VA Made Easy
Ed Farmer, a disabled combat veteran and VA disability appeals attorney breaks down the VA system, helping you get a good result with your VA claim.
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Episodes
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Confused about how the VA determines the effective date for your disability benefits? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer walks you through three essential exceptions to the VA's standard effective date rules and explains how these exceptions could put more money in your pocket.
In this episode, you'll discover:💥 How you can get up to one additional year of back pay for increased rating claims 💥 Why filing within a year of discharge could mean earlier benefits💥 How newly discovered service records can unlock years of retroactive payments💥 Real-world examples that show these rules in action
Don't miss vital compensation because of common effective date mistakes. Whether you're filing, appealing, or reopening a case, this episode is packed with information every veteran needs.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6TDCzVzjl7I
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
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Are you a veteran struggling to understand VA unemployability claims? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer breaks down four critical factors every veteran must know when filing an unemployability claim.
In this video, you'll learn: ✅ Why simply being unemployed isn't enough to qualify for Unemployability✅ Other government decisions are not binding on the VA✅ Why VA Form 21-8940 is essential ✅ Why delaying your claim could cost you in back pay
Don't leave benefits on the table. Understand the process, avoid common mistakes, and position your claim for success. Whether you're filing for the first time or appealing a denial, this video gives you the legal insight you need.
VA Form 21-8940 - https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-8940-are.pdf
Video on how to file Form21-8940 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oShcPd5DT8
Video on TDIU facts you should know - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aknD9wpBdBM
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nUu07INyJlA
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
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Is Filing for Sleep Apnea Still Worth It if You Use a CPAP Machine?
In this episode, Ed explains the changes to sleep apnea disability ratings and what they mean for veterans. The automatic 50% rating for CPAP use is being phased out under the new criteria, but filing for service connection remains essential—especially if sleep apnea is affecting other health conditions. Ed discusses cases where veterans may still qualify for ratings, such as when a CPAP machine is ineffective or unusable due to other medical issues. He also highlights the importance of filing secondary claims for conditions linked to untreated sleep apnea. Finally, Ed urges veterans not to delay their claims to take advantage of being grandfathered under the old criteria.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXGrLZBxzOo
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
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Did the VA deny your PTSD claim because you didn't have the "right" diagnosis? In this video, Ed Farmer, a VA-accredited attorney and U.S. Army combat veteran, breaks down the key ruling in Clemons v. Shinseki (2009). The Court ruled that the VA must consider all mental health conditions that relate to a veteran's symptoms—not just the specific diagnosis listed. Ed explains how this decision can help you win your VA disability claim, even if your diagnosis changes.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XbBR167n9uY
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
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Do you qualify for VA presumptive benefits? Join Ed Farmer as he delves into the complexities of the Persian Gulf War presumption and how it helps veterans obtain service connections for difficult-to-diagnose illnesses. In this episode, Ed explains the concept of a presumption and outlines the qualifications needed, focusing on the correct service time and place. He unpacks the two main categories of qualifying conditions: undiagnosed illnesses and medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses (MUCMIs).
Ed discusses the symptoms associated with these conditions, such as unexplained fatigue and chronic pain. Noteworthy are the recognized MUCMIs: chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Finally, Ed offers practical advice for veterans on how to document their conditions and apply for the presumption. Tune in to learn how this presumption could assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h3d2Fmi0_RI
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
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Join Ed Farmer, VA-accredited attorney and US Army combat veteran, as he delves into the difference between causation and correlation in veterans' conditions, offering insights into linking conditions for VA claims. Through practical examples, Ed explains why having two conditions like PTSD and sleep apnea doesn't automatically mean one causes the other. He outlines how medical evidence is crucial in proving causation, highlighting the role of treatment records, medical studies, and medical nexus opinions.
Ed also warns about the pitfalls of unreliable medical nexus companies and underscores the importance of working with VA-accredited representatives for solid support. Gain empowering insights to navigate your VA claims with a focus on proving causation through robust medical evidence.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kAUVL9gUlRU
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
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Join Ed Farmer, VA-accredited attorney and US Army combat veteran, as he explores the challenges of winning VA service connections for personal and military sexual trauma cases, focusing on the type of evidence needed to support these claims. Unpacking the intricacies, Ed explains the significance of behavioral markers, like sudden work performance decline or social withdrawal, as pivotal evidence in establishing these claims.
He highlights the value of lay statements from witnesses who noticed behavioral changes, while also discussing the unique role of after-the-fact medical opinions in MST cases. This episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating MST claims within the VA system, aiming to equip veterans with the knowledge to pursue their claims successfully. Additionally, Ed emphasizes the importance of understanding that MST is the in-service event, and it is the resulting disabilities, such as PTSD, that should be claimed.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QDusCeSqtT0
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
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Welcome to VA Made Easy. Today, Ed discusses the seven common reasons why your VA compensation and pension (C&P) exam might be found inadequate. It will not come as a surprise to you that most of these have to deal with the competency of your C&P Examiner.
Whatever the reason, Ed offers guidance on steps that you can take to ensure that if your exam is found inadequate, you can still take the fight to the next level.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3gmLHCa-wYU
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
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Welcome back to VA Made Easy with Ed Farmer, VA-accredited attorney and US Army combat veteran. In this episode, he dives into a compelling case study on linking sleep apnea to service through depression. Ed walks through the veteran’s journey from multiple denials to a triumphant win, securing a 100% rating. Learn the strategic approach used to connect sleep apnea with depression-induced lifestyle changes, including weight gain as an intermediary step.
Experience the highs and lows of challenging flawed VA C&P exams and the pivotal role of an independent medical opinion. Ed also shares a surprising and encouraging interaction with a higher-level reviewer who finally grants the deserved claim. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for veterans facing similar battles.
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8g_wIoVDBVs
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
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Have you had your benefits severed? Welcome to VA Made Easy, where Ed Farmer dives into the unsettling reality of service connection severance caused by clear and unmistakable VA errors.
Using real-life cases, like Vietnam veterans with hypothyroidism, Ed breaks down how the VA’s decisions can jeopardize benefits—and what you can do about it. Learn two powerful strategies used to fight back and reestablish your service connection, from securing medical nexus opinions to linking conditions to exposure from firefighting foam. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help veterans take control of their claims with confidence. Don’t face this alone—get informed, get empowered, and get back what’s yours.
Learn more about firefighting foam in this episode PFAS Exposure in the Military: How to Meet VA Standards for Disability Claims - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZqCFFkcb_4
Find this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gVTJ3N-5NHM
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