Author Archives: asknod

About asknod

VA claims blogger

MEMORIAL DAY 2023–STILL IN SEARCH OF THE OTHER 81,000

Posted on May 29, 2023 by asknod

Being a voracious reader (and a Veteran + advocate), I gravitate toward military stories of old MIA/BNR Veterans. Note that I capitalize Veteran and always have. Veterans served our nation whereas veterans are longtime employees of an organization. One of … Continue reading →

Posted in Memorial Day, Milestones, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

EXPOSED VET RADIO SHOW THURSDAY 5/18/2023–EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SMC A&A

Posted on May 16, 2023 by asknod

Yep. Just got the Bat signal in the sky over my hacienda to report for duty to the John and Jerrel show this Thursday evening. Show starts at 1900 Hrs on the East Coast and, by deducting 3 hours from … Continue reading →

Posted in Exposed Veteran Radio Show, How to Qualify for VA SMC, SMC, VA special monthly compensation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FORT COURAGE– DUMPSTER-DIVING IN THE VBMS

Posted on May 11, 2023 by asknod

I love the VA’s computer. It can show you mistakes made back in the dawn of time. They’re just sitting there waiting to be found. Sadly, VA won’t do these claims expeditions in search of repairs. Hell, they’ll come after … Continue reading →

Posted in 3.156(c), Earlier Effective dates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

5/07/1975-2nd PLACE–SEA WAR GAMES

Posted on May 7, 2023 by asknod

May 7 is an anniversary event for me. That’s what psychologists call a particularly bad hair day you went through in the war. May 7th embodies an ignoble day of a not-so-special time in our military history. Win. Place. Show. … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaints Department, Food for thought, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

HLR–BUILDING AN IMO FOR THE FUTURE

Posted on May 2, 2023 by asknod

I finally won a TDIU for a Vet I’ve written about many times. He was riding shotgun just south of Quan Loi in April ’71 when the Zipperheads command-detonated a monster IED in the road. They were Number 2 in … Continue reading →

Posted in PTSD, TBI, TDIU, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

EXPOSED VET RADIO SHOW THURSDAY–4/27/2023

Posted on April 25, 2023 by asknod

John emailed me last night and asked if I was over my jetlag yet. Heeeeell no. I woke up this morning at 0400 and was up and at ’em. It’ll abate but I’m headed back to DC on July 11th … Continue reading →

Posted in Exposed Veteran Radio Show, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

BVA-§3.816(c)(1)–BENDIN’ ATOMS DOWN IN BIKINI

Posted on April 24, 2023 by asknod

Once upon a time down on a peaceful Pacific Island, the US Navy began testing a-bombs. My Vet was there (Johnston Atoll) standing on deck at parade rest (as ordered) in April ’62 to observe and, unbeknowst to him, being … Continue reading →

Posted in Agent Orange, BvA Decisions, DM II, Independent Medical Opinions, TDIU, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

LEAVIN’ ON A JET PLANE-IT’S CLE TIME

Posted on April 16, 2023 by asknod

CLEs are “continuing legal education” credits we are required to obtain in order to keep our license to torture the VA. As for the song, I sure ain’t planning on walking or paddling to DC or Orlando. That’s for gyrines, … Continue reading →

Posted in Food for thought, Stolen Valor, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

HLRs–THE DOUBLE HEADER ( SMC)

Posted on April 8, 2023 by asknod

I wonder how many of you-both litigators and pro se Veterans- have ever had a double header HLR informal conference. You heard me right. I had a HLR on Thursday morning last with DRO Loralie. Forget she was 15 minutes … Continue reading →

Posted in Combat Presumption, Higher Level of Review (HLR), Reductions in rating, TBI, VBMS Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

R1–WE’RE GOIN’ UP AROUND THE BEND

Posted on April 2, 2023 by asknod

Great song. My pilot in charge (PIC) had a battery-powered GE tape recorder with the little 3-inch reels and a penchant to play songs while we were taxiing out to take off from Alternate in the mornings. He swore it … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaints Department, Humor, R1/R2, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments