Claim OwnershipVeterans Legal Lowdown: VA Benefits Explained
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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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Join us as attorneys reveal crucial strategies for maximizing veteran benefits. In this episode, we cover special monthly compensation (SMC), extraschedular TDIU tactics, clear and unmistakable error (CUE) questions, and insider tips for increased rating claims on orthopedic disabilities. Plus, we answer real veteran questions about obesity secondary conditions, celiac disease service connection, and CHAMP VA eligibility. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
In this episode of The Veterans Legal Lowdown, CCK Law Partner Emma Peterson and Managing Attorney Mike Lostritto dig into some of the most important issues in veterans law today: how mental health can increase VA disability ratings, why the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025 raises red flags, and the lesser-known ways that VA accredited lawyer win claims and appeals. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
CCK's Veterans Legal Lowdown celebrates 100k listeners with a major mid-year VA update. 2025 has been a historic year for VA. In this episode, we cover VA’s $441 billion budget proposal (the biggest ever), recent community care reforms, and the most common service-connected disabilities. Join us as we analyze what these changes mean for veterans!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans who are filing a VA claim for sleep apnea will need a nexus connecting the condition to an in-service event. This can be in the form of a “nexus letter.” A nexus letter is a written opinion from a competent medical professional that details the disability is “at least as likely as not” connected to their military service. In this episode, we discuss the steps veterans should take to secure a nexus letter for sleep apnea. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
There are over 455 military bases with confirmed PFAS contamination due to using AFFF, or “aqueous film forming form.” Those who served at these locations might face health risks. In this episode, we explore how this exposure affects VA disability eligibility, and we discuss the current need for individual service connection proof. You’ll also learn about a nationwide class action lawsuit and legislative efforts aimed at providing veterans with the protections they deserve. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Ever wonder if your VA disability benefits are for your lifetime or if they can change? In this episode, we discuss how and when VA might reduce or take away your disability benefits. You’ll learn about re-examinations (C&P exams) and how they can lead to changes in your disability rating. We will also discuss protected ratings, including VA’s 20-year rule. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans often wonder why it takes so long for VA to process disability claims and appeals. In this episode, we’ll discuss the top reasons behind these VA claim delays. We’ll also share some tips on how veterans can help speed up their claims. From simple mistakes like missing deadlines or not filling out forms correctly, to bigger issues on VA’s side, there are many potential delays veterans and their families can face. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans who cannot work due to their service-connected disabilities may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU. If so, they may have come across something called the “70/40 rule.” In this episode, we discuss this rule and how having one disability rated at 40% or higher, with a combined rating of at least 70%, can help them get a 100% rating through TDIU. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Can VA disability benefits be garnished? In this episode, we discuss the protections your VA disability benefits have and the circumstances that could lead to garnishment. While VA benefits are typically protected from garnishment, there is an important exception for veterans with military retirement pay. Tune in to learn about garnishment, VA disability compensations protections from Garnishment, and more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Lay statements are letters from veterans, their families, or fellow service members that explain what they have seen about a veteran’s health or daily struggles. These statements, also known as lay evidence, buddy letters, or statements of support of claim, are important. In this episode, we discuss and offer tips on how to effectively utilize lay evidence and buddy statements. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
What does it mean when your VA claim status reads: “VA Evidence Gathering, Review and Decision”? In this episode, we discuss the evidence-gathering stage of the VA claim process. We’ll talk about what happens when VA reviews a veteran’s claim. We will also explain how VA’s duty to assist can help veterans collect the right evidence to support their case. This episode also covers some ways you can add your own evidence and what VA does next to move your claim forward. Tune in to learn more!!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans should know what to expect during Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In this episode, we explain a C&P exam’s objectives, which include confirming a PTSD diagnosis, determining service connection, and assessing the condition’s severity to establish the appropriate disability rating. Additionally, we explain what happens after the exam and how to document your experience. We will also provide advice on preparing for the exam. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans with a mental health condition may also be eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC). In this episode, we discuss the eligibility criteria, aid and attendance, how mental conditions can impact a veteran’s claim, and how veterans can effectively present their claims to VA. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
In this episode, CCK law discusses how VA rates insomnia, particularly when it is a secondary service connection. Join us as we discuss the diagnostic code for insomnia, whether veterans can still get secondary service connection for this condition, and changes in the rating criteria for sleep apnea and insomnia. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
How long does it take VA to review your evidence and make a decision? In this episode, two VA-accredited claims agents break down the full VA claims process, including what happens during the most time-consuming phase—Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision. They explain the key steps, what delays are common, and how veterans may be able to shorten the timeline. Whether you're filing for the first time or waiting on a decision, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to navigate the wait more effectively.For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Long-term disability (LTD) benefits can help an individual’s income when they can no longer work due to a medical condition or injury—but can a veteran receive both VA and LTD benefits? In this episode, we discuss the relationship between VA and LTD benefits, the differences between them, how pre-existing conditions are handled in LTD policies, benefit offsets, and whether veterans can receive both simultaneously. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans 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 cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
A 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, vocational readiness, state-sponsored benefits, and others. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
Veterans 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 development letters, rating decision letters, notification letters, and others. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
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, and others. Tune in to learn more!For more information, visit our website at cck-law.comFollow us on social media: YouTube -https://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook -https://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram -https://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter -https://bit.ly/CCKTL
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