• SERIES WORKBOOK You will use this extensively during the series. It is the cornerstone of this project and will be a valuable resource where you can compile all of the information necessary to file claims. Be sure to print it out before you start the series!
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE
• VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources:
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VSO Link
• UDT SEAL Donate Link

Hey Veterans! Welcome! Before we launch into this episode let’s make sure you are in the right place. You are finding yourself on the fifth episode in a series of 5 where my co host Geoff Geness and I are helping you access disability benefits in a streamlined manner.

In this episode  we're going to share special programs and considerations for reserve veterans, combat veterans, and severely disabled veterans programs. Really quickly tho, I want to give a recap of the episodes in case you are looking for something else. 

In the first episode, we covered the background and purpose of the VA and its compensation programs. In the second episode, we covered the 5 26 EZ application. In episode three we explained how to navigate the VA examinations and how to file for additionally qualified programs. In the fourth episode we discussed the specifics about the appeals process. 

Here is a brief rundown of today’s topics. Just like the other episodes, each of these topics are detailed in the workbook and the links to all of the forms are on the website veteransaccessproject.org on the workbook page.

Today we are going to cover:

• VA Healthcare
• VA Guaranteed Home Loan Program
• CRSC: Combat Related Special Compensation 
• Special consideration for Reservists
• VA Pension
• Additional Compensation for Dependents
• Chapter 31 Education Benefits (formerly known as Voc Rehab or Vocational Rehabilitation) 
• Schedule A Appointments 
• Service Academy Nominations
• Home Renovation Grants for Veterans including:
• Especially Adapted Housing (SAH)
• Special Home Adaptation (SHA)
• Temporary Residence Adaptation
• Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
• Auto adaptations
• Grant for purchase of vehicle
• Grant for adaptation of a vehicle

Benefits available to surviving family members such as:

• Accrued Benefits
• Funeral Benefits
• DIC Benefits (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)
• Survivor’s Pension

If you are finding this podcast series helpful, please share it with another Veteran!

And again, thank you to the UDT Seal Association for sponsoring this series!

To grab the forms and workbook, head over to VeteransAccessProject.org

And last but not least, thank you to our production team!

Producer - Dr. Geoff Geness is a former Navy SEAL Officer, and VA Rater, the Director of Outreach and Education and VSO for the U D T C Association, as well as a chiropractic physician and acupuncturist.

Co-Producer - Stacey Whitcomb is podcast host and producer, civilian and acupuncturist who treats individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders.

Artwork - Jeff Higgs produced the original artwork for the Veterans Access Project. He is a former Navy SEAL, Jujitsu instructor and incredible digital artist.

Workbook - MaryAnn Geness compiled and edited the workbook. She is a chiropractic physician and trauma specialist.

Music - "Super Power Cool Dude" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Bass Walker" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ossuary 7 - Resolve" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

• SERIES WORKBOOK You will use this extensively during the series. It is the cornerstone of this project and will be a valuable resource where you can compile all of the information necessary to file claims. Be sure to print it out before you start the series!
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE
• VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources:
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VSO Link
• UDT SEAL Donate Link

Hey Veterans! You are finding yourself on the fourth episode in a series of 5 where my co-host Geoff Geness and I are helping you access disability benefits in a streamlined manner.

Today we are discussing how to appeal a decision that the VA has made. So basically, you have filed your 526EZ, had your exams and were awarded benefits. However, you feel like something is awry. You may feel like the VA did not get something right and it all took a long time. The fact that you have to appeal a decision may seem super frustrating. We totally understand and we’re here to help out. 

So here is the scenario. You may get your decision and maybe feel like the rater didn’t look at all of the symptoms or challenges you are facing. You might feel like they didn’t do a thorough enough investigation into all of the information that you provided. In other words you feel like some of your challenges were not properly considered and you’re not being fully compensated. OR you feel like the effective date is wrong and that you might deserve more compensation.

The types of decisions you may need to appeal include;

The level of disability which means your rating and how severe the disability affects you. OR

The effective date which means the date the VA starts paying you.

Geoff is going to walk us through the three types of appeals, explain when you would use each one and then we will go through each form step by step.

If you are finding this podcast series helpful, please share it with another Veteran!

And again, thank you to the UDT Seal Association for sponsoring this series!

To grab the forms and workbook, head over to VeteransAccessProject.org

And last but not least, thank you to our production team!

Producer - Dr. Geoff Geness is a former Navy SEAL Officer, and VA Rater, the Director of Outreach and Education and VSO for the U D T C Association, as well as a chiropractic physician and acupuncturist.

Co-Producer - Stacey Whitcomb is podcast host and producer, civilian and acupuncturist who treats individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders.

Artwork - Jeff Higgs produced the original artwork for the Veterans Access Project. He is a former Navy SEAL, Jujitsu instructor and incredible digital artist.

Workbook - MaryAnn Geness compiled and edited the workbook. She is a chiropractic physician and trauma specialist.

Music - "Super Power Cool Dude" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Bass Walker" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ossuary 7 - Resolve" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

• SERIES WORKBOOK You will use this extensively during the series. It is the cornerstone of this project and will be a valuable resource where you can compile all of the information necessary to file claims. Be sure to print it out before you start the series!
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE
• VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources:
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VSO Link
• UDT SEAL Donate Link

Welcome back to the Veterans Access Podcast. In today's episode we are going to cover the VA exams and filing "New claims".

Want to know what to expect when you have your exam? What kind of information to bring? Did you know that you can bring a family member? Listen in to get all the details you need to prepare for your exams.

In this episode Geoff discusses what you can expect during your exam. He has tips on how to communicate accurately during your exam so your physician fully understands your challenges. We discuss why it is important to have a VSO. Briefly we touch on special circumstances where you may have to return for a re-examination. Lastly, we discuss situation were you may want to file a new claim by using the 526EZ form.

As a quick recap, in the first episode, we covered the background and purpose of the VA and its compensation programs. In the second episode, we covered the 5 26 EZ application. Today is episode three and we're going to explain how to navigate the VA examinations and how to file for additionally qualified programs. The next episode will be episode four, where we'll discuss the specifics about the appeals process. And lastly, in episode five, we're going to share special programs and considerations for reserve veterans, combat veterans, and severely disabled veterans programs.

Producer - Dr. Geoff Geness is a former Navy SEAL Officer, and VA Rater, the Director of Outreach and Education and VSO for the U D T C Association, as well as a chiropractic physician and acupuncturist.

Co-Producer - Stacey Whitcomb is podcast host and producer, civilian and acupuncturist who treats individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders.

Artwork - Jeff Higgs produced the original artwork for the Veterans Access Project. He is a former Navy SEAL, Jujitsu instructor and incredible digital artist.

Workbook - MaryAnn Geness compiled and edited the workbook. She is a chiropractic physician and trauma specialist.

Music - "Super Power Cool Dude" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Bass Walker" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ossuary 7 - Resolve" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

• SERIES WORKBOOK You will use this extensively during the series. It is the cornerstone of this project and will be a valuable resource where you can compile all of the information necessary to file claims. Be sure to print it out before you start the series!
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE
• VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources:
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VSO Link
• UDT SEAL Donate Link

Today we're going to be talking about the 526 EZ application form. Specifically, Geoff's going to take us through the specifics of how to fill that out, but briefly before I start, I just wanted to let you guys know what each episode is going to cover so that you can make sure you're in the right place.

In the first episode, we covered the background and purpose of the VA and its compensation programs, In today's episode we are covering the 526 EZ application form. Episode three explains how to navigate VA examinations and how to file for additionally qualified programs. In episode four we discuss the specifics about the appeals process, and in episode five we're going to discuss special programs and considerations for reserve veterans, combat veterans, and severely disabled veterans programs.

Specifically, what we're gonna be talking about today is how to apply for disability compensation. But this form can actually be used for many other things. It can be used for compensation under the 1151 program, which is if you get injured at a VA facility, it can be used for automotive and home adaptation equipment and grants. It can be used for temporary total disability. It can be used for special monthly compensation. It can be used for a whole host of VA programs, and we're going to talk about each one of those in the specific episodes. But today we're talking about how to use this 526 EZ form which it's commonly referred to, to apply for VA compensation benefits.

Be sure to grab the workbook from the link above before you get started.

Producer - Dr. Geoff Geness is a former Navy SEAL Officer, and VA Rater, the Director of Outreach and Education and VSO for the U D T C Association, as well as a chiropractic physician and acupuncturist.

Co-Producer - Stacey Whitcomb is podcast host and producer, civilian and acupuncturist who treats individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders.

Artwork - Jeff Higgs produced the original artwork for the Veterans Access Project. He is a former Navy SEAL, Jujitsu instructor and incredible digital artist.

Workbook - MaryAnn Geness compiled and edited the workbook. She is a chiropractic physician and trauma specialist.

Music - "Super Power Cool Dude" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Bass Walker" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ossuary 7 - Resolve" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

• SERIES WORKBOOK You will use this extensively during the series. It is the cornerstone of this project and will be a valuable resource where you can compile all of the information necessary to file claims. Be sure to print it out before you start the series!
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE
• VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources:
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VSO Link
• UDT SEAL Donate Link

Hey, Veterans! Are you struggling with getting disability compensation? Don't know if you even should try because you're not sure if you qualify? Maybe you've filed claims and they keep getting rejected, or are incomplete and it's taking so long. Not sure where to get help? Did you know that you can actually get help for free?

In today's episode, my friend Geoff Geness, who is a former Navy SEAL Officer, director of Outreach and Education, and Veteran Service Officer with the U D T Seal Association, a former VA Rater, Chiropractor and acupuncturist, is going to share with us why it's so challenging to get through the system and receive benefits.

In this first episode, Geoff shares how to make sure your claim goes through the first time by using a Veteran Service Officer. He'll also give a brief history of how these benefits came to be and we'll also cover the difference between VA disability compensation and social security disability payments.

We explore exactly how the VA determines the compensation using a rating scale. And lastly, we touch on other compensation benefits for service connected disabilities, which don't just benefit the Veteran. They also acknowledge the sacrifices made by veterans families.

Producer - Dr. Geoff Geness is a former Navy SEAL Officer, and VA Rater, the Director of Outreach and Education and VSO for the U D T C Association, as well as a chiropractic physician and acupuncturist.

Co-Producer - Stacey Whitcomb is podcast host and producer, civilian and acupuncturist who treats individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders.

Artwork - Jeff Higgs produced the original artwork for the Veterans Access Project. He is a former Navy SEAL, Jujitsu instructor and incredible digital artist.

Workbook - MaryAnn Geness compiled and edited the workbook. She is a chiropractic physician and trauma specialist.

Music - "Super Power Cool Dude" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Bass Walker" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ossuary 7 - Resolve" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

• SERIES WORKBOOK You will use this extensively during the series. It is the cornerstone of this project and will be a valuable resource where you can compile all of the information necessary to file claims. Be sure to print it out before you start the series!
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE
• VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources:
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VSO Link
• UDT SEAL Donate Link

Are you a veteran who was injured or acquired an illness while in service? Are you confused about how to file for disability benefits through the VA? Not sure it's worth it? It might seem like it's too late, or maybe it just feels like a heavy lift emotionally. If any of this sounds like you, not to worry.We've got you.

I'm Stacey Whitcomb. I provide acupuncture and eastern medicine in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders. I'm super empathetic to individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma, so I was both humbled and grateful to be brought into this project by my friend Jeff Geness. Oh, and also I'm a civilian.

I'm here with my co-host, Dr. Geoff Geness, who's a former Navy SEAL Officer, director of Outreach and Education, and Veteran Service Officer for the U D T Seal Association. He's also a former VA Rater, chiropractor and acupuncturist.

We've created this five part series to simplify the process of filing for disability through the VA in an effort to assist you in obtaining the awards you deserve.

Here is what you can expect. In the first episode we covered the background and purpose of the VA and its compensation programs. The second episode covers the 526 EZ application form. Episode three explains how to navigate VA examinations and how to file for additionally qualified programs. In episode four, we discuss the specifics about the appeals process, and in episode five we're going to discuss special programs and considerations for reserve veterans, combat veterans, and severely disabled veterans programs.

Producer - Dr. Geoff Geness is a former Navy SEAL Officer, and VA Rater, the Director of Outreach and Education and VSO for the U D T C Association, as well as a chiropractic physician and acupuncturist.

Co-Producer - Stacey Whitcomb is podcast host and producer, civilian and acupuncturist who treats individuals recovering from service acquired injuries, illnesses, and trauma in a highly specialized clinic that serves emergency responders.

Artwork - Jeff Higgs produced the original artwork for the Veterans Access Project. He is a former Navy SEAL, Jujitsu instructor and incredible digital artist.

Workbook - MaryAnn Geness compiled and edited the workbook. She is a chiropractic physician and trauma specialist.

Music - "Super Power Cool Dude" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Bass Walker" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ossuary 7 - Resolve" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/