VA Disability Information

VA Effective Dates: Why Your Back Pay Start Date Matters

Posted on: October 5, 2026.Category: VA Disability

Man in a striped shirt reviewing papers at a desk with a clipboard, laptop, and smartphone

Why Does Your VA Effective Date Matter So Much? Your effective date is the point VA treats your entitlement as beginning, and it decides how much retroactive pay you receive. Two veterans with the same condition and the same eventual rating can receive very different awards because one preserved an earlier effective date and the …

How to Request a VA Disability Rating Increase Without Risking a Reduction

Posted on: October 5, 2026.Category: VA Disability

Older man in glasses reading documents while standing at a kitchen counter

Can the VA Lower Your Rating If You Ask for an Increase? Yes, it is possible. Asking VA to increase a rating generally prompts a new examination, and the regulations that govern reductions apply to what that examination finds. Protections against reduction do exist and they strengthen over time. Each case is different, and speaking …

VA Appeals Modernization: Choosing Between a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and Board Appeal

Posted on: October 5, 2026.Category: VA Disability

Older man with glasses and a gray beard reading a letter at a wooden table by a window

Which VA Appeal Option Should You Choose? It depends on one thing: whether you have evidence VA has not already seen. If you do, a Supplemental Claim is the route built for it. If the file already supports the claim and the decision got it wrong, a Higher-Level Review is the fit. If you want …

Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): A Complete Guide

Posted on: October 4, 2026.Category: VA Disability, Veterans Disability, Veterans Disability Benefits

A red “Veterans Benefits” book lays on an American flag, prompting the question: What Is TDIU? How do you qualify, and what are the benefits?

Can You Be Paid at the Total Rate Without a Total Rating? Yes. Total disability based on individual unemployability, usually shortened to TDIU, pays at the total rate when service-connected conditions prevent you from holding substantially gainful employment, even where your combined rating is lower. Each case is different, and speaking with a lawyer can …

Agent Orange Exposure: Common Health Conditions and Symptoms Veterans Should Know

Posted on: July 15, 2026.Category: VA Disability, Veterans Disability

For many Vietnam-era veterans, the effects of military service did not end when they returned home. Decades later, thousands continue to experience serious health conditions linked to Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. If you served in Vietnam or another location where Agent Orange was used, understanding …

2026 VA Disability Pay Chart Rates

Posted on: May 12, 2026.Category: VA Disability

The 2026 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pay chart rates reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment. Payments are based on the 2025 VA Disability payment rates with a 2.8% increase to help ensure that benefits keep pace with inflation. If you’re unsure about what the information included in 2026’s VA Disability pay chart rates …

VA Benefits and Aging: What Veterans Should Know at 65+

Posted on: October 14, 2025.Category: VA Disability

A veteran who is interested in the VA benefits available to veterans age 65 and older

When it comes to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and aging, veterans 65 and older should know that the VA offers pension benefits, expanded health care services, and Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits to eligible veterans, including certain wartime veterans 65 and up. If you have questions about VA benefits for older veterans, …

Brooke I

Marc Whitehead & Associates were amazing. They never gave up. My team was there whenever I was needing to ask a question, and I asked a lot. My Disability case had to go all the way to the Administrative Judge and they fought with me the entire way. A huge thank you to Erica Wilson, Barbara Milan, John Rios, and Kimberly Warren. I am beyond thankful.

Ree Harris

I appreciate the work Attorney Selina Valdez, Erica Wilson, John Rios, and Kimberly Warren did on my case.They were so diligent and patient with the whole process.

Joyce Pridgett

It is with great appreciation to Ms. Sarai Lora my case manager at Marc Whitehead and Associates for aiding me from the beginning to the end as I was finally awarded my SSDI.Ms Kimberly Warren was also instrumental in this process.It was a long three years but you all never gave up in helping me along the way. Thank you so much and I will be recommending Marc Whitehead and Associates to anyone who needs help with SSI, SSDI and all other needs.Again that you so much. Joyce Pridgett

Smurf Fryar

I just want to take a moment to thank Melanie Donaldson and Anthony Vessel for helping me through a long fight with my Long term Disability denial claim. They stayed in contact with me and kept me informed every step of the way. I will recommend this firm to all my friends and associates in Northeast Florida. Thanks

Ute Upshaw

10/10 very responsive , great team ! Again big thanks to The associates that worked on my claim were: Erica Wilson, Lupe Acevedo, and Kimberly Warren.

Behzad Ebadtabrizi

Very kind professional and extremely helpful and made it too easy to work with

Nikki Green

The service I received was phenomenal. Barbara Milan, Kimberly Warren and John Rios were very thorough with explaining the process and in helping me recover the necessary documents for my case. Erica Wilson was in constant communication with me through the entire process using the app and of course phone calls when needed which definitely helped, giving all the anxiety people go through in this process. My attorney Anthony Vessel was very professional, direct and to the point when representing me to the judge in court which resulted in my favor. Highly recommend Marc Whitehead & Associates

Rebecca Rose

What an Amazing experience. Sarai Lora was so helpful, kind, and informative on helping my Mother get her approval for her Disability/Social Security. Thank you!

Blake Williams

Alondra Perez has been nothing short of amazing from the first day she became my case manager. She has a take charge attitude and is great to work with. In my opinion she deserved a spot promotion raise. She deserves all the praise and awards. She is a great asset to be working for this company.