The Link Between Agent Orange and Colon Cancer This article will detail the link between Agent Orange and Colon Cancer. The VA has recognized that several cancers can be linked to Agent Orange. For these cancers, the VA will provide presumptive benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and suffer from a cancer […]
We hope you find this Veterans’ Appeals FAQ helpful in navigating your way through claims and appeals. What is an appeal? An appeal, also called a “decision review,” is a request for the VA to look at your case again because you disagree with their decision. Under the modern appeal system, you have three main […]
What is the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims? The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) is a national court of record. Article I of the Constitution of the United States established the CAVC. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review of final decisions by the Board of Veterans’ […]
What is the Veterans’ Judicial Review Act? President Ronald Reagan signed into law, the Veterans’ Judicial Review Act (Pub. L. No. 100-687) on November 18, 1988. Before this change in the law, if you were denied your VA benefits there was no legal recourse. The important legal change finally gave Veterans and their families the […]
The legacy of Vietnam and Agent Orange continues to impact countless veterans. Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used during the Vietnam War, has been definitively linked by medical science to a range of severe health conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now recognizes specific cancers and numerous other health problems as presumptive diseases associated […]
What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)? Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a higher rate of compensation paid to Veterans due to special circumstances. Like the need of aid and attendance by another person. Or by specific disability. Such as a loss of use of one hand or leg. What Qualifies For Special Monthly Compensation Loss, […]
About Asbestos Exposure and VA Benefits This article answers questions about asbestos exposure and VA benefits the may be available if you have a related illness. If you are a Veteran and you served in any of the following occupations you may have been exposed to asbestos: mining milling shipyard work insulation work demolition of […]
What is the Notice of Disagreement (NOD)? Do you disagree with a decision from the VA and want to appeal? Then the “Notice of Disagreement” (NOD) is the first step in appealing your claim. If you received a letter from the VA stating that your claim was denied, or you disagree with the level of […]
What are the Symptoms of PTSD? Symptoms of PTSD might include nightmares. Or unwanted memories of the traumatic experience. Also, avoiding situations that may recall memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed moods. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and avoidance. PTSD was not a formal diagnosis until […]
What is a “Statement of the Case” (SOC)? After your local VA office gets your NOD it will create a “Statement of the Case” (SOC). The SOC is a detailed explanation of the evidence, laws, and regulations used by your local VA office in deciding your claim. The SOC will be mailed to you along […]
