Did you know even a 0% rating can unlock important benefits for you and your family?

Why do so many veterans delay or avoid filing for VA disability compensation? It's not about the money—it's often about identity, pride, and a labyrinth of red tape. Doug Nordman joins Spencer to break the silence and stigma surrounding VA disability claims, while sharing personal stories, tough truths, and practical advice every veteran—and their family—needs to hear.

🎯 Episode Highlights

1. The Hidden Costs of "I'm Good"

• How military culture conditions veterans to downplay symptoms
• The long-term impact of this mindset on health and family

2. Navigating the VA Disability Labyrinth

• What to expect from the C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam
• Why VSOs (Veteran Service Officers) are your best allies
• The importance of documenting everything—early and often

3. Doug's Personal Story

• Why he waited over a decade after retirement to file
• Lessons learned from his own claim process and a friend's 100% disability case

4. Caring for Aging Veterans

• The power of a DD-214 and why every family should locate it
• Benefits many don't know exist until it's too late
• The "miscellaneous folder" tragedy every child of a veteran should avoid

5. The Financial Independence Veteran's Dilemma

• What if you don't need the money? Why filing still matters
• VA benefits as a tool for long-term care planning and protecting your family

6. Zero Percent Can Still Mean Everything

• How even non-compensable ratings unlock valuable benefits
• Real-life stories of minor conditions leading to major support later

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Doug blog: Military Financial Independence
• DD-214 resource: National Archives eVetRecs Request
• Learn about the PACT Act
• The Military Guide Page on Facebook
• Forums & communities:
  • Mr. Money Mustache
  • Bogleheads
  • ESI Money Millionaire Interviews

For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

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If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

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