Category Archives: Aid and Attendance

THE SECRETARY COLLINS REPORT CARD–TRICKED OR TREATED?

Posted on October 11, 2026 by asknod

Let me lead off by saying this is not about politics or party affiliation. We don’t do that- or religion- here for good reasons- the very least of which is we have more important matters afoot worth discussing regarding our … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Barry Bumps in SMC, BvA Decisions, BvA HCV decisions, How to Qualify for VA SMC, Humor, R1/R2, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

DEPT. OF VET AFFAIRS–WORKING 9 TO 5 ON DENIALS

Posted on September 13, 2026 by asknod

I wanted to write an article on Friday Sept. 11 but to me, the day shouldn’t involve dragging in Veterans’ trials and tribulations. That’s a day reserved for America’s civilian heroes. Hence, my purposeful two-day delay before writing this. Well, … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, Aid and Attendance, BvA Decisions, CAVC/COVA Decision, hepatitis, PACT ACT, SMC Bedridden, Special Monthly Compensation, TBI, VA Agents, VA TBI | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ANOTHER PENINSULA VALLEY SUNDAY- (FIRES BURNING EVERYWHERE)

Posted on August 9, 2026 by asknod

We live in interesting times. While the Pacific Northwest goes up in flames, we’re in a secluded niche where the prevailing winds blow all the objectionable smoke over the border to the North (Canada). VA SMC wins have been spotty … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Barry Bumps in SMC, CUE, VA Agents, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ARTIFICIAL IGNORANCE–BOLDLY GOING NOWHERE INSTANTLY

Posted on July 26, 2026 by asknod

First off this glorious Sunday, (68° and light breeze), I thank the Weather gods we’re not melting. Living here in the Pacific Northwest is, for the most part, a respite from all the global heat waves across our fruited plains. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Artificial Intelligence in claims, Barry Bumps in SMC, BvA Decisions, DRO and BVA Hearings, Duty to Assist, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, VA Motions for Reconsideration, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

CAVC–BUILDING THE PERFECT PUNJI PIT

Posted on July 19, 2026 by asknod

I’m probably going to upset some cadre of Veterans over at VBN who are still life members of the SMC Flat Earth Society. By that I mean those who cling to the Combat Craig mentality of “Don’t poke the SMC … Continue reading →

Posted in Agent Orange, Aid and Attendance, CAVC ruling, CAVC/COVA Decision, CUE, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

AOJ LA- FIELD OF DREAMS

Posted on May 31, 2026 by asknod

We live in interesting times. As most know, I’ve been making life miserable for countless VA Secretaries over the last several decades. I’ve come to expect a certain amount of pushback and recalcitrance to grant my clients’ rightfully earned benefits. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Barry Bumps in SMC, BvA Decisions, CUE, How to Qualify for VA SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

5/07/75–51 YEARS LATER

Posted on May 10, 2026 by asknod

An interesting phenomenon occurs about this time every year. May 7, 1975 was the last day America’s military recognized its ever-diminishing number of Viet Nam or Viet Nam-era Veterans. Or was diminishing until the passage of the PACT Act reinfused … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Barry Bumps in SMC, BvA Decisions, How to Qualify for VA SMC, SMC, VA Agents, VA special monthly compensation, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

VA’S NEW AI–§3.102(a) YOU NOW GET THE DOUBT OF THE BENEFIT

Posted on April 23, 2026 by asknod

No, you’re not reading a new regulation. You’re reading about VA’s new way of interpreting the old one. Pop a cold one and requisition a bowel of some Dot’s™ pretzels. This isn’t going to take a sixpak to explain. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, Agent Orange, Aid and Attendance, Blue Water Navy, BvA Decisions, C&P exams, How to Qualify for VA SMC, Reductions in rating, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, VA Conspiracies, vA news, VA special monthly compensation, VA statistics, Veterans Law, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

REDUCING THE VA BACKLOG ONE MISTAKE AT A TIME

Posted on March 1, 2026 by asknod

Several days ago, I read that VA has miraculously managed to shrink the backlog to less than 100,000 claims for the first time since 2013. At first glance, most of you would think “Holy shit, Batman. That means my claims … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Barry Bumps in SMC, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BVA– AND I’M FEELIN’. . GLAD ALL OVER

Posted on January 19, 2026 by asknod

In the news, we’re constantly bombarded by articles about the passing of the last Pearl Harbor Survivor, the last guy who came ashore at Omaha, the last Navajo Code Talker and more. Don’t get me wrong. I revere every one … Continue reading →

Posted in Agent Orange, Aid and Attendance, BvA Decisions, BVA Purplebook, Pickles, R1/R2, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment