VA Made Easy

10 Top Tips for Filing a Disability Claim from a VA Accredited Attorney

Welcome back to VA Made Easy. In today's episode, Ed Farmer, VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran gives the top ten tips for filing your VA disability claim, straight from the perspective of a VA accredited attorney. Ed emphasizes the importance of having a diagnosis, shares why mass filing claims can be counterproductive, and explains the value of articulating your theory of service connection clearly. He also highlights the rise in importance of environmental toxin exposure in claims and the power of buddy statements. Covering essential advice on avoiding blind appeals and the potential costs and alternatives to Nexus opinions, Ed guides you through the often complex process with patience and precision. If you're considering professional help, Ed's final tips on choosing the right accredited advisor ensure you're equipped to move forward confidently.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mQq8djTNynQ  
VA 21-4138 form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4138-ARE.pdf Buddy statement video: https://youtu.be/mqUbXmlyfqc
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice          
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com          
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com    

Q&A with Experts: VA Claims for Sleep Apnea and Toxic Exposures | Part 2

Welcome back to VA Made Easy; this is part two of welcoming physician assistants Kory McCullah and Joey Richardson from Casparii Medical. They dive into the complexities of VA disability claims for sleep apnea and toxic environmental exposure cases. The discussion unfolds around linking sleep apnea to veterans' service through weight gain and other conditions, and the challenges of substantiating such claims with medical evidence.
Further exploration covers the direct connection of sleep apnea to service, the role of subjective symptoms in VA claims, and the usage of buddy statements in strengthening claims. The conversation shifts to toxic environmental exposures, focusing on conditions like those stemming from Camp Lejeune, highlighting the difficulties and necessary evidence for successful claims.
Find the first part of this series here: https://youtu.be/MKcJuvJtMQg 
Get in touch with Kory or Joey here: info@capsariimedical.com
Find Kaspari Medical online at www.capsariimedical.com  
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice         
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com         
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com  

Q&A with Experts: Unpacking VA Nexus Opinions | Part 1

Join Ed Farmer in the first part of this two-part series as he dives into the intricate world of VA medical nexus opinions, featuring guests Kory McCullah and Joey Richardson, both physician assistants from Kaspari Medical.
Highlighting their extensive backgrounds as veterans and medical professionals, Kory and Joey unravel the complexity behind creating effective nexus letters crucial for VA claims. They articulate the essential elements that constitute a strong medical nexus opinion and discuss common pitfalls encountered in standard VA examinations and opinions.
Addressing unethical practices among certain nexus letter providers, they emphasize the importance of veteran-centric, individualized, evidence-backed medical opinions. The experts also provide insights into navigating the initial claims process using VA resources before opting for private medical opinions.
Get in touch with Kory or Joey here: info@capsariimedical.com 
Find Kaspari Medical online at www.capsariimedical.com  
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MKcJuvJtMQg 
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice        
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com       
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com 

Win Your Appeal at the Court of Veterans Appeals Level: What to do After Negative Board Decision

A Board decision doesn't have to be final. In this episode, Ed walks through the appeal process at the Court of Veterans Appeals level. He explains the rules you must follow to give yourself the best odds to win your appeal, as well as the most common outcomes. 
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RlzXpy2Lqho 
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice       
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com      
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com    

Proposed VA Rating Reductions: Know Your Rights and How to Prevent Reduction

Welcome back to VA Made Easy. In today's episode, Ed Farmer, VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran delves into the unnerving topic of VA rating reductions. Ed breaks down the reasons behind potential decreases, the VA's legal obligations, and your rights in contesting such proposals. Highlighting how reductions can stem from reevaluations, requests for increased ratings, or TDIU filings, he arms veterans with critical strategies for response. Understanding the importance of thorough exams and sustained improvement, Ed ensures you're equipped to maintain your rightful rating. 
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P9tGfQD_Y8I 
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice       
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com      
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice          
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com    

PFAS Exposure in the Military: How to Meet VA Standards for Disability Claims

Welcome back to VA Made Easy. In today's episode, Ed Farmer, VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran, delves into the complexities of filing a service-connected disability claim related to PFAS exposure in the military. Ed breaks down the key steps in winning a claim, emphasizing the importance of not just being exposed to PFAS, but also having a resulting disability or illness. He highlights the need to show a likely connection between the condition and PFAS exposure, discussing the C8 science panel's findings linking certain conditions to PFAS. Additionally, he provides insights on how to show exposure to PFAS, whether through firefighting foam use, military base contamination, or other means. 
C8 Science Panel: http://www.c8sciencepanel.org/DOD PFAS interactive map: https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/eer/ecc/pfas/map/pfasmap.htmlThe Environmental Working Group PFAS interactive map: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019-pfas-crash-training-military-sites-March2020/map/
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DZqCFFkcb_4
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice      
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com     
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice         
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com  

Understanding VA Rating Changes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, and Hemorrhoids

Welcome back to VA Made Easy, in this episode Ed Farmer, VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran, delves into the upcoming changes to VA rating criteria for digestive system disorders. Covering the three major updates for irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and hemorrhoids, Ed breaks down the implications for veterans seeking disability benefits. With a focus on the minimum ratings, new diagnostic codes, and criteria adjustments, he sheds light on how these changes can potentially impact veterans' disability ratings. Additionally, Ed offers insights into how these modifications may affect veterans already rated for these conditions and provides guidance on navigating the forthcoming alterations.
Videos mentioned: https://youtu.be/_1nFtXxOplM 
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ptTOUk-U03M  
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice      
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com     
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice         
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com   

Unpacking the VA PACT Act & TERA Exams: Delays, Flaws & Solutions

Join VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran Ed Farmer in this episode of VA Made Easy as he delves into the VA PACT Act and the issues surrounding TERA exams. Ed highlights how the VA is scheduling an increasing number of TERA exams for various conditions, leading to unnecessary delays in claims processing. He discusses the inadequacy of these exams, including examiners spending minimal time with veterans and the poor conditions of some exam locations. Ed also touches on the impact of these issues on the VA disability system and shares insights on the proposed Senate Bill 20718, aimed at improving the quality of medical disability exams. Ed explains what you can do if you are assigned a TERA exam and your different options.
Bill mentioned: https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/s2718/BILLS-118s2718is.pdf 
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7s4u1uxS6Tw 
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice      
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com     
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice         
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com       

Prove These 3 Elements for Service Connection

Join VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran Ed Farmer as he delves into the three crucial elements required to establish service connection for VA disability compensation. In this episode, Ed emphasizes the importance of proving a current disability, identifying an event, injury, or disease in service, and establishing a medical nexus between the current disability and the in-service event. Using real-life examples and practical advice, Ed sheds light on the complexities of the VA disability system, offering valuable insights to help veterans navigate their claims effectively.  
Forms mentioned: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-4138/  
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9LgJJAGTb4o 
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice     
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com    
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice       
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com      

Informal Conferences and Higher Level Reviews Unpacked

Join VA disability appeals attorney and combat veteran Ed Farmer as he delves into the higher-level review process and the potential benefits of informal conferences. Ed sheds light on the common scenarios where higher-level reviews are relevant, such as addressing incorrect effective dates and ensuring consideration of positive evidence.
He also shares his shift in utilizing informal conferences to communicate effectively with higher-level reviewers, offering valuable insights into the purpose and impact of these conversations. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ed provides practical guidance on navigating the VA disability appeals system, empowering veterans to advocate for their entitled benefits.
Forms mentioned: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-20-0996-ARE.pdf
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nPX9lEL8fB8 
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice    
You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com   
Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor am I able to predict the outcome of any claims.
If you're looking for more help, please schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice      
You can also find more information about my practice at:https://www.vetlawoffice.com