Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Tuesday & Wednesday at 7AM Central. Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit h ...
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Ed Farmer, a disabled combat veteran and VA disability appeals attorney breaks down the VA system, helping you get a good result with your VA claim.
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Veterans Legal Lowdown is a podcast created by Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, a law firm representing veterans nationwide on their VA disability claims. In each episode, our legal team breaks down a veterans law topic--from Burn Pits to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and VA claim hacks to the latest VA news. This is CCK On Air.
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VA Ignoring Your Nexus Letter? Here’s What Veterans Need to Know
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8:55As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice Hit a wall with your VA claim—even after submitting an independent medical opinion or nexus letter? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer breaks down why the VA sometimes ignores strong medical evidence and what you…
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VA’s New IBS Criteria — Are You Missing Out on a 30 Percent Rating?
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6:15As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice Veterans with IBS: Are you stuck at a 0% VA rating? Learn how the new 2024 VA disability rules could help you get a higher percentage. VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer breaks down the updated rating criteria fo…
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Cataracts and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
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8:04In this video, Leah B from Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting—an Army veteran and former compensation and pension examiner—explains everything veterans need to know about cataracts and VA disability benefits. She breaks down what cataracts are, how they may be caused or worsened by military service (such as through trauma, radiation, or steroid us…
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How VA Telehealth Works: Virtual Care for Veterans Explained
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8:44Leah breaks down exactly how VA telehealth services work and why they’re a game changer for veterans. She explains how virtual care makes it easier for vets to connect with providers, access appointments, manage chronic conditions, and get mental health support, no matter where they live. Leah shares real examples of using secure video visits, mess…
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CCK Live: Why Do VA Raters Reduce Veterans Disability Ratings?
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5:07Veterans who have a disability rating that is reduced by VA may wonder why it happened. Join us as we discuss the most common reasons why VA reduces ratings and how you can respond. We will talk about new evidence, re-examinations, staged ratings, temporary total ratings, and others. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at…
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VA “One Disability” Rule Explained — You Could Still Get TDIU
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8:11As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice Do you think you don’t qualify for VA Unemployability (TDIU) because you lack a single high-percentage disability rating? VA-accredited attorney and Army combat veteran Ed Farmer breaks down the “one disability…
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Parkinson’s Disease & VA Disability | All You Need To Know
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11:14Leah breaks down everything veterans need to know about Parkinson’s disease and VA disability, with a clear focus on ratings, connection, and benefits. She explains how Parkinson’s disease can be service-connected through direct, presumptive, or secondary pathways—especially for those exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or toxic chemicals during mi…
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How to File a VA Disability Claim – Details from a VA Attorney
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53:34Leah teams up with VA attorney Rebecca Deming to break down the often overwhelming process of filing a VA disability claim. Drawing on their extensive experience, they walk viewers through everything from basic eligibility, required documentation, and types of claims, to practical tips for filling out forms and what to expect after filing. The disc…
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CCK Live: What Are the VA Benefits Available for Veterans Rated 90% Disabled?
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7:58A 90% rating provides access to many top VA benefits, but not all of them are available to 100% disabled veterans. In this episode, CCK Law’s accredited advocates break down the 2024 compensation benefits and appeal options for veterans with a 90% VA disability rating. We discuss monthly compensation, additional benefits for dependents, healthcare,…
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VA Exams After TDIU: What They’re Really Looking For
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6:52As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice If you’ve filed for VA unemployability (TDIU), you might be surprised when the VA schedules you for a new round of exams for every service-connected condition. VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer is here to explai…
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CCK Live: What Your VA Disability Letters Mean - VA Decision Letters Explained
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4:55Veterans who file a disability claim with VA may receive different letters about their cases. These letters contain key details concerning the veteran’s claim and the next steps in the VA disability benefits process. In this episode, CCK Law discusses the most common types of VA letters and what to expect from each. We will talk about VA developmen…
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Florida provides extensive support for its veteran population. From housing and financial benefits to employment and recreational opportunities, veterans have access to several state-specific benefits. Join us as we discuss Florida’s programs for veterans, including housing benefits, financial benefits, tax breaks, vehicle benefits, burial benefits…
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Why VA Respiratory Ratings Suck and What You Should Do About It
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5:51As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice Already rated for a respiratory condition like asthma and thinking a new claim for sleep apnea might boost your VA rating? Not so fast. VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer unpacks a little-known VA regulation that…
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VA Presumptive Conditions and Nexus Letters | All You Need To Know
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8:06Leah explains whether nexus letters are needed for VA presumptive conditions. She breaks down what presumptive conditions are, referencing official VA sources like exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and Camp Lejeune toxins, and clarifies that these conditions are generally assumed by the VA to be service-connected, meaning a nexus letter is *typi…
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
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8:51Leah breaks down everything veterans need to know about getting VA disability benefits for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). She explains how COPD includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, outlines symptoms, and dives into medical literature showing a strong connection between toxic military exposures (like burn pits or…
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CCK Live: VA’s 5-, 10-, 20-, and 55-Year Rule - Is Your VA Rating Protected?
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5:32When veterans have a VA rating for a certain length of time, or they reach a certain age, their rating can be protected from reduction or re-evaluation at future C&P exams. Veterans should know about VA’s 5-year rule, 10-year rule, 20-year rule, and 55-year-rule. Each rule is designed to protect veterans from unjustly losing their VA benefits. Join…
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40+ Chronic Conditions the VA Presumes Service-Connected (Even Without In-Service Symptoms!)
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8:51Did you know the VA has a list of around 40 chronic diseases that may be presumed connected to your service—even if you never reported symptoms on active duty? In this episode, VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer walks you through the “chronic disease presumption,” a powerful tool for veterans seeking VA disability benefits. Ed explains which conditio…
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What Are Favorable Findings in VA Disability Claims ? | All You Need To Know
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8:16Leah explains the crucial concept of favorable findings in VA disability claims. These are positive acknowledgments by the VA, such as confirmed diagnoses, in-service injuries, or credible lay statements, that remain on record even if a claim is denied. Leah walks viewers through how to find and interpret these favorable findings in their rating de…
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How to Avoid Rating Mistakes and Maximize Your VA Benefits
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31:24Leah and Rebecca Deming from Provet Legal dive deep into the topic of "pyramiding" in VA disability claims. They explain how the VA prevents veterans from receiving multiple ratings for the same symptoms, using real-world examples involving mental health, respiratory conditions, and TBI. The conversation is packed with practical insights on how to …
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CCK Live: What to Expect at Your C&P Exam for Back Pain
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3:43The findings from a C&P exam play a significant role in determining a veteran’s disability rating. Veterans who have filed for disability due to back pain should understand what to expect at their compensation and pension (C&P) exam. In this episode, we discuss what happens during these exams and explain how veterans can effectively prepare before …
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Three Key Fibromyalgia Ratings and How to Ensure the VA Rates You Correctly
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3:33Are you a veteran dealing with fibromyalgia and unsure if the VA rated your condition correctly? VA-accredited attorney and Army combat veteran Ed Farmer explains how fibromyalgia is evaluated and shares tips to help you maximize your benefits. This episode covers: 💥 The three VA ratings for fibromyalgia—40%, 20%, and 10%—and what each requires 💥 T…
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Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) : A Hidden Disability for Veterans | All You Need To Know
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10:01Leah breaks down the often-overlooked condition of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) and its significant impact on veterans. She explains the symptoms, causes, and heightened prevalence of DES in the veteran population, especially among those with PTSD, depression, or who underwent refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK during active duty. Leah supports her i…
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Alzheimer's Disease and Tinnitus in Veterans | All You Need To Know
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8:36Leah explores the potential connection between Alzheimer's disease and tinnitus in veterans, highlighting how both conditions—often overlooked as related—may actually share neurological links. Drawing from multiple scientific studies, Leah presents compelling evidence that tinnitus could be an early indicator or risk factor for cognitive decline an…
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CCK Live: What Your VA Nexus Letter Should Include - “At Least as Likely As Not”
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3:41In this episode, CCK Law discusses why the phrase “at least as likely as not” is important in your nexus letter for a VA disability claim. We also discuss the role nexus letters play and how to create an effective one. A well-crafted nexus letter from a medical professional can significantly boost a veteran’s claim for benefits — especially when no…
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What Is Extraschedular Unemployability? Veterans Guide to VA Benefit
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6:56Are you a veteran who doesn’t meet the VA’s standard criteria for Unemployability? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer explains how you may still be eligible for a 100% disability rating through a process known as “extraschedular” unemployability. In this episode, you’ll learn what extraschedular unemployability actually means and how it differs from …
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Can You Work with a 100% VA Disability Rating? | All You Need To Know
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23:59Leah teams up with VA attorney Rebecca Deming of ProVet Legal to unpack a complex but crucial topic: working while rated 100% disabled by the VA. They clearly differentiate between 100% scheduler disability, which allows full-time work with no income restrictions, and TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), which comes with mor…
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CCK Live: VA Mistake? Fighting Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) in VA Claims
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3:42CUE claims allow veterans to receive VA disability back pay to their original effective date, even if the deadlines to appeal have passed. CUE claims can help reverse incorrect VA decisions. In this episode, we discuss the steps to file a successful CUE claim — from identifying undeniable errors in VA decisions to understanding the strict requireme…
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Symptoms to Endorse for Your VA 70 Percent Mental Health Disability
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8:36Are you aiming for a 70% rating for your mental health condition, but you're not sure which symptoms to show the VA? VA-accredited attorney and Army combat veteran Ed Farmer explains exactly what the VA looks for when rating mental health claims at the 70% level. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xCR0O3TvsHM In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Rea…
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CCK Live: Range of Motion Measurements at VA C&P Exam - What to Expect
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2:58Range of motion measures a joint’s full movement potential and is pivotal in how the VA evaluates and rates musculoskeletal conditions. In this episode, we dive into why understanding range of motion if important when filing VA disability claims or appeals for joint or spine conditions. Join us as we discuss musculoskeletal VA ratings, what the ran…
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3 Exceptions to the Normal Effective Date Rules Every Veteran Should Know
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9:10Confused about how the VA determines the effective date for your disability benefits? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer walks you through three essential exceptions to the VA's standard effective date rules and explains how these exceptions could put more money in your pocket. In this episode, you'll discover: 💥 How you can get up to one additional …
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4 Keys to a Successful VA Unemployability Claim | Veteran Legal Guide
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5:21Are you a veteran struggling to understand VA unemployability claims? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer breaks down four critical factors every veteran must know when filing an unemployability claim. In this video, you'll learn: ✅ Why simply being unemployed isn't enough to qualify for Unemployability ✅ Other government decisions are not binding on …
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CCK Live: VA Math - How Does VA Combine Your Disability Rating?
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4:37A combined VA disability rating is granted to those veterans filing VA claims for multiple service-connected disabilities. In this episode, we discuss “VA math.” This is the system VA uses to determine a single combined rating when a veteran has multiple disabilities. We’ll discuss the fundamentals of VA math, the calculation process, and why VA do…
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What is a DBQ in VA Disability? (Disability Benefits Questionnaire Explained)
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8:17What is a DBQ in VA Disability? (Disability Benefits Questionnaire Explained) Episode Overview In this episode, we break down the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)—a key tool in the VA disability claims process. Whether you’re filing a new claim, appealing a decision, or looking to increase your rating, understanding how a DBQ works can make …
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CCK Live: Is Your VA Disability Rating Static? Protections for Your VA Rating
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4:39In this episode, we discuss what constitutes a static disability and how it protects your VA disability rating. We’ll talk about how to identify if VA recognizes your disability as static through terminology like “permanent” in your rating decision. Additionally, we will talk about the circumstances under which VA may re-evaluate a static disabilit…
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Sleep Apnea Claims Changes: Is It Still Worth Filing If You Use a CPAP?
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4:29Is Filing for Sleep Apnea Still Worth It if You Use a CPAP Machine? In this episode, Ed explains the changes to sleep apnea disability ratings and what they mean for veterans. The automatic 50% rating for CPAP use is being phased out under the new criteria, but filing for service connection remains essential—especially if sleep apnea is affecting o…
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CCK Live: VA Development Letter vs. Decision Letter - What Veterans Need to Know
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4:03Veterans receive countless VA letters and correspondence, which can be overwhelming. In this episode, CCK Law breaks down the differences between a VA development letter versus a decision letter. We’ll also talk about how to respond to a VA claim notification letter, how to understand the contents of your decision letter, and the next steps veteran…
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Clemons v. Shinseki: VA Must Consider All Mental Health Diagnoses
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6:20Did the VA deny your PTSD claim because you didn't have the "right" diagnosis? In this video, Ed Farmer, a VA-accredited attorney and U.S. Army combat veteran, breaks down the key ruling in Clemons v. Shinseki (2009). The Court ruled that the VA must consider all mental health conditions that relate to a veteran's symptoms—not just the specific dia…
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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know
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18:46Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know Episode Overview In this episode, we dive into the impact of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy on veterans and their VA disability claims. We’ll discuss how the repeal of DADT has affected veteran benefits, what LGBTQ+ veterans need to know about filing for VA disability, and h…
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CCK Live: Turning Your 60% VA Disability Rating Into 100% — Here’s How
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3:51Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating may be eligible for compensation at the 100% rate. In this episode, CCK Law explores three ways a 60% VA disability rating can increaser to 100 percent. Join us as we discuss filing a new claim for secondary service connection, supplemental VA claims or appeals, TDIU, and more! For more information, visit ou…
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CCK Live: Understanding the Laws About VA Claims Consultants - Veterans Benefits
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5:35In this episode, we examine the legal landscape of the unaccredited claims consulting industry in veterans' benefits. We break down the regulations governing accredited agents and attorneys, the growing presence of unaccredited consultants, the potential risks for veterans seeking assistance, and more. Tune in to learn about the laws surrounding VA…
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Persian Gulf Veterans: Do You Qualify for VA Presumptive Benefits?
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7:26Do you qualify for VA presumptive benefits? Join Ed Farmer as he delves into the complexities of the Persian Gulf War presumption and how it helps veterans obtain service connections for difficult-to-diagnose illnesses. In this episode, Ed explains the concept of a presumption and outlines the qualifications needed, focusing on the correct service …
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CCK Live: 100% VA Disability Rating and Working - When Disabled Veterans Can Work
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4:57Some veterans with a 100% VA disability rating may wonder if they can still work. Whether you have a schedular 100% rating, a 100% permanent and total (P&T) rating, or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), we discuss the details and limitations surrounding employment. In this episode, we also talk about the circumstances unde…
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VA Claims Mistake: Assuming Two Conditions Are Related
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7:39Join Ed Farmer, VA-accredited attorney and US Army combat veteran, as he delves into the difference between causation and correlation in veterans' conditions, offering insights into linking conditions for VA claims. Through practical examples, Ed explains why having two conditions like PTSD and sleep apnea doesn't automatically mean one causes the …
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Alzheimer's Disease and Tinnitus in Veterans: Potential Causes and Impact
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8:36Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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What Happens in a Veterans Disability C&P Exam for Breast Disorders
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9:23Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Exploring the Importance of Veteran Service Organizations
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9:30Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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CCK Live: Incarceration and the Impact on VA Benefits - The Fugitive Felon Act
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3:42How does a fugitive felon status or incarceration impact a veteran’s VA benefits? In this episode, CCK Law breaks down VA’s definition of a fugitive felon, the consequences of outstanding felony warrants, and the steps veterans need to resolve this status. We also discuss how incarceration can affect VA benefits, including reductions in payment and…
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Military Sexual Trauma Claims: Winning Your VA Case with Proper Evidence
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8:25Join Ed Farmer, VA-accredited attorney and US Army combat veteran, as he explores the challenges of winning VA service connections for personal and military sexual trauma cases, focusing on the type of evidence needed to support these claims. Unpacking the intricacies, Ed explains the significance of behavioral markers, like sudden work performance…
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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How Veterans Disability Conditions Can Lead to GERD: Top 3 Links
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8:50Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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