🎙️ 2025 VA Disability Year in Review: Expert Insights with Attorney Rebecca Demming (ProVet Legal)

Episode Overview

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of VA disability benefits in 2025 with Attorney Rebecca Demming of ProVet Legal. With shifting regulations, new case law, and a backlog of claims, this year has presented challenges—and opportunities—for veterans. Rebecca brings her expert perspective to help veterans and their families understand what changed this year and how to prepare for what’s coming next.

What You’ll Learn:

• Key policy and regulation changes affecting VA disability in 2025
• How these changes impacted claims, ratings, and appeals
• Common mistakes veterans made this year—and how to avoid them
• Notable victories and precedents set in 2025
• Rebecca’s expert advice for veterans filing or appealing claims in 2026
• Predictions for future VA disability trends and legal shifts

Guest Spotlight:

Rebecca Demming, Esq.
Veterans Law Attorney | Founder, ProVet Legal
Rebecca Demming is a passionate veterans advocate with extensive experience helping veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Through ProVet Legal, she specializes in disability claims, appeals, and legal representation for veterans nationwide. Her insider knowledge of VA law and dedication to justice make her an invaluable voice on today’s show.

Resources Mentioned:

• ProVet Legal: provetlegal.com
• VA Disability Rating Guide (VA.gov)
• Relevant 2025 legal cases or federal rulings (if referenced)
• Veterans Crisis Line and service organization links

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 In this episode, we explore a common question among veterans: Can you own a business while receiving VA disability benefits? We break down how service-connected disability compensation interacts with entrepreneurship, what programs and resources exist to support veteran business owners, and what considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about starting or running your own company. From understanding the basics of VA benefit rules to exploring opportunities like the VR&E self-employment track and veteran-owned business certifications, this episode offers practical insight for veterans who want to build something of their own.

Working as a fueler or fuel systems specialist in the military often meant daily exposure to toxic chemicals, jet fuel vapors, and environmental hazards — all of which can lead to long-term health issues.
In this episode, we explore the types of conditions that can result from fuel exposure, how to establish a VA service connection, and what steps veterans can take to strengthen their claims for benefits.

Whether you fueled aircraft, vehicles, or storage systems, this episode will help you understand your options and what evidence you’ll need to get the compensation you deserve.

In this episode, we dive into how the VA approaches disability benefits for veterans living with bipolar disorder. From understanding the symptoms and rating system to learning how to tell your story effectively, we explore what every veteran should know about navigating the process with confidence and clarity.

Join us as we discuss the real-life challenges veterans face when bipolar disorder impacts daily functioning, employment, and relationships — and what steps can help you better communicate those experiences to the VA.

🎙️ VA COLA 2026: What Veterans Need to Know About the New Cost of Living Increase

Featuring Attorney Rebecca Demming (ProVet Legal)

Episode Overview

In this episode, we welcome back Attorney Rebecca Demming of ProVet Legal to break down the 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and what it means for veterans receiving VA disability benefits. With inflation still affecting household budgets, this year’s COLA increase is especially important. Rebecca helps us understand the numbers, the process behind the rate, and how veterans can maximize the value of their benefits in 2026.

What You’ll Learn:

• What the 2026 COLA is and how it’s calculated
• How the COLA affects your monthly VA disability payments
• The projected or official rate for the 2026 increase
• How COLA ties into Social Security and other federal programs
• Why the COLA increase matters more than ever for disabled veterans
• Rebecca’s expert take on how to plan ahead for the increase

Guest Spotlight:

Rebecca Demming, Esq.
Veterans Law Attorney | Founder of ProVet Legal
Rebecca Demming returns with her deep knowledge of VA law and her passion for helping veterans understand their rights and benefits. Her firm, ProVet Legal, represents veterans across the country and specializes in appeals and disability compensation.

Why This Episode Matters:

Understanding the COLA increase can help veterans budget smarter and stay ahead of rising costs. This episode gives you the facts and expert insights you need to make informed decisions about your compensation and future planning.

Key Takeaways:

• COLA increases are essential for keeping VA payments in line with inflation
• The 2026 adjustment takes effect in January and applies to all disability ratings
• Veterans can see meaningful income increases based on their rating
• Knowing how COLA works can help you project your future benefits

Resources Mentioned:

• VA Disability Rates (VA.gov)
• Social Security COLA Information
• ProVet Legal: provetlegal.com
• Cost of Living Adjustment Explanation (SSA.gov)

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a serious, often life-altering condition that affects many veterans — sometimes as a result of exposure, stress, or secondary conditions from military service. In this episode, we break down how the VA rates heart failure, what evidence supports a strong claim, and how to prove service connection for heart conditions.

Whether your CHF is linked to ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or another service-connected illness, this episode will help you understand your options and how to pursue the compensation you deserve.

In this episode, we dive into Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — a common but often misunderstood condition affecting many veterans — and how it can qualify for VA disability compensation.

BPH, also known as enlarged prostate, can cause significant urinary symptoms and affect daily life. While it’s common in aging men, veterans may experience it earlier or more severely due to service-related exposures, stress, or secondary conditions. We’ll explore how to establish service connection, what VA rating criteria apply, and how to build a strong claim or appeal.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• What Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is and how it affects veterans
• Common symptoms and complications (urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, retention)
• How the VA rates BPH under the genitourinary system
• Establishing service connection for BPH:
  • Direct service connection (diagnosed during service)
  • Secondary to PTSD, hypertension, diabetes, or medications
• Importance of medical evidence and urology records
• How exposure to toxins or chemicals (burn pits, Agent Orange, etc.) can contribute
• Difference between BPH and prostate cancer for VA purposes
• Using nexus letters and Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs)
• Handling claim denials and filing appeals for BPH
• VA ratings percentages for urinary frequency, voiding dysfunction, and incontinence
• Tips for strengthening your BPH claim with lay statements and medical documentation

💡 Key Takeaways:

• BPH can qualify for VA disability benefits if it’s service-connected or secondary to another condition.
• The VA rates BPH based on symptom severity — not the diagnosis alone.
• Medical documentation and specialist opinions are crucial for a strong claim.
• Veterans exposed to toxins, stress, or certain medications may have a valid secondary connection.
• Don’t accept an initial denial — appeals with medical support often succeed.

🧾 Resources Mentioned:

• VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Genitourinary Conditions)
• Veterans Health Administration – Urology and Men’s Health Services
• Accredited VA Claims Agents and Legal Support

🎧 Tune In If You’re a Veteran Who:

• Has been diagnosed with BPH (enlarged prostate)
• Experiences urinary issues impacting quality of life
• Takes medications for PTSD, hypertension, or diabetes that could cause or worsen BPH
• Has had a VA claim denied for BPH or urinary problems
• Wants to understand how to increase or appeal your BPH rating

Many veterans struggle with mental health conditions that began during their time in uniform but were never formally diagnosed while they were serving. In this episode, we explore how those experiences are recognized and understood by the VA — even without an in-service diagnosis on record.

We’ll talk about how symptoms, service experiences, and post-service medical evidence can help paint a clear picture of what you’ve been through, and why it’s important to share your story in a way that connects your military experience to your current mental health.

🧠 Episode Overview:

In this episode, we take a deep look at amputations and VA disability benefits — including how the VA evaluates different types of limb loss, what compensation levels veterans can expect, and what additional support programs are available.

Whether your amputation resulted directly from service, from a combat injury, accident, or as a secondary condition related to diabetes, vascular disease, or infection, understanding the VA rating system and available resources can help you get the benefits you’ve earned.

We’ll also explore prosthetic care, adaptive housing, and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) that may apply to your situation.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• Overview of amputation-related disabilities recognized by the VA
• Common causes of amputation in veterans
  • Combat injuries, accidents, infections, diabetes complications, frostbite, vascular issues
• How the VA rates amputations (upper and lower extremities)
• Explanation of amputation levels and rating percentages
• Understanding Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for limb loss
• How prosthetics and assistive technology factor into VA benefits
• Secondary service connection for complications (phantom pain, arthritis, depression, etc.)
• Navigating the VA claims process for amputation and limb loss
• Importance of medical evidence, nexus letters, and C&P exams
• Adaptive housing, vehicle, and clothing allowances for amputee veterans
• Appeal options for denied amputation claims

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Amputation is a highly compensable condition under the VA disability system.
• Veterans may qualify for additional Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on loss of limb function.
• Prosthetic care and adaptive support programs are available to help veterans regain independence.
• A strong nexus letter and thorough medical documentation are critical to support your claim.
• Even secondary amputations related to service-connected conditions (like diabetes or infections) can qualify for VA benefits.

🧾 Resources Mentioned:

• VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Amputation and Musculoskeletal Conditions)
• VA Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service
• VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Chart
• Adaptive Housing and Vehicle Grant Programs

🎧 Tune In If You’re a Veteran Who:

• Has experienced an amputation related to service or a service-connected condition
• Wants to understand how VA disability ratings work for limb loss
• Needs information on prosthetics, adaptive equipment, or SMC benefits
• Has faced a VA claim denial for amputation or related conditions
• Wants to learn how to maximize compensation and access VA resources

🧠 Episode Overview:

In this episode, we take an honest and informative look at Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and how it affects veterans seeking VA disability benefits. Many veterans struggle with alcohol use after service — often as a result of PTSD, chronic pain, or other service-connected conditions. Yet, the VA’s approach to alcohol-related disabilities can be complex and confusing.

We’ll break down how the VA evaluates and compensates alcohol use disorder, when it can be service-connected, and what kind of medical and psychological evidence you need to support your claim.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its impact on veterans
• How military service can contribute to alcohol dependence
• When alcohol use disorder can be service-connected
  • Secondary to PTSD, depression, anxiety, or chronic pain
  • Linked to self-medicating behaviors caused by service-connected disabilities
• VA’s policy on primary vs. secondary service connection for substance use
• How the VA rates mental health and substance-related disorders
• Importance of nexus letters and medical opinions in AUD claims
• Strategies for veterans denied due to “willful misconduct” language
• The VA appeal process for denied alcohol-related claims
• Available treatment and recovery programs through the VA
• How to document rehabilitation efforts and long-term recovery

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Alcohol Use Disorder can qualify for VA disability if it’s secondary to a service-connected condition.
• The VA often denies claims labeled as willful misconduct, but a strong medical nexus can change that.
• Linking AUD to PTSD, depression, or pain management can establish service connection.
• Medical evidence, lay statements, and treatment records are vital to a successful claim.
• Recovery efforts and ongoing treatment can demonstrate long-term impact and help strengthen your case.

🧾 Resources Mentioned:

• VA Mental Health Services – Substance Use Program
• National Center for PTSD – Substance Use and PTSD Guide
• Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then Press 1)

🎧 Tune In If You’re a Veteran Who:

• Struggles with alcohol use or recovery after service
• Has been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, or anxiety and uses alcohol to cope
• Had a VA claim denied due to “substance abuse” or “willful misconduct”
• Wants to understand how secondary service connection applies to AUD
• Is looking for VA treatment programs or appeal guidance