on how veterans can speed up their claims. This can include avoiding simple mistakes like missing deadlines to bigger issues on VA’s side, like backlogs. Tune in to learn more! …
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Gulf War Illness and VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know
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11:25By Leah Bucholz
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CCK Live: The VA 70/40 Rule for a 100% Disability Rating
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2:40In this episode, we discuss the VA 70/40 Rule. We’ll discuss how having a combined rating of at least 70%, with at least one of the conditions rated 40% or higher, can help veterans get a 100% VA disability rating through TDIU. We will discuss the 70/40 rule, how much veterans can expect to receive under a 100% rating, and what happens if a veteran…
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Ionizing Radiation and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
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8:08Leah B explains ionizing radiation and its impact on veterans seeking VA disability benefits. She describes ionizing radiation as a powerful form of energy that can damage cells and DNA, potentially leading to serious health conditions like cancer. Leah highlights the VA's presumptive criteria for disabilities caused by radiation exposure, includin…
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CCK Live: Breaking Down Garnishment: Is Your VA Disability Pay Protected?
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2:39Can VA disability benefits be garnished? In this episode, we discuss what protections exist for VA disability benefits and the circumstances that could lead to garnishment. Although VA benefits are typically protected from garnishment, there is an exception for veterans with military retirement pay. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visi…
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Military Sexual Trauma for Resources for Veterans
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13:07Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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How the Bilateral Factor Affects Your VA Disability Calculation
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15:45Leah is joined by Rebecca Deming, an attorney specializing in veteran disability law, to explain the bilateral factor in VA disability calculations. They discuss how the VA's unique "VA math" system combines rather than adds disability ratings and how the bilateral factor impacts veterans with disabilities in both arms or both legs, increasing thei…
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Leah discuss the complexities of VA disability calculations, often referred to as "VA math." Rebecca explains how the VA combines individual disability percentages using a unique formula rather than simple addition, ensuring veterans receive an accurate overall disability rating. The video introduces a VA disability calculator on ProVet Legal’s web…
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CCK Live: A Veterans Guide in Support of Claim (Lay Statement)
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5:28In this episode, we discuss lay evidence in veterans’ VA Claims. Specifically, we touch on tips surrounding lay statements, also called “lay evidence,” “buddy letters,” or “statement in support of claim.” Understanding these pieces of evidence will help veterans effectively utilize lay evidence in support of their claim. Tune in to learn more! For …
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Prostate Cancer and Agent Orange Exposure in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know
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7:51Leah explains the link between prostate cancer and Agent Orange exposure for veterans seeking disability benefits. She highlights that the VA presumes certain conditions, including prostate cancer, are service-related if veterans served in specific locations and time frames. Agent Orange exposure has been associated with multiple cancers and other …
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Traumatic Brain Injury and Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know
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11:37In this video, Leah B., a U.S. Army veteran and physician assistant, discusses traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their impact on veterans' disability claims, focusing on residual effects like headaches. She explains the causes of TBIs, including blunt and penetrating injuries, and the various symptoms that can arise, such as headaches, dizziness, …
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CCK Live: What Happens When VA Is Gathering Evidence in the VA Claim Process?
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2:29In this episode, we discuss the evidence-gathering stage of the VA claim process. We will talk about what happens during the evidence-gathering phase, explain VA’s duty to assist, evidence veterans can submit to support their case, and what happens after this phase. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com…
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VA Benefits for Surviving Disabled Vets : DIC Benefits Explained
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21:28Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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