Older disability applicants who cannot speak or understand English may be cut out of disability benefits, according to a rule change proposed by the SSA. The Social Security Administration wants to stop using the “inability to communicate in English” criteria as a vocational factor when evaluating claims for disability benefits. For thousands of disabled Americans […]
What Is the RAMP Appeals Process? How Does It Affect My Claim?
What every veteran must know about the (now discontinued) RAMP appeals decision process, the new Appeals Reform law (AMA) and how they affect your claim. Now concluded, the RAMP appeals process served as the pilot program for the streamlined, 3-laned review framework as set forth by the new VA appeals law. The modernized VA appeals […]
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA Claim – Get the Benefits You Deserve
If you suffered a head injury during service, and you have current residuals of TBI, then you may be eligible for veteran’s disability compensation benefits. But don’t let the VA underrate you. Often the VA does not evaluate the long term effects of TBI properly. Should you have questions or need assistance at any stage […]
Prevalence of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Is On the Rise
New data from the Department of Defense reveals that the prevalence of military sexual trauma, or MST, has reached new heights. Military sexual trauma is the term the VA uses to describe the effects of sexual violence, abuse or harassment experienced by a military service member during active duty. If you are suffering from the […]
Ways to Increase Your PTSD Rating
Are you wondering why your PTSD rating is so low? If you are unsatisfied with the VA’s decision, it may be possible to increase your PTSD rating. The VA ratings for PTSD—and all mental health claims—are set at the following percentage increments: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. But the reality is that far […]
Is PTSD a Disability under VA Compensation and Social Security?
Yes—if you are a veteran diagnosed with PTSD (or are living with symptoms and suspect you have the condition) you may qualify for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or both. Each program’s eligibility criteria are different and must be met. Basically, PTSD can be the basis for a successful […]
Understanding Your PTSD Rating
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often rated at a level that fails to reflect your actual disabilities and extent or stage of impairment. These and other issues make it very hard for you to get a handle on your PTSD rating. A prevalent disability among U.S. service members, PTSD claims are hard fought battles for […]
Top 5 Questions about a TDIU Claim – Basics for 2019 IU Benefits
As veterans’ benefits lawyers, we represent TDIU claims on behalf of disabled veterans who cannot work. Many military men and women go overseas with hopes and plans for their futures and careers. Yet too many come home vastly changed. Due to injuries, exposures and diseases sustained during active service, countless veterans return home with no […]
Can You Deduct Attorney Fees and Expenses Incurred to Obtain Your Disability Benefits under the New Trump Tax Plan? Yep!
Common questions disabled claimants have at this time of year are, “Can I deduct my attorney fees and expenses I incurred to get my disability benefits back after the insurance company denied them?” and “Has this changed under the new Trump Tax Plan that has restricted itemized deductions?” Below I will explore this question and […]
What Is a Date Last Insured (DLI)? A Must-Know for SSDI Claimants!
A technicality that surprises many Social Security Disability claimants is a rule called the “date last insured” (DLI). This date is the last date you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While there are many factors involved, your DLI generally expires around five years after you stop working. Regardless of your disabling […]