Veterans: Is the deck stacked against you?
The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has unique statutory authority. Unlike any other federal appellate court, individual judges – not panels of judges – can decide Veterans’ appeals. This means, unlike any other set of citizens in the land, Veterans are singled out for discriminatory treatment by the one court which reviews decisions made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Continue reading
Has VA Really Reduced The Claims Backlog?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proudly advertises that the disability claims backlog is now under control. Under Secretary for Benefits Alison Hickey has stated categorically that VA’s goal is to eliminate the claims backlog by the end of 2015 – “meaning all Veterans will receive timely and accurate decisions on their disability claims.”
How is this miracle possible? The answer is, it’s not possible. VA is not offering timely and accurate decisions on disability claims. Here is how they are really addressing the claims backlog: Continue reading
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kubina/414211811
On March 13, 2015, H.R. 1356 “Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015” was introduced in Congress. Among other mandates, if passed this bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure every VA medical center has a full-time obstetrician or gynecologist.
Can you believe it? It would take an act of Congress to ensure that VA’s medical centers have at least one full-time obstetrician or gynecologist on staff? Continue reading
What you don’t know about VA benefits could cost you
Many people assume new illnesses, aches, and pains are “normal.” Just part of aging. Or simply bad luck. Or even genetics. Veterans – don’t be lulled into passive acceptance of so-called common wisdom. Diet and exercise can only get you so far with the many health problems – some tremendously serious – which may be the result of your military service. In addition, some health issues, such as birth defects, may be results of your military service that affect not only you but your entire family. Continue reading
Military Veterans' Lawyer Blog