For many veterans, the VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam can feel intimidating and confusing. Whether you are preparing for an initial claim, an appeal, or a re-examination after benefits have been awarded, the C&P exam plays a critical role in determining your VA disability rating. Understanding how the process works, and how to approach …
Category: Veterans Disability Benefits
Lady Bird Trusts: Protect Your Home and Benefits
For many people who receive Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability, or retirement benefits, the family home is their most valuable asset, and often the most emotionally important one. As clients get older, questions naturally arise about what happens to the home if long-term care is needed, or how to pass it on to children without …
CHAMPVA – Health Insurance for Veterans’ Dependents
Health care is an especially hot topic right now. As Affordable Care Acts credits expire, getting access to health insurance seems like an uphill battle. If you’re the spouse or dependent of a disabled veteran, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) may supplement the health insurance marketplace. CHAMPVA …
VA Disability and Sleep Apnea: What Veterans Need to Know in 2025
For many veterans, getting a good night’s sleep can be a constant struggle. Snoring, gasping for air, and waking up exhausted are more than just signs of aging, they can point to sleep apnea, a serious medical condition that can also qualify for VA disability benefits. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we help veterans across …
VA Benefits and Aging: What Veterans Should Know at 65+
As veterans approach retirement age, questions about benefits often take on new urgency. Many veterans assume that once they receive VA disability or health care, little changes as they get older. But reaching age 65 can affect not only your VA benefits, but also how those benefits interact with Medicare, retirement income, and long-term care …
VA 100 Percent Disability Ratings – What Are the Different Types? (Update 2025)
When it comes to the Veterans Affairs 100 percent disability ratings, things can be confusing. Veterans can find it difficult to determine if they can work if they are rated at 100%. Additionally, there are many benefits that are exclusive to veterans with 100 percent. To better understand which 100% rating is best for you, …
Veterans Qualify for Expedited Processing: What You Need to Know
For many Veterans, navigating the disability claims process can feel overwhelming and slow. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the sacrifices of our nation’s servicemembers and offers expedited processing for certain disability claims. This program can help Veterans get faster access to the benefits they need and deserve. Who Qualifies for Expedited Processing? Not …
VA Disability and Secondary Conditions: Expanding Your Claim
Many veterans win their initial VA disability claim and assume that’s the end of the process. But what if new health problems develop that are related to your service-connected condition? The VA allows you to file for secondary service connection, which can significantly increase your overall disability rating and monthly compensation. What Is a Secondary …
Common Reasons VA Disability Claims Are Reduced or Terminated
Winning your VA disability claim is a major victory — but it’s not always the end of the story. Many veterans are surprised to learn that the VA can review, reduce, or even terminate disability benefits under certain circumstances. Knowing the warning signs and understanding your rights can help you protect the benefits you’ve earned. …
What Is a Simple Trust?
If you’re receiving disability benefits, retired, or living off a fixed income from a pension or 401(k), you may have started thinking more seriously about your future — and your family’s. That’s where trusts come in. One type of trust you might hear about in estate planning conversations is the “simple trust.” But what exactly …