Author Archives: asknod

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About asknod

VA claims blogger

M 21-THE ORIGINAL AI–NO WONDER VETS ARE SCREWED

Posted on July 3, 2023 by asknod

I apologize for my absence here. The VA tasks me. They scheduled five hearings I’ve patiently waited four years for all at once. I’m racking up frequent filer/flyer miles at a stupendous rate but have no time to even answer … Continue reading →

Posted in 4th of July, Independent Living Program, Lawyering Up, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

BVA–CLEANUP ON AISLE FIVE

Posted on June 17, 2023 by asknod

I’m sure we’ve all heard that one before down at Piggly Wiggly. Whoa there, hoss. That’s going to have to change. The name just drips fat-shaming and small airline seats. I’m sure  the wokefolks will be along directly to ask … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals Modernization Act, BvA Decisions, BVA Referrals, SMC, VA special monthly compensation, VBMS Tricks | 5 Comments

PCAFC–EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Posted on June 13, 2023 by asknod

Well, let’s qualify that. Everything you’ll need to know about the questions you’ll be asked if you wish to apply for PCAFC. PCAFC stands for Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. I think they should just call it VHA … Continue reading →

Posted in PCAFC, SMC | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

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