Veteran's Voice Podcast with Amanda Mineer: Recent Episodes
Amanda Mineer
In this 51st episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veteran disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer interviews Chris Livingston, a vet turned sales director post his military service. Specifically, this episode talked about:
- Answering veteran FAQs on the PACT Act of 2022 and providing brief updates on Camp LeJeune claims
- Providing direction on how to reopen a disability claim when more than a year has passed since the decision
- The story of Chris Livingston’s motivation to join the military, his time in the army and how his experience shaped his current civilian life and career
- What Chris is specifically doing now in Contractor Growth Network and how he integrated into entrepreneurship and marketing from a life in the military
- The golden piece of advice that Chris has for vets and active military service personnel
Call-in Guests:
James, from Los Angeles
Broadcast date: December 13, 2022
Contact Contractor Growth Network at:
www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractorgrowthnetwork
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ContractorGrowthNetwork
Contact Veterans Law Group at:
www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #veteransaffairs #VA
In this 50th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veteran disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer answers the most recent and pressing VA claims inquiries. Specifically, she discusses:
- The lawsuit filed by veteran organizations asking VA to explain how they process Blue Water Veteran claims
- Clarifying the difference between VA disability claims and Camp Lejeune water lawsuits
- Explaining the Veterans Law Group’s contingency fee for VA disability compensation assistance
- How to navigate a C&P Exam: good practices, complaints and requesting copies
Call-in Guests:
Patricia, from Laguna Woods, questions regarding Camp Lejeune and family history of cancer
Thomas, from Huntington Beach, nephew of combat Marine in Vietnam, wanting to know how to help his uncle
Broadcast date: December 6, 2022
Contact Veterans Law Group at:
www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #veteransaffairs #VA #C&PExam #bluewatervets
In this 49th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veteran disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer interviews Gina Elise, founder of Pin-Ups for Vets. They talk about:
- Exploring the experiences of Pin-Ups for Vets volunteers in visiting veterans homes
- Activities and initiatives of the organization to support veterans across the country
- The positive camaraderie and sisterhood of the female vets who volunteer for pin-ups
- How vets can volunteer and be part of Pin-Ups for Vets
- Ways that people can extend their support to Pin-Ups for Vets
Special Guest: Gina Elise, Founder of Pin-Ups for Vets
Broadcast date: November 8, 2022
Contact Veterans Law Group at:
www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Contact Pin-Ups For Vets at:
http://www.pinupsforvets.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pinupsforvets
Twitter & Instagram: @pinupsforvets
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #veteransaffairs #VA
In this 48th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veteran disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer talks about:
- Explaining the bureaucracy, lengthy process and inaccuracies behind the current VA claims procedure
- How the PACT Act could inadvertently slow the VA claims process
- The role of the Veterans Law Group in helping vets navigate and appeal VA claims
- Discussing the legal and compensatory technicalities behind VA appeals
- Important details vets should understand about Individual Unemployability
Call-in Guest: Randy, a disabled veteran who hopes to appeal his 10 percent VA rating
Broadcast date: Nov 1, 2022
Contact Veterans Law Group at:
www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #veteransaffairs #VA
In this 47th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veterans disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer interviews Scott Goldman, Executive Director of The 6th Branch in Baltimore, Maryland. They talk about:
- The Background of Scott Goldman’s military experience in Afghanistan
- Blue Water Navy claims for Vietnam Veterans and presumed Agent Orange exposure
- How The 6th Branch, a 501(c)(3) non-profit run by veterans, serves their local community
- Exploring the daily activities and community projects of The 6th Branch in Baltimore, MD
Special Guest:
- Scott Goldman, Executive Director of The 6th Branch, Attorney, U.S. veteran, current Army reservist
Call-in Guest: Edgar, Vietnam War veteran with Agent Orange exposure
Broadcast date: October 25, 2022
Contact The 6th Branch at:
www.the6thbranch.org
Twitter: @The6thBranch
Facebook: facebook.com/the6thbranch
Instagram: @the6thbranch
Contact Veterans Law Group at:
www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #bluewaternavy
In this 46th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veterans disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer talks about:
- Is it worth appealing your VA disability claim decision?
- Pending US Supreme Court case will decide effective dates for some types of claims
- Navigating the process of calling the VA about your claim status
- How to utilize inquiries to your Congressional representative to assist your VA disability claim process
- Understanding your rating decision letter
UPDATE Nov 7, 2022 - a decision has issued on the pending US Supreme Court case Amanda discussed since this episode was recorded. The Court rejected the veterans claim.
Website: www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #SCOTUS #ratingdecision #appeals
In this 45th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veterans disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer talks about:
- Why you should appeal instead of re-filing your VA disability claim
- Importance of advocacy in pursuing your VA disability claim
- What determines effective dates? (Nehmer case)
- How long should VA disability claims take?
Broadcast date: October 4, 2022
Website: www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #PTSD
In this 44th episode of The Veterans Voice, experienced veterans disability attorney Amanda L. Mineer talks about:
- How the VA reviews all psychological disability claims, including PTSD
- Understanding some of the limitations of C&P exams
- Using the McGrath case to optimize effective date for claims
Call-in Guests: Lt. Col. Martin and James, US Army veteran denied 6x for foot injury
Website: www.veteranslaw.com
Twitter: @VeteransLawGrp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranslaw
Instagram: veteranslawgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-veterans-law-group/
Have questions you want answered or want to be featured on The Veterans Voice? Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com
Would you like a free evaluation of your case? https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
veteran #veterans #vadisabilitybenefits #PTSD
Veterans Law Group continues to educate itself so it remains up to date with any and all changes happening with the VA. As a veteran’s representative, it is our job to ease the process for veterans to file their disability claims. We also make it easier for the VA to grant your claims once they open your file.
One of the most common questions asked by veterans and their family members is why does it take so long to receive an initial decision on a claim?
The short answer is because the VA’s claims department is backlogged. Backlogged claims are classified as claims 125 days older or older. As of September 2022, there are currently 150,000 backlogged claims which have yet to be processed despite 635,000 claims being processed annually.
This number will only increase with the passing of the Pact Act as it will allow those previously denied claims or who didn’t have the chance to file claims to (rightfully) do so now. With the current claims systems, processors are working through more than 7,000 claims a day. The VA claims to be hiring more processors and allowing employees to work overtime, but this brings an entirely different set of issues to the VA’s already crowded table.
On the surface, hiring more people and having them work over time would be a more efficient way to power through the claims. However, given most processors are unqualified for the position, how accurate are these decisions and what kind of pressure will these processors, or claims agents working as processors, be under to power through these claims?
Some qualifications needed to be an effective processor include:
- Accurate interpretation of medical findings
- Understanding of how the law applies to said medical findings
For a more in-depth look at why claims take so long, we highly recommend checking out this recent article titledVA’s Widespread Mishandling of Disability Claims Could Have Caused Delays in Denials for Veterans.
Another commonly asked question is how do you know when to appeal a decision?
This boils down to the percentage of your rating and severity of your symptoms. Lately, the VA has included symptoms associated with each percentile range. However, you don’t have to exhibit all of these symptoms to qualify.
To learn more about these commonly asked questions or book a free consultation, visit veteranslaw.com or call our office at 800-811-0523.
Veterans Law Group is here to help veterans cut through the VA’s red tape and get the compensation you deserve for your secondary conditions.
Secondary conditions are conditions that occur as a result of an injury sustained during a veteran’s time under a military contract. The initial, or service-connected, injury could have occurred during a training exercise, active duty, or during their time in reserves. The types of injuries sustained could vary from combat related injuries (back sprains, twisted ankles, a serious head injury, etc.) to mental health issues (PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.).
Once out of service, a veteran’s initial injury could devolve into a host of other conditions, hereby referred to as disabilities. For example, let’s say you injured your back during service which makes walking difficult. You begin putting more weight on one side than the other to overcompensate. Over time, you notice your hip, knee and/or foot is in constant pain as a result of your overcompensation.
This resulting disability would be considered a secondary condition as it stemmed from the initial back injury.
Remember, each part of your body is connected. When one part is out of sync, the other parts are also out of sync.
If the correlation between your injuries is proven true, you’re entitled to compensation. Compensation is paid monthly and continues for the duration of your disability, which is often the remainder of the veteran’s life.
Some newly recognized disabilities include side effects from medication prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with your service-connected injury. Certain medications have been known to cause weight gain. Some potential side-effects of weight gain are sleep apnea and/or orthopedic issues.
Orthopedic issues resulting from weight gain could make exercising difficult thus making it harder for you to lose weight. This could be considered a secondary condition.
When filing claims to cover your secondary conditions, please make sure you file them as a secondary condition instead of a general claim. If your request is submitted incorrectly, the VA may deny your claim without evaluation as it could be interpreted as a separate, not service-connected disability.
Do you need help with your claims or do you have questions about whether your current disabilities count as secondary injuries? Check out our previous podcasts to see if we’ve previously answered your question.
Whether you’re preparing to leave the military or have been retired for years, we’re here to help.
Email us at veteransvoice@veteranslaw.com or call at 800-222-5222 to get started.
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!
On this episode of The Veterans Voice Podcast, our host, Amanda L. Mineer, and some callers discuss hot topics in the veteran community. One is a new senate bill that passed just last week as of June 16th, 2022.
The bill is called “The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxicity” or “PACT Act” for short. It indicates the united movement to support veterans exposed to toxic chemicals. And the new bill will likely mark one of the most impactful changes to the substantive part of VA benefits…
Amanda tells us about the extraordinary way the PACT Act flew through the senate with immense bipartisan support. And goes on to discuss how soon we can expect the PACT Act to hit the desk of the President and what it will mean for you.
Shortly after, We received another call from Lieutenant Colonel Martin. Martin, a regular caller on the show, has some compliments to give and a question to ask.
He says, “It’s a pleasure to speak with you again (Amanda). I’ll reiterate that you are the smartest (most educated) person I’ve known in 20-30 years as far as the veteran’s administration.
So, thank you.
I’ll get right to my question, piggybacking on your earlier conversation about burn pits and effective dates. Filing back in 2003, upon returning from Afghanistan, where the burn pits were present, my claims were denied. However, as of ten years ago, I’m rated at 100 percent for other complications.
So my question is, would I be able to make further claims for the disabilities that sprang from my time in Afghanistan?”
Amanda gives our regular caller a thorough answer, and then, shortly after that, we’re joined by Darrel, another veteran, who says that he is connected to Martin!
Darrel says, “I just wanted to make a little comment here. I’ve called in a few times before, and I got some good answers then.
But the thing that I wanted to mention was that I worked with Lieutenant Colonel Martin also! I know all about how he has helped fellow veterans. And he mentions you (Amanda) and the Veterans Law Group all the time.
That only raises my confidence in you.”
After a truly joyful conversation with Darrel, Amanda moves on to other topics, such as the five different ways to challenge the VA when you are denied. Truly critical information for any veteran that is attempting to fight the VA. Don’t miss out on that information and how the PACT Act could affect your life! If you or a loved one need help to obtain the benefits that you deserve, contact us at Veterans Law Group. Click here.
Typically the Veteran’s Voice podcast choices to stay out of the political discussions. Instead, choosing to lean toward the issues plaguing the veteran community on an individual level. However, as this episode was recorded live on election night, Amanda L. Mineer, our long-time host, opened up the channels of communication—giving those listening in the veteran community a chance for open discussions about the political changes approaching us…
Particularly, when it comes to such a large organization, such as the VA, the discussion becomes, how do these changes in the hierarchy affect the paperwork that individuals like yourself are handing in to the VA offices?
In other words, how do shifting power dynamics in politics trickle down the ladder and affect you?
Amanda says she has seen an astonishing amount of political change over her 12 years in law. Those very changes range from the President himself to the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, who is currently the Honorable Denis Richard McDonough, appointed by President Biden.
Amanda goes on to say that over the years, she has seen many people appointed to the position, and she has also seen the tidal waves of veterans demanding change within the organization every time. However, Amanda says that despite the change she desperately wants to see within the VA as well, she understands that truly changing an organization will take more than a single person at the top of the pyramid.
It’ll take more…
Perhaps it’ll take changing the 30-year-old habits that many of the workers within the office have been fixated on to truly find new ways of supporting the veteran community. Listen to the podcast to discover more of Amanda’s thoughts on this subject.
Later on, the Veteran’s Voice podcast takes a call from a listener, Glen from Los Angeles. He starts his call with a strong statement that surprises even Amanda herself. Glen goes on to explain his strong words and what has him feeling so disgruntled. He tells us it’s about a change with VA doctors which occurred over seven years ago and his subsequent complaint about the quality of care he has received.
Altogether, this episode includes several more calls from veterans within the community discussing their issues with the VA and more commentary about the implications of political changes! If you want to know how the coming political changes will affect your personal life as a veteran, listen to this episode of the podcast!
Election night podcasts don’t come often. Click play now.
The Veterans Voice podcast returns yet again, with Amanda L. Mineer, Veterans Law Group’s managing attorney for over nine years, leading the show! In this episode, we continue to discuss the crucial steps veterans must take to receive the disability benefits they have earned for their service!
We also cover many important questions from live callers.
This episode of the podcast covers everything you need to know…
And it all begins with valuable insight from a fellow veteran, Mike.
Mike calls into the live show early on to ask Amanda about a rather tricky situation he is dealing with as he balances his 90 percent disability rating with his endeavors to buy a new home for himself– after several failed attempts in the past…
Following Amanda’s advice to help Mike get a new roof over his head soon, the two of them share some relatable banter about the traits of some organizations that simply refuse to acknowledge Mike’s disability rating appropriately.
Then, later on, with Mike well on his way to get his problem resolved thanks to Amanda’s advice, the show takes another call from a veteran, Daryl. He asks Amanda to explain the difference between being paid under the benefits of IU versus payment granted from a scheduler IU.
The answer to that question dovetails into a fascinating and helpful discussion surrounding the difference between being permanent and total and then being 100 percent disabled in the eyes of the VA. Listen to Amanda’s conversation with Daryl at the 15:00 minute mark.
Next in the podcast, Amanda talks about a letter that we might have all received in the mail recently.
The letter was meant to address some major mailing issues at the VA, such as letters taking nearly two to three months to reach their recipient– even in deadline-sensitive matters.
The letter supposedly illustrated what the recipient might be able to do next if they missed a due date because of the VA’s late response. You can learn more about the letter and Amanda’s thoughts near the 30:00 minute mark of the podcast.
If you want to listen to the full, unedited conversations between Amanda and your fellow veterans in need of advice, you can click play on this episode of the podcast! As much as this description covers, our callers cover more.
Don’t miss out on the insightful information you need when up against the VA.
Welcome to episode 28 of the Veterans Voice podcast!
In this podcast episode, our host Amanda L. Mineer welcomes Gretchen Smith, the founder of Code of Vets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the veteran community. Gretchen, as a veteran herself, honorably served in the Air Force for roughly four and half years. Three of which were spent overseas in Germany, where she met her now-husband of 27 years.
She recalls her time in the military as a great way to build a foundation for the rest of her adult life—almost as if it were a springboard to greater things. She even says that she may not have been great for the Air Force at the time, but the Air Force was great for her.
At the beginning of this episode, Gretchen describes her loving father, the main source of inspiration behind Code of Vets. She tells us about who he was as a father and Vietnam veteran, the man that was a Bronze Star Medal recipient. And then, she tells us about the man he became… a 100 percent disabled veteran who battled PTSD every day—later losing the fight and passing away at the young age of 57.
Gretchen goes on about her time in the military and her father around the 4:00-minute mark in this podcast.
Later on in the episode, Amanda and Gretchen discuss the surplus of aid available for veterans now. And that, for the most part, that aid is just waiting for a veteran to be informed about it. You can listen to that discussion around the 10:00-minute mark.
Then, Gretchen tells us about what Code of Vets does for the veteran community and how, even from its humble beginnings as a Twitter page, it evolved into something greater that consistently helps veterans.
Finally, toward the end of the episode, Amanda asks Gretchen to inform us about her own background. Specifically, the essential experiences that gave her the confidence to utilize the power of social media to aid veterans in the way that she does. That question and Gretchen’s answer lead us to an entirely different discussion—one that is about how a simple tweet about hope saved a veteran’s life as he was going through a tough time.
To hear all about the tale of that veteran, the circumstances which made him feel hopeless and later about the homeless veteran population, that is constantly fighting to stay welcome in the country that they served, you can tune in to the podcast at the 35:00-minute mark.
If you’d like to learn more about Code of Vets, please click here.
Episode 27 of The Veterans Voice podcast features exciting discussions every veteran needs to hear about the VA confiscating weapons, the non-adversarial process and much more.
Brought to the air by Veterans Law Group and our very own managing attorney, Amanda L. Mineer as the host, this episode of the podcast starts by welcoming a regular caller that listeners of the last episode will surely remember, Mel. [7:35]
Mel joins us again to discuss further the VA confiscating his means of self-defense and his desire to have them returned to him. Yet, the fear of having the VA reopen his case and consequently decide to revoke his benefits is weighing on him. Due to that, he asks for Amanda’s opinion on his situation.
Even with her limited knowledge of his exact circumstances, she does her best to provide him with thorough information to lead him in the best direction possible.
She explains that the VA most likely deemed Mel incompetent to handle his finances. And with supporting evidence, that opens them up to take his firearms. She continues to explain that if Mel genuinely wants to have his firearms returned to him, he must fight the incompetency rating. [9:10]
After more discussion between Mel and Amanda, sharing some healthy cynicism towards the VA and their processes, the podcast takes a break. And it returns to speak about how one can be compensated for their military career. [18:00]
Amanda tells us that the three options are retirement, pension or disability benefits, and she describes them.
- Retirement is the most straightforward of the three. After you’ve served 20 years of honorable service, you are entitled to your fund.
- And then, separate from that, there’s Pension, which can be confusing since most people think of retirement when they hear the word. However, the word pension doesn’t carry the same meaning for the VA. And there are a lot of ways to qualify for it.
- Lastly, there’s compensation (disability benefits), where the expertise of Veterans Law Group falls.
Following Amanda’s explanation of all three, she goes on to say that despite what many veterans believe to be true, you cannot receive pension payments and disability compensation simultaneously.
Later, we discuss effective disability dates. [22:30]
Then welcome another veteran who shares his recent experience with the VA, turning him away, even claiming that they had no record of his injury. He shares the story behind his parachuting accident and more. [32:30]
To catch all of the nuggets of information between these discussions and hear Amanda’s insightful explanations firsthand, please tune in and listen to the full podcast!
Episode 26 of the Veterans Voice podcast is an interesting look at the VA itself!
Host Amanda L. Mineer, the managing attorney here at the Veterans Law Group, shares some fascinating information about the “believe it or not” non-adversarial process over at the VA.
She reveals that it’s actually a process that sets veteran claims apart from the standard litigation process as there would be in a personal injury case or break of contract lawsuit. And that it was always meant to promote healthy cooperation between veterans, their representatives and the VA!
All to ensure they get their rightful compensation.
Unfortunately, we know all too well that from the veteran’s perspective, that doesn’t exactly work out all of the time…
Later on, Amanda guided us into a couple of things that she prepared for discussion on the podcast. “One is regarding incompetency claims with the VA.” But like the brilliant educator that she is, she lays the groundwork with some general information first.
She says, “When you apply for disability compensation, you’re saying to the VA that during your time in the military, you experienced some sort of injury. And now that you’re out, that injury is limiting your ability to earn an income great enough to support yourself and your family. To that, the VA typically agrees to replace that lost income with disability compensation for as long as you have that injury.”
Pretty simple.
However, the VA can also claim incompetency and use medical evidence to say that you cannot handle your finances. Fortunately for veterans who may be in that situation against the VA, you have a period of time when you can fight their claim. Find out more at the 8:00-minute mark!
Moving forward through other discussions, we take a call from Bill 18:00 minutes into the show.
Bill says, “I was discharged from the military with a medical injury that gave me trouble balancing. Due to that, I took a fall later on as a civilian, and the VA paid for the bill. But they ended up taking my firearm when I was in the hospital…”
Surpisingly to Bill, he learns that through an incompetency claim, the VA can take his firearm, as Amanda explains.
This episode of The Veterans Voice podcast continues with more calls from inspiring veterans and even one from a long-time listener, Martin. If you want to hear the questions those veterans have been waiting to ask Amanda, tune in to the episode now!
There’s a lot more to understand about disability benefits than many realize! Luckily, Amanda L. Mineer and everyone at Veterans Law Group is ready to explain the whole process.
With our host, Amanda, episode 25 of the Veterans Voice podcast lays out every bit of essential information that ALL veterans need to know about filing for an appeal following a decision made by the VA! This episode comes just in the nick of time, with as many as 70 percent of VA initial claims being either denied completely or underrated. Such a high number of denied claims is most likely evidence that many veterans are unaware of what information they need to provide the VA with to have a claim approved.
Amanda discusses the three major factors responsible for determining whether a veteran’s claim is approved or denied in the hopes of decreasing that percentage. She also talks to us about her somewhat mixed feelings after hearing that intimidating number from one of the colleagues with whom she works closely, and on that very same note, she discusses her resistance against a cynical position in a time when many veterans are struggling to have their claims approved – a struggle that you may be able to relate with.
On claims, Amanda says, “Three factors go into getting disability compensation – disability compensation being a non-taxable, monthly payment that a veteran or their family would get based upon an injury from their service. For example, if a veteran suffered from a knee injury during their service, and that injury gave rise to lasting effects on their well-being, that veteran may be entitled to some compensation to ease their life when dealing with those lasting effects.”
Provided that they can prove that their injury is service-connected.
The three factors to look out for would be the in-service injury and current diagnosis – proving those lasting effects as well as some sort of correlation between the in-service injury and your recent diagnosis. That correlation is often called a nexus letter.
Amanda also sets some time aside to explain why Veterans Law Group may turn down a case or a veteran. She explains that much like the VA, the VLG’s decision is largely based on three things.
- The Veterans Law Group is often unable to take on new cases due to a large workload.
- Other times, there may be someone better equipped to handle your type of case. In that situation, we would refer you to them.
- Lastly, it may be that we believe your claim doesn’t need an attorney.
To hear Amanda’s full thoughts on the denied claims and that percentage, as well as the live calls from fellow veterans and essential basic information, please listen to the full podcast episode! If you have questions or you need assistance with your claim, we’re sure that Veterans Law Group can aid you. Request a consultation now!
Episode 24 of The Veterans Voice podcast is the one to listen to if you’re looking to understand the Appeals Modernization Act!
Amanda L. Mineer is joined, yet again, by Star Borseth. She is a former U.S. Air force service member, who has been through the appeal process firsthand, and now works as a paralegal for Veterans Law Group. Together, our hosts start this episode with the objective of exploring the appeals process that many veterans are facing. They dive in, going over the different levels of appeals.
As Veterans Law Group works solely in the Court of Appeals. Amanda and Star, along with the others here, are uniquely positioned to provide a thorough explanation of the process. Amanda starts, “If you reach the appeals process and have come to VLG, you have already received one of two decisions:
- Decision one – Saying that yes, you are service-connected with a percentage rating.
- Decision two– Saying no, you are not service-connected.
After more explanation, Amanda shares some of her experiences with veterans expressing their troubles with the complicated VA appeal process– something that has grown more and more common. And Star gives her opinion, “[...] They definitely made it more complicated than the way they previously had it.”
Amanda says that “The Appeals Modernization Act, we call it the AMA, passed in 2017-2018[...]” may have something to do with the confusion.
With that realization encouraging her, Amanda explains the Appeals Modernization Act and its changes from the previous appeal process. Furthermore, she warns us that many veterans may misunderstand and believe that the AMA is larger than it truly is. That talk is worth checking out if you have wonders regarding the AMA.
Further on in the episode, our hosts take a call from Don, a fellow veteran.
He tells our hosts about his experience submitting a claim for sleep apnea. Don says that he did so with the acknowledgment of a VA doctor saying his sleep apnea was service-connected. But unfortunately, he says that even with that, he is still experiencing difficulty getting his claim approved. Don asks, “Should I go to the higher level of board appeal?”
Finally, after answering Don’s questions and more, our hosts wrap up this episode with a few more discussion points that are undoubtedly essential listening topics if you or a veteran you know have ever wondered about the VA appeal process– specifically, how to get the benefits that you deserve.
If you still have some questions floating around, please schedule your free consultation with Veterans Law Group. https://www.veteranslaw.com/consultation-request/
If you’re looking to learn and connect with others just like you, then episode 23 of The Veterans Voice podcast is one you can’t miss!
Our host Amanda L. Mineer is focused on one thing in this episode– education. As a teacher and an educator at heart, Amanda uses this live episode to open up the channel for some active dialogue with listeners that are very similar to you. She gives everyone a glimpse into the process that Veterans Law Group uses to help veterans. And moreover, she gives us some valuable advice when looking into issuing an appeal.
To kick all of that off it, Amanda takes a call from Max, a long-time listener and veteran.
Max has several things on his mind as he calls in to the show, but mainly, he’s looking to help his fellow veterans by warning about the sometimes faulty advice coming from VA representatives and even other lawyers.
Max describes his experience following his lawyer's advice that ended up causing a completely avoidable stall in his case. He also tells us about the struggles he faced being turned away by attorney after attorney. Which, as he says, made it seem nearly impossible to find help– a feeling that all too many veterans often share, as they’re fighting for their benefits.
Following Amanda’s thoughts on the advice that Max had received and even some other choices that his lawyer made, we take a turn to discuss C&P Exams and their importance.
A discussion that is made all the more critical after Amanda hears some troubling rumors about the exam itself. She explains that C&P Exams should be considered mandatory if you want the best chance of the VA considering your case, especially if you want them in favor of your claim.
Nearing the end of the episode, we dive into misconceptions that have been passed around the veteran community, including the false notion that you must wait for your pending claims to be settled before filing another.
After listening to this episode, if you’re interested in discussing the details of your case with Veterans Law Group, all you have to do is request a free consultation! After doing so, you can expect to be in touch with the remarkable team here soon.
In the meantime, read more on the importance of C&P Exams by visiting this page here.
This time on The Veterans Voice, host Amanda L. Mineer is joined again by Star Brewer as our cohost.
Star is a U.S. Air Force veteran and paralegal for Veterans Law Group. She has a unique perspective compared to most, given that she has aided many of her family members in applying for and later obtaining their benefits, including her grandfather– a Vietnam veteran.
She describes her experience as “a little bit of everything.”
The start of this episode is spent discussing and sharing thoughts on the recent broadcast email sent out by the VA. In which the VA proposed changes to some of the regulations regarding how they rate conditions such as tinnitus, sleep apnea and some mental health conditions.
Amanda asks Star for her thoughts on the email.
She says: I think I might be a little bit more jaded than most veterans. [...] I see this on a daily basis, and I see how the VA has constantly changed. [...] I have seen how they’ll offer something and then pull it back right away. So I don’t get too excited. I know a proposal is just a proposal. [...] I wish that the VA would clarify a bit better when they send that out.
After more discussion on the proposed changes from the VA, our hosts took a call from Ron.
He said: I’m 50 percent service-connected disability rated, and I wanted to get an increase, based on three claims. One was for tinnitus, one for moderate sleep apnea and the third for severe osteoarthritis.
I have two questions. I had heard that for any service member putting in a claim for tinnitus, it was an automatic 10 percent– is that correct?
The other question was, I have the severe osteoarthritis in my hip [...], and I’m on track to get scheduled for surgery. [...] Now, if I get a hip replacement, what happens to my claim?
After Amanda answers Ron's questions, she and Star move on to various other topics, all relating to veteran benefits.
One of those topics is mental health among our veterans. They discuss the implications of many veterans not seeking help from the VA or others in their communities before joining another caller, Leslie, who has a question of her own regarding compensation for her father.
Wrapping up our podcast, Amanda and Star help answer many of our callers' questions, including effective dates and more. If you want to hear the answers to those questions and the others presented here, please listen to this episode of The Veterans Voice.
Amanda A. Mineer, the host of The Veterans Voice, is back in the 21st episode of the show. In this episode, she focuses on some of the common questions that many veterans have in a Q&A style.
As the lines open, our first caller, retired Lieutenant Colonel Martin– a long-time caller with over 20 years of experience in the armed forces– starts the call in a rather unexpected but nonetheless delightful way. Martin says that “(Amanda & The Veterans Voice Podcast) are the most informative experts on this subject matter that he has ever heard.”
Springing from that, he raises a question that his friend has had on their mind involving the difference between the permanent and total disability ratings.
According to Martin, the question is this– If I don’t get a permanent rating, are they going to review me every three years and try to reduce my rating? Or otherwise, never let me make it up to a 100 percent rating?
Amanda hears that question and does her best to give a thorough response– walking the audience between the two different routes that one can take to reach a 100 percent rating. She covers scheduler and the “magic math formulas” known as VA math, which work together in order to determine your rating.
Later on in the episode, the show receives another caller– Max. He received an email from the VA entitled “VA Proposes Disability Rating Changes.” The email states that there are updates to three issues– sleep apnea, mental health and tinnitus.
Max goes on to read the rest of the email to all of the live listeners. Then they discuss Amanda’s thoughts on the proposed updates. Including what she believes will happen, expanding to why veterans shouldn’t necessarily be concerned about these possible updates.
Towards the end of our episode, we have a final caller named Roz. She calls in to give fellow veterans a heads up about jobs in the manufacturing industry at a company called L.A. Gauge that she believes would be a great fit.
Amanda and Roz continue their discussion venturing into why it’s often so challenging for veterans to find work even though veterans are often the most teachable in new positions.
If you want to hear more about Amanda's insightful conversations on this episode, we encourage you to listen to the full podcast.
This week’s Veteran’s Voice podcast talks about military sexual harassment and permanent disability issues with live callers.
The podcast starts with co-host, Star, a U.S. air force veteran. She gives her perspective of a new order the Biden administration has implemented for sexual harassment in the military.
She talks about the pros and cons of said ordered law, including some of the hesitations she has for the order. Amanda Mineer questions, “What defines sexual harassment?” Star asks, “Where do you draw the line?”
The podcast takes a turn in the direction of veterans who are seeking permanent disability and disability ratings. Star says the VA doesn’t tell you if they are making a permanent disability determination unless you get a specific sheet from the VA that lists it.
This leaves veterans wondering if they’re going to be sent back for exams and when those exams will be. This oftentimes adds to any anxiety, depression or other mental health issues they may already be facing.
Mineer mentions that many people receiving military disability benefits wait for that 10-year mark, which is ultimately when most veterans’ permanent disability comes into play. However, she says that the VA is usually inconsistent as to when they ask veterans to have another exam.
She talks about how the VA, in particular, doesn’t get it right for veterans. Star adds that the appeals process for veterans is more common than the VA getting veterans’ disability determination right the first time.
Also joining the podcast include live callers David Evans, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, and Darrell, a Vietnam veteran.
Evans talks about his and his father’s PTSD and the injuries of some of his comrades. He mentions how he believes the U.S. should currently be spending more money on Americans than on wars right now.
Darrell mentions how he receives 100 percent benefits. He asks what the difference is between unemployability and physical and mental permanent disability, and whether or not he will receive death benefits.
Those who must wage war on a daily basis against their disabilities are deserving of all the assistance we can give them. If you need help that you can rely on in your own battle with the VA and disability benefits, the Veterans Law Group is here for you. Contact us for a consultation today.
In this episode, Amanda is joined again by Star, a Veteran of the United States Airforce. Star is currently operating as a paralegal for Veterans Law Groups, working to help interview clients and much more.
After a quick introduction, our hosts begin taking calls from live listeners of the podcast. The first one is Max from San Diego.
Max asks two questions. The first question is regarding a time issue on his own current case in the court of public appeals. The second is about PTSD and claims for traumatic brain injuries.
Max continues to elaborate on his own traumatic brain injuries that he suffered while in service. From there, he also asks another question about the frequency of those cases in the line of Veterans Law Group.
This brings our hosts and Max into a thorough discussion about the intricacies of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and related cases for the duration of the podcast.
They cover what a Veteran realistically has to do to obtain help for their PTSD or traumatic brain injuries since the process can seem complicated.
All of this brings Amanda and Star to encourage Veterans to be honest. They recommend being honest about what it’s like on your worst day as you deal with your disability. Amanda and Star say that now isn’t the time to “suck it up.” Instead, it’s time to get the disability benefits that you’ve earned for yourself and your loved ones.
Towards the end of our podcast, we’re joined with a second-time caller from Long Beach, VA, who is calling on someone else’s behalf.
He paints the picture of a Major currently on active duty, but about to retire with service-related disabilities. He is, unfortunately, going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage.
The caller’s question on behalf of this Veteran is whether the Veteran's spouse is entitled to any of his VA benefits.
To bring our podcast and the call to a close, Amanda gives him a straight answer about the competing interests of federal and state law. It’s complicated because divorce and separation property is under the jurisdiction of state law. But, on the other hand, VA disability compensation and retirement with the VA are under the jurisdiction of federal law.
Amanda is joined by her friend and co-host, Star, who is a United States Air Force Veteran with four years of service experience. She now serves as a paralegal for Veterans Law Group.
They start this episode off with an interesting discussion on Star’s background, including her inspirations to join up and her battle with the VA. When she left the armed forces, she was initially denied benefits.
From there, our hosts spring into many interesting discussions about what Veterans often don’t realize or may not remember about the process of filing a claim.
Their conversations include how VSOs are often relied upon too heavily and that despite the exceptional work that many do, they aren’t always able to balance that workload to favor your case specifically.
At the midway point of our podcast, Amanda & Star transition into a discussion about the C&P Exams, which are often a high-stress point in the lives of many Veterans. But that’s for a good reason, as the C&P Exam often determines the severity of the disability and whether it’s genuinely service-connected.
Later on, Mel, a frequent caller and a Navy Veteran who served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, calls into the podcast. He tells a bit of his story, going over the process of joining the armed forces before talking about his personal experience with Agent Orange—the barrel with the orange stripe.
Mel and our hosts talk about how Agent Orange was deployed, what it was used for, and mainly, the unanticipated effects that it had on soldiers after the fact.
As the podcast wraps up, Mel vividly describes a scene he witnessed while in Vietnam: Agent Orange was sprayed on the dense vegetation all around him, creating a cloud of chemical mist that could hardly be seen through.
For more information on Agent Orange, check out the Veterans Law blog that covers this topic in more detail here.
If you or a loved one is in the midst of a battle obtaining benefits from the VA, don’t settle for substandard help. At Veteran’s Law, we provide you with our full attention, so you don’t have to attempt the process alone.
Reach out to Veterans Law Group now to receive quick, professional help in your battles. Schedule a consultation with us here.
Amanda Mineer is accompanied by Violet Roman, a third-generation veteran. Who served in the 1991 Gulf War with the 129th Evacuation Hospital in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. She helped numerous people through her work in hospitals before being scouted by the Veterans Law Group in 2017 as a paralegal.
Amanda and Violet start this episode with a discussion about the incarcerated veterans, or as they call them, the forgotten veterans. These veterans are often ignored when they write for assistance. Thus they struggle to obtain any kind of help when applying for benefits or even believe that they aren’t afforded any.
Both of the hosts talk about the benefits that the forgotten veterans can still obtain and how to go through the process of applying for them. That leads them into reminiscing about their first time visiting a prison to help the veterans inside and how that changed their perspective.
Later on in the episode, a conversation with special guest Tim. He joined the army in 2007 in Texas when he was 18 years old and was quickly deployed to Iraq shortly after that. Tim and Amanda talk about his time in Iraq and what his deployments were like as he developed and grew his family by getting married and having kids. They also cover what his personal experience was when dealing with the VA and his PTSD. Amanda mentions what the process of raising his disability rating was like, as well as how that applies to other veterans today.
As Tim and Amanda wrap up their conversation, Tim recalls what it was like from his perspective when working with the Veterans Law Group. Mainly how quick the process turned out to be.
Dealing with disabilities is a constant battle and those who have to fight it are deserving of all the help that we’re able to provide. If one of your loved ones is an incarcerated veteran who is seeking assistance when applying for benefits, or you need help that you can count on in your own battle with the VA, the Veterans Law Group can help. Schedule a consultation with us today.
At the beginning of the podcast, hostess Amanda Mineer, talks about the recent news in the military, specifically about the Navy. Recently, the Navy has decided to re-evaluate discharge upgrade applications of sailors diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, MST or other mental health and behavioral conditions.
Amanda talks about the importance of discharge upgrades as if you have a dishonorable discharge, and how the VA has the option to grant you or not grant you benefits. Oftentimes, the VA may grant you healthcare benefits so you can receive treatments, but not compensation for your condition.
Those who obtain a discharge upgrade to either a general or honorable discharge will be eligible for compensation and education benefits.
Further into the podcast, Amanda receives a live call from Ben, a retired Navy from San Diego. He asks Amanda why the VA rated his heart problem while in the military as zero percent.
Amanda explains that when it comes to rating based upon a disability, the statute becomes the basis of rating. Basically, the rating comes down to the law, which states that if you have a certain disability you have a certain percentage.
The next caller, Susie, discusses her son-in-law and daughter’s situation. Amanda advises that as long as her son-in-law gets a general, other than honorable, or honorable discharge, this makes him available for VA disability benefits.
She also advises that when her son-in-law does the exit interview/examination, he needs to make sure that he includes the mental health issues. By mentioning his mental health issues, it makes it easier for him to get his disability compensation.
Amanda urges that if you leave the military to file for your compensation package. You may get a zero percent, but that percentage might change down the road as the injury bothers you more and more.
As we near the end of the podcast, Amanda explains the C&P exam is an exam that every veteran filing for a claim must take. Your case depends on the C&P exam and this exam is getting a medical opinion on two things. The first is if your injury has a relation to your service and the second, what is the severity of that injury. This equates down to the percentage that you get on that injury.
Follow Amanda on this podcast as she works to educate her listeners on the discharge upgrade, the importance of a C&P exam and takes questions for her live callers.
The Veterans Law Group represents disabled veterans and their families with over 25 years of experience, they have succeeded in helping veterans receive the compensation they deserve.
Today on this podcast, hostess Amanda Mineer is going to explain the basics, processes and answer questions from live callers.
Let’s start with the basics. What happens when a veteran gets out of the military and files a disability claim?
To give you an understanding, disability compensation is a contract that veterans sign when they join the military. Civilians agree through the contract that any disability they get while veterans are in service, they get compensated for as long as they have this disability.
A disability can be an injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder that developed while in the military, or depression and anxiety.
In the podcast, Amanda explains the process of filing a claim and mentions that the law states that nobody can charge a veteran for filing a VA. She talks about some of the suspicious activity when veterans get charged for asking for help when it comes to VA compensation.
Starting the process of filing a claim tells the VA that you have some injuries related to your service. You don’t have to have a diagnosis and you don’t have to know what your injuries are.
After the submission of your claim, you will go through the C&P exam. The exam is going to give you a diagnosis if you have one and it’s going to determine what the percentage of a disability is.
Amanda emphasizes that a C&P exam can make or break your case. During the C&P, you fill out a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). The questionnaire is a standardized questionnaire that gets sent back to the VA and a determination gets made based upon the statutes for each disability.
Throughout the podcast, Amanda talks with a few live callers regarding their experience with the VA and the percentage they received. One caller, Mike, talks about how his sleep apnea claims got denied by the VA and how his appeal was also denied.
Join Amanda as she talks in more detail about the basics and processes of filing a VA and talks with some of her callers to try and answer their questions that could help you.
In today’s episode, we welcome Amanda and her dear friend, Aaron Drake. Aaron has spent over 14 years as a military lawyer and practices law out of Utah.
Amanda starts the podcast with her first question:
What made you want to join the military? It may sound “cheesy” according to Aaron but after 9/11 happened, he heard the nation's call. As such, he spent the last 20 years in uniform.
Aaron was a law student when 9/11 occurred in his first year. He thought he could be a part of what was happening and joined the Air Force ROTC.
Aaron, a retired veteran, is currently in the civilian world as an attorney. He practices different aspects of law but focuses on the veteran community military law, veterans law and family law.
Further in the podcast, Aaron talks about discharges and their effect on the VA.
Amanda explains that when a veteran gets out of the military on a discharge, it bars them from certain benefits. Sometimes a dishonorable discharge has to do with mental health issues related to the veteran's time in service.
Later in the podcast, Aaron educates the categories of discharges and their definition. Aaron states that a discharge is an involuntary discharge. When a military member is involuntarily discharged, their service gets characterized.
What this means is that the basis for this charge could be a pattern of misconduct or something else. He discussed that before a discharge happened because of a military member’s sexual orientation.
Aaron explains that his mind started to change about how he wanted to be in the military. This happened when the military forced him to discharge someone because of their sexual orientation.
He further explains that today, discharges have the characterization as honorable, general under honorable conditions or under other and honorable conditions. He focuses on the first two and mentions that this qualifies veterans for the VA disability compensation.
However, getting characterized as under other and honorable conditions, court martialed, receiving a bad conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge from the court marshall stops veterans from the VA disability compensation.
Amanda and Aaron are advocates and attorneys who help veterans get their VA disability compensation that every veteran deserves.
Join Amanda and Aaron as they talk about VA disability compensation in discharge and more.
Veterans Law Group has been practicing exclusively in the VA Disability Compensation for over 25 years. Hostess Amanda Mineer is a veteran advocate and attorney. She has been working with the Veterans Law Group since 2013.
She works with veterans from all over the country to help them get the compensation they deserve.
In today’s episode, Amanda answers all of the commonly asked questions. This includes VA Disability Compensation, benefits and eligibility.
Why are veterans hesitant to file disability claims?
There is a stigma about attaching oneself as a disabled veteran. Some veterans have gotten used to living with a certain code of honor. This makes it hard to admit that they’re disabled in some way.
However, having a disability is only stating that they’re not as good as they were when they joined the military.
Amanda works to break the stigma of the word disability.
A disability only mentions the pain from a physical part of the body. Or, the suffering of a mental health problem such as depression.
Why do veterans not want to file their claims?
Veterans feel that other people need it more than them. Yet, nothing gets taken away from somebody else. She encourages veterans to file their claims and get a disability rating.
Why? This can help veterans with their jobs and it’s a way of taking care of their families.
Why does the VA process take so long?
Amanda discusses that initial claims take at most three to six months.
On the other hand, when a veteran has to go into an appeal because they get denied or underrated, it takes a longer time. The VA shifts resources from one to the other, which causes a decrease in appeals and a decrease in initial claims.
Another reason why the VA process is taking a long time is because of the additional presumptive benefits.
Now, the VA has begun receiving claims for the Gulf war. The VA established three different presumptions.
What this means is, if there is a veteran who served in the Gulf and has certain disabilities, they can file their VA disability compensation. This has caused a flood of claims that are being applied.
Are you eligible for VA disability compensation?
To find out, listen to Amanda’s podcast as she discusses more frequently asked questions and answers the questions of three callers, JB, Keith and Paul.
In this episode, a very special guest joins the podcast.
Mike, a retired US Navy veteran and currently working as the Director of Readiness for the Soft Transition Program. Mike has spent 23 years in active duty in the US Navy and retired as a Commander in 2012. For the past 9 years, he has been working for the US Navy in a different capacity.
A little background about Mike. His parents were immigrants from the Netherlands who had suffered through World War II. The US Navy wasn’t his initial choice. His first choice was to join the AirForce but due to the breathing issues he had as a child, he was medically disqualified.
Mike joined the Naval Academy thanks to his crew coach, being best friends with the recruiter, during his time on the Cal State rowing team. Fast forward to the present, Mike is now working to make sure that any Naval veteran transitioning out to civilian life gets the necessary help they need to make sure they can adjust to their new life.
Mike has offered his hand in working and supporting US Navy veterans who are transitioning into civilian life. The Readiness for Soft Transition Program is an internal program offered to US Navy veterans who are getting ready to leave the military.
Apart from being aware of the mental health trauma and physical injuries that veterans go through, there are other aspects that we stay aware of. The military becomes part of a veteran's life. It’s their identity. It’s who they are. Granted every veteran should think about getting a VA disability claim, they also need education on family resiliency, educational needs and financial needs.
These people are literally getting a fresh start from the life they were used to before and without the proper help or education how are they going to make a smooth transition? Amanda and Mike discuss how his role as a Director for the transitioning program addresses these situations and what he does to make sure that every Naval veteran gets the correct help catered to them.
In this informative and educational episode, Amanda and Mike join their forces in how Veterans are affected by transition when it comes to money, education and family along with the effects Afghanistan has left behind on all military veterans.
Some of the many values that the military can teach are leadership, family, teamwork and problem-solving. For those of us who aren’t in the military, what we learn in leadership is different from what veterans learn about it.
Former US Navy veteran Austin, now entrepreneur and software developer, dives deeper into those topics. Trying to figure out what he wanted to do after college, Austin, a soon-to-be graduate, had 50 percent of his family members who are or were part of the military. With an extensive military family history like Austin’s, you’d think the obvious thing to do was to follow in their footsteps.
Eventually, Austin did, but he was never forced into the choice. With no intention of serving 20 years in the military Austin decided to go a different military path than his families’ military path - the US Navy.
He served from 2012 to September 2019 and worked on defusing explosive devices. Apart from his job, Austin talks about the many things that being in the Navy has taught him. Keep in mind that while serving, veterans wake up with their team and end the day with their team. You can imagine the bond and teamwork that they form.
One of the biggest things that Austin learned during his time of service is leadership. It’s not about the skills and passing them on or making sure that people need to do what they do correctly. It’s about support and accepting that when failure happens you need to learn to accept it so it doesn’t, “eat you up.”
Austin and Amanda discuss further the attributes of leadership and the skills developed during service.
The most triggering topic of all, transitioning out from the military. We have to acknowledge that veterans transitioning out to the next part of their life is a process that isn’t as easy as we think. Amanda and Austin break down this barrier and talk about the real struggles that retired veterans face.
In this episode, Amanda and Austin talk about developing better leadership skills, the family environment that veterans develop and the problems that veterans face when transitioning out from the military.
It’s time for us to get educated with the reality of the truth behind leaving military life and the mental struggle of adjusting to a new life. Sometimes, all you have to do is just grab that phone and reach out.
Any form of physical or psychological trauma is becoming more and more normalized. What about the physical and psychological trauma that veterans develop? How are retired veterans and soon-to-retired veterans getting the help they need?
There are a lot of misconceptions that the VA disability is only for veterans who really need it. That’s not the case. Physical and mental trauma should not be categorized as high or low priority. Every physical or mental disability that veterans are diagnosed with is equally important.
The VA disability compensation is granted to veterans who had an in-service injury. The type of in-service injury is either physical or psychological. The catch is: how were those injuries related to their time while on duty and if they are currently struggling with it.
These types of injuries don’t disappear in a day. Veterans have to live with these injuries and have to revert back to the way society lives, and with these injuries, it’s not as easy. These injuries can get so severe that veterans find it difficult to hold down a job and adjust to a “normal” life.
The struggling part about getting the VA to grant a veterans case is the tedious process that’s not talked about.
Before veterans can get the compensation they rightfully deserve, they have to go through a medical examination with the VA.
Ed, a former US Navy and currently working as a paralegal has been on both ends of the spectrum. Ed provides guidance and advice to veterans who are going to get their C&P exam. As the man who has experienced the process that other veterans wait to go through, he talks about the struggles that many of us don’t know of.
Listen to Amanda and Ed talk about the struggles veterans go through to get the compensation they need. Amanda and Ed will provide a rare insight into what the process is really like, and Ed will share his journey about how he helped a World War II veteran get the long-overdue compensation.
So far, we’ve heard about veterans trying their hardest to receive compensation while they were serving. The ones we forget to talk about are the forgotten veterans. Who are they? Why have they been forgotten?
The forgotten veterans are the ones who are or have been incarcerated and the dark part about the retired veteran life is overlooked. Well, they’re not forgotten. You are not forgotten and you are noticed.
Incarcerated veterans aren’t criminals. Some of them have been incarcerated because of the trauma that they developed. Some are incarcerated because of missed payments. Being incarcerated doesn’t always mean you’re a criminal.
These incarcerated veterans still have respect and patriotism for their country.
Amanda and Violet, a wife of a Vietnam veteran and a current paralegal, expressed their surprise when they visited incarcerated veterans.
So do incarcerated veterans get compensation? Yes, they do. Depending on how long they’ve been incarcerated the compensation varies.
Amanda and Violet work tirelessly with veterans and their families to make sure that they get the compensation that they all rightfully deserve. Letters from veterans and families are the reasons why Amanda and Violet do what they do. They understand that every veteran incarcerated or not, all are deserving of compensation for the disability they acquired during their service.
In many cases for veterans, it’s not about the money. Veterans want the VA to acknowledge that they have been injured. That they have mental or physical issues developed while being in the military. Oftentimes acknowledgment is all that is needed. Yes, at times the VA disability is about money, but all veterans are looking for is to know that their mental or physical disability is being recognized.
Listen to Amanda and Violet talk about the steps they take to make sure incarcerated veterans are able to get the VA disability compensation they have the right to. It’s surprising to see how many veterans are not aware of the compensation they can get from the injury they acquired while in service.
Another special guest in the podcast is Tim. Amanda has been working on Tim’s case and they are going to share Tim’s experience working with Amanda and Violet about VA disability benefits. Don’t be surprised to hear about veterans not being educated about filing for VA disability benefits.
There are many things that get swept under the rug in the world of veterans. Amanda is ready to tackle these hurdles and educate the public about the challenges that the VA puts veterans through. It’s time to acknowledge that mental health problems and physical injuries these patriots develop are going to be swept under the rug. You are heard. You are acknowledged.
In this episode, Karen, the spouse of a U.S. Army veteran, guests with Amanda Mineer. Karen has been married to a veteran who served 30 years out of high school before his retirement. Karen assists the Veterans Law Group by taking on calls from veterans and their families and providing any information they may need, from navigating the appeals process to clearing up any misconceptions they may have.
This episode focuses on the VA appeals process and military life through the spouses’ eyes, who often sacrifice a lot of what they have to support their loved ones and country in the process. Karen mentions the struggles of raising a family and maintaining a career as a military spouse while dealing with the constant moving. She talks about how the appeal process affected her husband’s career and personal life, and she notes how complex it can be to deal with the VA at any point.
They also go over how veterans, whether they believe so or not, deserve the treatment and support offered by their country for either physical or mental disabilities.
Amanda and Karen discuss that most veterans will not admit to a problem and thus never seek any medical attention; this can lead to complications when applying for disability benefits. We heavily encourage listeners to get their loved ones on active duty to seek medical attention before leaving service. It’s essential to show a link between your current injury or disability and your service treatment records to prevent these complications.
Later in the episode, Mike, another veteran, joins them from LA. He lends his endorsement of what Veterans Law does and speaks about losing his appeal date due to covid. He expressed his concern about the appeal being a lost cause, but Amanda reassures him that the VA offers extensions upon request. She then explains how The Veterans Law Group can help him sort through the details of such a process.
Our hosts wrap up this episode by going through what the veterans often feel—recapping the troubles that they go through when trying to prove their disability to the VA.
You can find all of this and more during this episode, so be sure to listen in!
In this episode, host Amanda Mineer is joined by Star, a paralegal for the Veterans Law Group that has served four honorable years in the U.S. Airforce. This episode is heavy on education, focusing on informing veterans and their families about applying for benefits and how to deal with mental health. Star talks about her experience after returning from service and how she found the Veterans Law Group along the way. Star’s experience from both sides of the benefits system, giving her a unique perspective on the application process.
Amanda and Star answer questions on why veterans feel like they don’t deserve benefits compared to others who have served and how to deal with those feelings. They cover how long the process can take, from 20 years to a couple of months, and how to help veterans who often feel misunderstood by their support base after being deployed for a long time.
Star and Amanda then discuss how the VA investigates you and how they look for any reason for your disabilities other than your service. They also discuss why vets sometimes wait too long to apply for benefits and how applying for your benefits sooner gives you a higher chance of acceptance.
Later in the show, Amanda and Star take calls from veterans around the country to discuss their worries. They address all the questions about the appeals process callers have.
Brett, a veteran who served from 89 - 04, called to discuss getting help from his community and others to assist many veterans in danger of self-harm; the risk is exceptionally high whether they were combat or non-combat veterans. Brett also talks about the high divorce rate and estrangement from their children.
Lewis, another veteran, asks Amanda and Star about how exactly he should go about his appeal after being previously misdiagnosed during his service. They then talk about what we, as a community, can do to help our veterans through these issues.
We discuss all of this and more in this episode. The resounding point of the topics addressed is that going through the appeals process alone is the last thing you should do. The help and guidance of having a representative can take years off the process and get veterans the benefits that they rightfully deserve in less time.
Getting your finances in check is always a stressful moment. Especially when you’re thinking about buying a house. Figuring out if your credit is good enough, finding the best mortgage loans, finding a house that fits within your budget. So many factors to think about. Now imagine being a veteran and having put yourself in that situation.
Sometimes people who join the military never really planned for it to happen or always knew they wanted to join. At least, in Jeremiah’s situation, he was content with his life at first. He was content with where his life was at that moment. He didn’t need change. To some, that’s completely okay. Don’t give in to the pressures of others or what society deems as what a good life is. Your life is your life. But, Jeremiah broke his arm and that put him in a bad position. His arm took 6 months to heal and during that time, his friend joined the army. Jeremiah saw the doors that opened up for his friend and decided to join the navy in 1998. Jeremiah saw his opportunity of joining the navy as an opening to better his life and traveling the world. It was a change he needed to get out of Sacramento.
Jeremiah is a U.S. Navy veteran and is working through the VA disability process and has established himself a post-military career, a VA mortgage lender. So how did Jeremiah transition out of the navy? Well, Jeremiah had no intention of staying. He just wanted to go to college, get job experience, and get out. Even though his career in the navy was moving along - fast, Jeremiah didn’t want to be part of the change. Eventually, he got out.
All Jeremiah was taught in Taps Class when he transitioned out, is that he could get State unemployment and go to college. There was no talk about the GI bill, nothing about VA claims and VA loans. Jeremiah didn’t know about the existence of VA loans. Jeremiah is now faced with growing medical bills due to his skin cancer and needs to figure out how to file his VA claims and other issues to come.
So, how was he able to find out about VA loans and VA claims? Find out how Jeremiah figured out the answers to his trouble and how you can help any veterans you know.
Change. You hear this word and sometimes it can send some exciting flutters in the pit of your stomach. But for some, it may not be the case. If you’ve lived a life where everything had a system and rule and then suddenly were put into a world where systems and rules weren’t always followed how do you adjust? Who do you go to for help?
How do you transition into a new life that you never had before the life that you were used to living in?
Mike, a retired Naval Veteran and the current Director of Readiness for Soft Transition Program can provide some guidance. Mike has served in the Navy for 22 years. Retired in 2013, he is currently serving as a government service employee. Mike decided to join the military because his parents were immigrants from the Netherlands who had suffered through World War II.
A little fun fact about Mike is that he wanted to join the AirForce because he wanted to fly. And what better military academy to join than the AirForce for this passion. Unfortunately, after applying Mike was medically disqualified for breathing issues he had as a child. While studying at Cal State, Long Beach, Mike joined the rowing team. Before he knew it, his crew coach was best friends with the Naval Academy and he was able to get recruited. As Mike and Amanda liked to call it the ‘Top Gun’ Generation.
Living life as a military person comes with its struggles. But what about the struggles, the transition, after leaving the military? That we don’t hear much about. How do veterans transition from military life to a ‘normal’ life? These are the questions that should be tackled. Did you know that within the last 15 years there were more than 4 times as many troops that have died from suicide than those that have died from combat? Knowing this, how are they being helped transition to a life that society sees as normal?
Transition is not just about mental health issues. Transition is also the process of going from a world in which you had support to transitioning out without a direction or a way to go.
Listen to Mike and Amanda talking about the struggles that veterans face when it comes to transitioning out of military life and the kinds of help he is offering naval personnel and how he tries to connect and cater to the appropriate resources.
In this episode of The Veteran's Voice, host Amanda Mineer is joined by guest Jeremiah. A navy veteran who was boots on the ground in Iraq. Jerimiah spent time working with the military before officially enlisting. He spent 55 months in Afghanistan, and after his military career, he worked as a defense contractor either offering support directly to the squads there or even providing training to the Afghan army.
During this time, he witnessed and analyzed the recent events that had transpired in Afghanistan through the eyes of the veterans and their families, and reflected on what the veterans can take away from their shared experiences during their deployments and time in Afghanistan. Many veterans have been heavily affected by this news, with it not only leaving impacts on veterans that spent time in Afghanistan but also the many others that were deployed in other parts of the world. The information is forcing a new and primarily unwanted perspective of the things that these veterans went through during their deployments.
Jeremiah touches on how he felt working with the Afghan army and how he believes they responded to the responsibilities given to many of them. Some focused on country pride, family pride, or even aspirations into politics; but among the group Jeremiah worked with, he mentions the sense that many of the soldiers never grasped the larger picture. He references times when Afghan soldiers would leave the army to work for better pay elsewhere, highlighting underlying issues in the army itself and touches on a number of the other problems that he encountered.
Jeremiah also discusses the imposition of American values on a country that perhaps doesn't share those same values and describes his experience navigating the profound Afghan culture while there and how widely it differs from what we know and understand in the United States. He explains how the soldiers were met with judgment and disdain by others they had never met simply due to their headdress, and how he came to understand the feuds that they had with each other were tribal and distinctive to their culture.
With all of these stories, topics and more, this podcast helps us understand the feelings we have towards the news. We come to terms with the impact these deployments had on our veterans and the presence that they have left in Afghanistan for years to come.
In this episode of The Veterans Voice, our host Amanda Mineer is joined by Gretchen Smith. She is the founder of Code of Vets, a non-profit organization that continues to provide all kinds of support to veterans all across the country. Gretchen Smith is an air force veteran that served over four and a half years. Three of these years in the air force were spent overseas in Germany. She grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and talked about how she may not have been great for the air force, but that it was undoubtedly the right thing for her.
Gretchen mentions that the tools and trades she learned during this time helped her become more stable and a valued asset to the United States—eventually using her GI bill to amass four college degrees and craft her American dream with her husband. Her father, a Vietnam veteran who served for four years himself. Unfortunately, he was lost to his battle with PTSD, which became the inspiration for the Code of Vets non-profit. He is the reason she continues to be out there every day, utilizing social media platforms to reach out and help as many veterans as possible.
She mentions her father's battle with PTSD, saying that he realized that he needed help although he was struggling. Doctors told him that he had something they called “shell-shocked” and that he was "basically meant to suck it up and be a man." Gretchen says that through sharing her dad's journey and lack of care with veterans, she has saved and transformed many veterans' lives. Code of Vets serves as her and her father's legacy as his story continues to help many veterans.
Gretchen talks about veterans finally starting to seek help after all this time, going over why some would refuse assistance or deny that there was ever a problem. Either out of shame or being told not to speak about it. But as society and people become more accepting and understanding, these vets can finally get the help they need without worrying about judgment. We continue to go over how Gretchen has built her non-profit for years, even starting as a Twitter page.
While listening to the many struggles these veterans have been fighting and will keep fighting until they win their battles, we understand that being there for our veterans can make all the difference. This episode is a must-watch for any veterans or people with loved ones that have served, who have mental health on their minds.
Hostess Amanda Mineer starts the discussion about the incarceration of veterans with paralegal and Gulf War veteran Violet Roman. One of the reasons why veterans get incarcerated is due to emotional breakdown from their physical or mental disabilities. Most of these vets are found in prisons to prevent them from self-harm or avoid harm around others.
The two women share their stories on how these veterans behave and how incarceration affects VA benefits for their families. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, these veterans were often transferred to other prisons, making it harder to pinpoint their case for the VA. Unfortunately, it's impossible for family members and attorneys to visit them due to the virus outbreak.
As a retired veteran herself, Violet shares her experience about the issues of the VA requirements and their slow process to provide compensation for veterans. Then discussed with Amanda about the clients they have met and known that have gone through a long process until those cases are proven for them to receive the VA benefits. And finally, they explain reasons why most veterans didn't know about the compensation and why incarcerated veterans don't take the C&P exam while in prison.
With the last guest of the evening, Amanda interviews one of her clients, Tim. Tim is a US Army veteran who was deployed multiple times in Iraq throughout his life. It induced numerous stress in his life with the addition of his PTSD, in and out of his servitude. With PTSD heavily weighing on his life, Tim had trouble holding down a job and managing relationships as it caused him to lose most of his concentration.
Amanda explains how the VA rates PTSD differently from other mental disabilities. The doctors use an overall percentage scale to calculate its severity based on a list of symptoms, including service in combat and disturbance in mood. The VA only accepts 100 percent unless the veteran can prove they have difficulty working with PTSD to provide max benefits as long as you aren't working.
In Tim's case, he stayed on the 50 percent until Amanda proved he was struggling through suicidal issues, bumping his percentage up to 100 percent. Today, Tim is still on the VA disability program with the max benefits while taking care of his five children. And he is thankful to Amanda and the Veteran Law Group for what they have done for him.
As someone who grew up with values and respect for the military, hostess Amanda Mineer shares her story of how she became a veteran attorney for veterans who suffered from disabilities during and after their service.
Before the path she is set on today, Amanda was a business attorney for 10 years. Her life began to change as her veteran friend could no longer hold down a job after the VA saw him incompetent due to his mental health. They were referred to a veteran service officer and a retired Vietnam veteran named Mike Schuster and kindly aided them in the paperwork. Mike convinced Amanda into VFW training to become a veteran attorney to help disabled veterans who deserve max benefits from the VA.
Joining her in the discussion is her co-worker, Edward "Ed" Barick. Ed talks about his time as a US Navy officer in Afghanistan and later returned to the United States working as a US military law enforcement until 2005 to study business. Unfortunately, the economy collapsed by the time Ed got his bachelor's degree. While job searching, he found an opening for a paralegal position and now assists veterans to gain their maximum benefits from the VA, including himself.
Ed and Amanda explain how the VA disability program works for anyone who is or knows a veteran with disabilities. Ed shared his experience and learned how the doctors at the VA evaluate the physical and mental symptoms based on an overall percentage scale of their C&P exam. For most cases, if a veteran is 50 percent, but not as high as 100 percent, they cannot gain the full benefits of the VA. And why they need to be vocal with their veteran attorney to know their percentage.
Ending on a hopeful and emotional note, Amanda shares her update on the clients and the Veteran Law Group office situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the mask mandates were around, her co-workers have reported most of the clients refused to wear a mask because it would cause them to have a backlash of unpleasant memories of their service. Or, if they see someone wearing a mask, they are unable to identify a recognizable face. She also shares the loss of a client that she assisted for a decade and important news about the VA adding in benefits for the Blue Water Navy veterans who suffered disabilities during and after their service in Vietnam.