For the 41st episode of The Veterans Voice, our host Amanda Mineer explores exposure in the military and its relation to cancers and other diseases. Reviewing current and past VA decisions, Amanda discusses what service members and their families should do if they think their cancer or condition was caused by exposure during military service.

To provide examples of the types of exposure our service members may have faced, Amanda discusses the effects of Camp Lejeune's recent water contamination as well as the severe impact of Agent Orange.

Exposure can be classified as any chemical hazard or hazardous material that a service member may have come in contact with during their time in the military. When a veteran files a claim with the VA for disability benefits, the VA will determine if the veteran's cancer or disease is service-connected.

Amanda explains that the VA uses a rating system for a service member to get compensation. However, this system often misclassifies an illness's severity or denies claims altogether.

Stressing the importance of filing, Amanda discusses how requirements for compensation in the VA can shift, meaning that even if a veteran's claim is initially denied, it does not mean that it will be denied forever.

With this, Amanda emphasizes the importance of always filing even if your symptoms are non-presumptive. 

To further dig into the concept of denied claims, Amanda welcomes Jerry from Stanton, who has developed laryngeal cancer from his exposure to Agent Orange while in the service. 

Jerry details how his initial claim was denied because he was in Thailand during the Vietnam War and not actually in Vietnam.

Amanda discusses that the VA has since recognized that many veterans were exposed to Agent Orange while in Thailand.

Highlighting the importance of reopening previously denied cases, Amanda urges veterans to never go through the process alone, and provides resources for those who need help with their claims.

Amanda then touches on recent legislation proposed to help veterans find accredited representation. 

To further divulge the appeals process, Amanda gives listeners an inside look into wait times, denied appeals and more. Listen to the full episode for Amanda's full advice and informative tips.

If you need help getting the VA disability benefits you deserve, you can request a free consultation here. 

Amanda and the rest of the team will happily help you file a claim, appeal a decision, or help you get the benefits you're entitled to.

For the 40th episode of The Veterans Voice, our host, Amanda Mineer, uncovers the “red tape” surrounding the VA and its benefits for veterans. Alongside various examples of real cases, Amanda touches on secondary conditions and how to receive an accurate rating and maximum compensation successfully. 

To thoroughly analyze the VA and its benefits, Amanda begins this episode by briefly defining VA disability and secondary conditions:

VA disability is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with an injury, accident or mental condition determined to be service-related by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

A secondary condition, or a health problem linked to your qualifying service-related disability, is also a service-connected disability determined by the VA.

By connecting the definitions, Amanda explains how secondary conditions are often denied. This is because secondary conditions, or conditions that result from a predetermined injury or medication, are likely not disclosed while active duty, making it difficult to prove they are service-connected.

Amanda stresses that if you have a service-connected injury that leads to a secondary condition, it must be filed as a secondary condition.

To follow, we welcomed Lieutenant colonel Martin, a frequent caller from Orange County.

Martin starts by acknowledging the show and its help to thousands of veterans globally. Martin proceeds with various questions about claiming disability and disability ratings. With this, Amanda highlights specific cases and how the rating system was used to determine benefits.

Bringing a critical discussion to the table, Amanda digs into the infrastructure of the VA and what veterans can do to ensure their disability is correctly rated and compensated. 

The rating system, Amanda stresses, often place veterans in a box of standards. With this, various conditions are rated based on the same criteria. However, mental conditions, for example, vastly differ–making the ratings inaccurate. So how can you ensure your diagnosis is correctly rated or corrected?

Amanda tackles this and more to ensure you are fully compensated for your service. Listen to the full episode for Amanda’s full advice and informative tips to learn more.

If you need help getting the VA disability benefits you deserve, you can request a free consultation here. 

Amanda and the rest of the team will happily help you file a claim, appeal a decision, or help you get the benefits you're entitled to.

As we get closer and closer to 40 episodes of The Veterans Voice, Amanda continues to ramp things up with interesting and influential topics! In this episode, our host takes us on a tour through the bulletin board of VA rating decisions so ridiculous it’s hard not to point and laugh. She also takes a moment to address PTSD after retirement, and many other topics, such as how to file for an increased disability rating. 

After the bulletin board tour that you’ll have to listen to learn more about, Amanda starts discussing the importance of having a sense of humor when dealing with the VA. And on the other hand, she tells us about the very real frustration toward the VA she feels on behalf of some veterans who come to Veterans Law Group. 

Later, Amanda helps us answer an important question. 

Suppose you have a 20 percent disability rating on your back and another 30 percent rating for PTSD from 20 years ago. How do you increase those ratings if you feel they don’t accurately capture your pain? Well, her answer may surprise you. And she also takes the opportunity to highlight the stark differences between filing a claim post-2019 and 20 years ago, when it was as simple as writing on a napkin…

Then, we welcome Lieutenant colonel Martin, a six-time caller and friend of veterans! 

Martin starts his discussion by acknowledging his respect and gratitude for Amanda and her work addressing behind-the-scenes VA topics. He also piggybacks off of something Amanda mentioned earlier in the podcast regarding VSOs, and asks two highly fascinating questions! All in all, Martin, yet again, brings important discussions to the table while maintaining a bright, optimistic tone. 

Listen to this episode to hear it for yourself! 

Do you want to hear more? Good! This episode continues its quick pace and doesn’t disappoint. With Amanda at the lead, we have more critical VA discussions and another caller who starts a conversation regarding a horrible duo– fiire and important records. The caller also asks for Amanda’s advice on how to proceed in his daunting situation. 

If, after listening to this episode of the podcast, you decide to reach out to Veterans Law Group, you can request a free consultation right here. Amanda and the rest of the team will be happy to receive your call and help you receive the best possible outcome with the VA. 

This episode of The Veterans Voice podcast is a can’t miss! 

Led by our host, Amanda L. Mineer, the managing attorney at Veterans Law Group, we cover anything and everything in this episode! From a full explanation of the PACT Act to a devastating jeep roll-over accident, this episode is undoubtedly full of educational and interesting topics. 

Amanda starts this whirlwind episode by covering the PACT Act as it just passed the Senate. 

And rest assured, after reading a 128-page pdf regarding the law, she’s well-informed. She tells us that as exciting as it is for many veterans, passing the Senate is only the first step. There’s much more work to be done behind the scenes by the VA and attorneys in the community. 

(Including everyone at Veterans Law Group.) 

But with the floodgates open, as Amanda put it, more veterans than ever will have help. She also says that the PACT Act will affect 1 in 5 veterans— Roughly 3 million people.

Aside from the amazing estimate, there’s much more crucial information that you must be aware of as a veteran. For the big notes regarding Agent Orange, supporting evidence and how the VA will handle all of the changes, tune into this episode! From our team at Veterans Law Group to you and your loved ones, you don’t want to miss any of this. 

Later, Amanda discusses the PACT Act in more detail, the VA’s bureaucracy and red tape. And then, she welcomes a call from Ron. He calls in to ask a question on behalf of his brother-in-law– a Vietnam veteran– who is suffering from something that Ron describes as a “Shrinking brain…”

Ron describes the living conditions that his brother-in-law needs to survive, and he asks Amanda to send him in a direction so that he can obtain the help his brother-in-law desperately needs to carry on. But that call isn’t the only one that came our way in this episode. Amanda also hears from a veteran named Max out of San Diego. 

Unlike Ron, Max isn’t calling on behalf of anyone. Max is calling to discuss his thoughts on the brutal burn pits and the future of traumatic brain injuries. And to also ask an important question on his mind, which ties into a VA communication error that has given quite a few veterans a big headache. 

Overall, there’s a lot more that you need to hear in this episode! From calls from veterans to the discussion of burn pits and Vietnam veterans, it’s all vital information in the veteran community. Be sure to listen to this episode now, and contact Veterans Law Group when you need help! 

The Veterans Voice podcast returns with host Amanda L. Mineer, and this episode is all about VA disability claim rules following questions from live callers.

Did you know when you go to file a VA disability claim, you can be approved for either the 5-Year Rule, the 10-Year Rule or the 20-Year Rule?

The 5-Year Rule is for Veterans who were honorably discharged from service within the past 5 years. If you qualify, the VA will automatically grant a service connection for any health condition that is found during a VA medical examination to be related to your military service, even if there’s no clear evidence of a connection.

The 10-Year Rule is for Veterans who were honorably discharged more than five years ago but less than 10 years ago. To use this rule, you must show that your health condition began (or worsened) during active military service.

The 20-Year Rule is for Veterans who were honorably discharged more than 10 years ago. To use this rule, you must show that your health condition began (or worsened) during active military service or within one year from your discharge date.

While she waits for live callers to join with their questions, Amanda takes us into an example of the VA disability claims process.

Let's say you're a veteran who injured your back or knee and have some PTSD from serving in Iraq. You go to the VA and see a doctor. The doctor gives you a percentage of disability for each condition based on how severe it is.

For example, your back may be 20 percent disabled, your knee 30 percent disabled, and your PTSD 40 percent disabled. However, the combined rating is not simply the sum of these percentages. The VA has a special formula that they use to calculate the combined rating.

The combined disability rating is 70 percent, meaning you are considered 70 percent disabled by the VA.

This 70 percent combined disability rating entitles you to monthly VA compensation. The amount of this compensation is based on your income, dependents and whether or not you have any service-connected disabilities.

The podcast continues with a deep dive into these rules and how they affect veterans specifically. Amanda takes several live calls where she helps veterans determine if they have a case to present to the VA and what the outcome of that case may perhaps be.

If you have a service-connected disability, you may also be eligible for health care and other VA benefits. If you have any questions about your disability rating or benefits, you should contact Veterans Law Group. We can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in appeals if necessary.

Request your free consultation here. 

This episode of The Veterans Voice podcast with Amanda L. Mineer covers a lot– So buckle up. 

Amanda starts it all off by discussing why the VA denies so many claims. She admits there are times when the VA simply doesn’t approve a claim, and the reason remains a mystery– to the frustration of every veteran. 

However, after that, she explains the flip side- the other times when, in truth, the VA did not see the necessary information they needed to approve the disability claim. In those cases, the veteran may have forgotten to provide that information or the VA simply misplaced it.

Amanda goes on and eventually takes us back in time to the old ways of the VA system. 

She tells us about the early days of her career when she recalls marching into the VA office just to see one file. They would walk the file out to you, sit you down in a cubicle, and you could collect/insert the information you needed. 

Nowadays, things are much easier thanks to technology. She explains that those working a veteran’s case can electronically submit information for a veteran and see that information appear in the online file the next day. 

Online access to files is pretty awesome, says Amanda, and one can only imagine how many times it has helped a veteran submit important information the VA needs. 

But while things are certainly better than they used to be back in the early days, mistakes at the VA still happen. 

Just a few months ago, those with pending claims received a letter in which the VA acknowledged a mailing issue that caused a massive delay in many time-sensitive letters. The delay meant that many veterans received letters with 30-day deadlines that had come and gone before the letter arrived in their mailbox. 

That’s a simple example of how badly the VA can mess up and hurt a veteran’s claim. 

Later on in the podcast, Amanda takes a call from a veteran– Robert. He describes intense breathing issues that he had after having an artificial heart valve installed. And Robert explains that he keeps getting the run around from the VA regarding that operation, nerve damage in his neck, his breathing problems and severe sleep apnea. 

He was wondering what the best thing to do in his situation would be. And Amanda guides him through the steps he should take next. 

Then, we move along to discussions about many important topics, including hesitation before filing a claim, family financial planning, and much more that you’ll want to hear as a member of the veteran community. If you need help filing your appeal, reach out to Veterans Law Group now!

Request your free consultation here. 

Welcome to episode 35 of the Veterans Voice podcast with host Amanda L. Mineer, the managing attorney at Veterans Law Group! In this episode, Amanda returns to her roots and passion– education. And she starts this podcast with an important question that we want to present here as well, what’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with your claim?

Think about your answer, and let us know next time we’re on the air! 

After Amanda asks her questions, she gets to work, attempting to educate new listeners! First, she explains that Veterans Law Group only works in appeals. That means our clients have already received a decision/ rating from the VA they believe is inaccurate. And when they come to us, they’re looking to file an appeal and receive a rating that accurately captures the true impact of their disability. 

She also goes on to say that, unfortunately, that means we can be tempted to take on a rather negative image of the VA. (As we only see the times the VA gets it wrong.) However, Amanda works increasingly hard to curb her cynicism and look toward the VA with an optimistic gaze— The hopeful mindset that is always needed in the veteran community. 

Later, Amanda dives further into her mission of education, and we cover the 5-year rule, the 10-year rule and the 20-year rule. 

She explains how the above mentioned rules interplay with permanent and total disability ratings. Focusing her explanations on back and knee-related injuries and PTSD, she tells us that for each one, the VA will determine whether or not they believe it’s a permanent disability. Then they will rate it. However, Amanda also says that no matter what decision a veteran gets back, it’s always an option to file for an increase with help. 

After we finish our discussion over permanent disability ratings, we carry on and cover total disabilities and what that term truly means for a veteran.

Then we go over several other very important subjects for veterans, including a thorough explanation of how someone goes from active service in the military to a veteran with a disability rating. And Amanda shares her views on Veteran Law Group’s position in the veteran community.

We also discuss the incoming claims involving agent orange, burn pits and Vietnam-era veterans coming soon– As a new bill is being polished for the President’s signature. Then, Amanda drops a bombshell– Her best piece of advice for every active service member about to leave the military. 

To hear that advice for yourself and discover the other exciting discussions in this podcast that aren’t mentioned here, listen to this episode now! 

If you or a loved one needs help filing your appeal, Veterans Law Group can help. Contact us now with a free consultation. 

This episode of the Veterans Voice podcast is a little different than a few of the last. Along with the managing attorney at Veterans Law Group, our normal host, Amanda L. Mineer, we’re joined by Aaron Drake! He has spent over 14 years as a military lawyer and now practices law out of Utah. 

Aaron is a passionate veteran, and says his inspiration to join the military may have been a little cliché. But in our experience, there’s no such thing. He goes on and gives us a proper introduction to his life as a military service member and shares a story that many of our veteran listeners will find relatable. Afterward, he paints a very fascinating image of his time serving in Iraq as a lawyer turned soldier. 

Then, toward the middle of this episode, Aaron and Amanda share a few interesting conversations focusing on discharges from the military. Specifically, our hosts touch on how certain discharges can harshly affect a soldier's life when returning to the normal workforce. 

Their conversations lead to some important information regarding the appropriate steps a veteran can take after receiving an Other Than Honorable Discharge. 

Later on, we discuss the inner workings of the VA. 

While many veterans, including a good amount of our listeners, feel that the VA is not on their side, Aaron urges veterans to use a bit of optimism. He says that after hiring a former employee of the VA at his law office, his own perspective was changed. The former employee told him that VA raters actually celebrate when they can give a big chunk of backpay to a veteran. 

Aaron and Amanda continue discussing the employees for a while and manage to paint some color onto an otherwise black and white image of the VA. 

Nearing the end of our podcast, Amanda gives Aaron the chance to step up on a soapbox and talk about something that she is particularly passionate about– Military sexual trauma (MST). Aaron starts discussing MST cases but primarily focuses on making one thing clear; all victims have advocates that will trust and believe them– No matter what. 

He tells our listeners and Amanda that he will not turn down any military service member suffering through the trauma of being sexually assaulted. 

To hear more of the discussions that Amanda and Aaron had, please tune into this episode of the podcast! If you or a loved one needs help getting disability benefits, Veterans Law Group can help. Request a free consultation now. 

Welcome to episode 33 of the Veterans Voice! 

This episode of the show focuses on several pressing issues in the veteran community and a new hopeful bill that is bound to reach President Joe Biden’s desk very soon! The new hopeful bill is especially significant for veterans that served in the middle east around harsh burn pits releasing toxic chemicals in the air– a situation that Amanda compares to Agent Orange from the Vietnam war. 

Amanda goes on to discuss how this bill will affect veterans once the President officially signs it. She says that it may take many years for some aspects of the bill to take effect as they have to jump over legal hurdles. But there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel for many of the veterans who had to endure those burn pits– a light that wasn’t present not too long ago. 

After diving into the new bill a little more, Amanda carries on by taking some calls from veterans in the community. Our first call is from someone that regular podcast listeners know very well– Lieutenant Colonel Martin. This time as he calls into the show, Martin has another question to ask on behalf of one of the many veterans he personally helps. The question leads to important information regarding effective disability dates and more. 

Then as Amanda is about to switch gears, the phone rings again. And we hear the voice of another veteran come over the line– Darrell. He knows Martin, but not as we do. Darrell has personally witnessed Martin’s charitable work with fellow veterans, and has called in to applaud his work. Among so many conversations that highlight the struggles within the veteran community, this call is something amazing. It illustrates the brilliant work being accomplished by so many honorable veterans. 

Unfortunately, Amanda knows better than anyone that such brilliant work should not be necessary. Veterans deserve solutions to their issues and help with their battles without jumping through the VA’s hoops. That realization spins the show in a different direction, and Amanda goes on to give detailed advice to veterans gearing up to file a claim for PTSD and anything else. 

Among all that she says, two things stick out; Never file alone and never let someone charge you for help with an initial claim. 

To listen to Amanda’s detailed advice, amazing conversations and discussions on the new hopeful bill awaiting the signature of the President, tune in now! For more specific information on getting the disability benefits you deserve as a veteran, contact Veterans Law Group with a free consultation! 

Welcome to episode 32 of The Veterans Voice with Amanda L. Mineer! This episode of our podcast has a lot of information for veterans all over the country. But we start with a discussion about how the process of obtaining benefits has continued to become more and more complicated over the years—almost painstaking now. 

Amanda says she remembers the days when a veteran could nearly write their claim down on a napkin and simply hand it over to the VA. Simple and easy. However, in the last few years, she says it’s become much more complicated… And how easy claims are no longer possible. 

Amanda goes on to discuss the VA-required forms that add an extra layer of difficulty for many veterans nowadays. She also tells us that if the veteran submits the wrong form, the VA often neglects to inform them which documents they need to submit in its place—adding even more pain to this challenging process. 

Later, Amanda talks about the bill we discussed in our last episode, “The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxicity” or “PACT Act.” She describes all of the promising things in the works as the bill gets closer to passing. While she can’t fully guess on exactly what the future holds with this, she anticipates that there will be an influx of claims very soon, as a new door for veterans swings open. 

Then, we welcome back Lieutenant Colonel Martin–a regular caller. Martin tells us about a dependent of a Vietnam veteran who was given a 100 percent service-connected disability rating after using such unique evidence–old love letters to his wife. The dependent of the Vietnam veteran is 60 today, and the question is, can a child above the typical TRICARE age limit of 21 to 23 receive benefits, too? 

To hear Amanda’s hot-blooded answer, listen to this podcast episode! 

Moving along, we take a call from another veteran, Max, who lives in San Diego. He has two quick questions… First, he tells Amanda about his struggles, as he had waited two and a half years to get a matter taken care of at the board of appeals. And Max goes on to ask Amanda if she would care to comment on how such a thing is possible. Then, he asks his next question… 

Tune into this episode of The Veteran’s Voice to hear Max’s questions and Amanda’s other discussions! If you’re a veteran in need, like many of our callers, please contact Veterans Law Group today with a free consultation!