The VA announced that in fiscal 2023, department benefits officials completed nearly 2 million veteran and survivor claims, the most in agency history and up almost 16% from the previous year. During a press call Wednesday, VA Undersecretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs said through the first three months of fiscal 2024, his staffers are 34% […]
'Gardberg & Kemmerly Blog' Category Archives
Toxic Exposure in the Skies
In the world of aviation, those who serve in the military often find themselves exposed to various occupational hazards. Among these, exposure to jet fuels can have lasting health implications. This blog explores the process of obtaining VA service connection for conditions related to jet fuel exposure, sheds light on the challenges veterans may face, […]
What is fatigued driving?
Fatigued driving is a significant concern on the roads that’s often compared to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs due to its ability to impair judgment and reaction times severely. This driving state inspires reduced alertness and decreased physical and mental performance. It can lead to severe accidents. Understanding what fatigued driving is, […]
Veterans and Firefighting Foam
Veterans who are exposed to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighting foam, face significant health challenges linked to the toxic chemicals in this foam, particularly PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). In addition to battling these illnesses, Veterans are also grappling with the complexities of securing benefits for conditions related to this exposure. […]
There’s a special SSDI rule for certain blue-collar workers
Blue-collar workers often feel a deep sense of pride over how they work for a living. Many of them work for years in physically-demanding careers and might never take any significant leave of absence even when they feel sick or develop injuries. Unfortunately, even the most dedicated professional might eventually have health challenges that force […]

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