Navigation The VA has announced Veterans and their family members who have benefit debt or medical copayment debt can apply for payment suspension in the wake of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona. To apply for suspension of benefit debt, Veterans and beneficiaries can contact the VA Debt Management Center via Ask VA and then select Veterans Affairs-Debt […]
'Gardberg & Kemmerly Blog' Category Archives
Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2023 to be Announced in October
Every year in October, the Social Security Administration announces the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries. The adjustment is designed to help Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries battle the cost of inflation. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients will see a rise in their monthly benefits as a result of […]
Direct Service Connection
In order to receive VA disability compensation, your disabling condition must be service connected. There are generally 5 ways for a Veteran to establish service connection which include direct service connection, presumptive service connection, secondary service connection, service connection based on aggravation, and service connection based on 1151 claims. This series of blogs will examine […]
Medical Equivalence or Medically Meeting a Listing in Social Security Disability
I previously wrote back in 2017 regarding the rules in a Social Security case that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses for determining medical equivalence. SSA has compiled what is referred to as a Listing of Impairments and the criteria to meet these listings based on certain severe and medically determinable illnesses. The difference between […]
VA Considering Changing the Disability Ratings for Mental Health Conditions
The VA has announced proposed changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), including the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The VA has stated the goal is to change the focus from the number and type of symptoms the Veteran is experiencing, and instead look at how those symptoms affect the Veteran across […]