🎖️ VALOR

A Navy Veteran with an Inspiring Story

In our latest video, Stephanie Ahumada, a former Navy corpsman, shares her journey of finally receiving the VA disability benefits she deserved.

After years of undercompensation and chronic pain, Stephanie found the help she needed to navigate the VA system. Her story highlights the importance of seeking expert assistance to ensure veterans get the benefits they are entitled to.

Watch her story to see how getting the right support made a difference for her and her family.

Attention: Were You or a Loved One Deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan between 2003-2017?

If you or your family member suffered injuries such as loss of limb, loss of eyesight, required surgeries due to blast impacts, or experienced severe traumatic brain injuries due to sniper, rocket mortar, EFP, or IED attacks, you might be entitled to compensation.

Don't suffer in silence. Our experts are ready to help fight for the justice you deserve.

Call us at (855) 494-1298 to learn more.

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Disability Ratings for Migraines Among Veterans

While chronic daily headaches or migraines affect about 3% of the general population, this rate soars to over 20% among post-9/11 combat veterans. This stark difference highlights the unique challenges faced by veterans dealing with debilitating headaches.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines are more than just severe headaches. They can significantly impact a person’s life, characterized by symptoms such as:

• Intense throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Nausea and vomiting

• Visual disturbances (auras)

These symptoms set migraines apart from other types of headaches.

VA Ratings for Migraines

Navigating VA ratings for migraines involves understanding different rating levels and knowing how to achieve or increase them:

• 0% Rating: Minimal impact on daily life. Document all occurrences, even mild or infrequent ones.

• 10% Rating: Noticeable discomfort but infrequent. Keep a detailed migraine log, noting dates, duration, and intensity.

• 30% Rating: Migraines occur about once a month, causing significant disruption. Maintain detailed records and gather statements from those around you.

• 50% Rating: Frequent, severe migraines requiring prolonged rest. Comprehensive documentation and medical evidence are crucial.

Prostrating Migraines

A key term for VA disability claims involving migraines is "prostrating." If your attacks require you to rest or lie down, they are considered prostrating and may qualify you for a higher rating. Understanding and documenting this is vital to your claim.

Increasing Your Rating by Secondary Conditions

Often, migraines can contribute or exacerbate other conditions, including:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• PTSD

• Insomnia

• Sleep Disturbances

• GERD

• Vertigo

If recognized as connected to your service-related migraines, they can contribute to a higher combined VA disability rating.

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

For veterans whose migraine attacks prevent substantial gainful employment, Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) may be available and provide extra benefits. Even if your combined rating is below 100%, TDIU can provide compensation at the 100% rate.

Watch a short video with Attorney Matthew Hill & Attorney Carol Ponton as they discuss key filing strategies for a few connected conditions, including migraines below.

🗺️ TACTICS

VA Disability Benefits Trivia

Each week we ask a trivia question across platforms on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, to test your knowledge on VA disability benefits.

Heads up about last weeks trivia question! We apologize but we had a case of human error with a copy-and-paste mistake. Those of you who participated and were surprised by the answer should know that the answer below is what was intended to be listed. Thank you for participating and we apologize about the mix up!

Which of the following conditions is not currently recognized by the VA as linked to Agent Orange Exposure?

1. Parkinson’s Disease

2. Dementia (was not there)

3. Hypertension (was the ‘mistake’ right answer!)

4. Prostate Cancer

The correct answer was (2) Dementia! (not Hypertension like we typoed you into believing, sorry about that…)

Are you a veteran with a service dog for PTSD or related conditions or are considering getting one? Please check out our question this week, in lieu of a trivia question. You’ll be helping us with a research article we are working on about service dogs. Thank you!

🦅SUPPORT

One Veteran's Success in Winning a VA Disability Claim for Chronic Bronchitis

Note: All identifying info is fictitious to protect the identity of our client.

Summary of Claim

In a recent VA claim, a veteran successfully secured service connection for chronic bronchitis. The veteran provided comprehensive medical evidence, lay statements detailing the condition's impact on daily life, and a nexus opinion from a pulmonary specialist linking the bronchitis to in-service respiratory issues and asbestos exposure.

The Outcome

The veteran was granted service connection for chronic bronchitis, acknowledging the link between the condition and their military service.

Why Was This Claim Successful?

The veteran supported the claim with compelling evidence, including:

• Detailed Medical Records: The veteran submitted extensive medical documentation showing a history of chronic bronchitis, including diagnostic tests and treatment records.

• Lay Statements: Statements from family members and fellow service members provided additional context on the veteran's condition, describing how the bronchitis affected daily activities and overall quality of life.

• Nexus Opinion: A critical piece of evidence was a detailed medical opinion from a pulmonary specialist. This expert linked the chronic bronchitis to the veteran's in-service exposure to respiratory irritants, including asbestos.

• Service Records: The veteran's military records confirmed exposure to conditions that could lead to chronic bronchitis, such as working in environments with asbestos.

• VA Examination: The veteran underwent a VA examination where the examiner provided a favorable opinion regarding the service connection of the chronic bronchitis. This opinion played a significant role in the final decision.

• Consistency in Reporting Symptoms: The veteran consistently reported symptoms of chronic bronchitis during both in-service medical visits and post-service medical consultations. This consistency helped to establish the chronic nature of the condition.

Veterans experiencing chronic respiratory conditions should be aware of their rights and the benefits available to them. This case underscores the importance of thorough documentation, expert medical opinions, and corroborative lay statements in establishing service connection for chronic conditions.

Tips from the Legal Team

Here’s a few thoughts from the team about this case.

Tip #1: Provide Detailed Medical Evidence

Ensure your medical records thoroughly document your condition, showing consistent symptoms over time. Consistent reporting strengthens your case.

Tip #2: Use Expert Opinions and Lay Statements

A nexus opinion from a specialist and lay statements from those who know you can greatly support your claim by linking your condition to service and illustrating its impact on daily life.

Do you need help filing an appeal? Call us at (855) 494-1298.