Category Archives: Aid and Attendance

THE MYSTERY OF FIGURING OUT BARRY “BUMPS”

Posted on May 29, 2025 by asknod

I’ve received more correspondence on the subject of Barry v. McDonough (May 16, 2024) that a body can believe. The more it’s discussed on Reddit and the other “Expert” venues (names withheld to protect the right to remain stupid) the … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Barry Bumps in SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BVA-SMC L–JUST FIND A PLACE TO MAKE YOUR STAND AND TAKE IT EASY

Posted on May 12, 2025 by asknod

Sometimes you just have to wonder if this VA compensation game is the luck of the draw. I’ve done hundreds of aid and attendance claims and one thing is as predictable as the sunrise-you simply can’t predict the outcome. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, BvA Decisions, How to Qualify for VA SMC, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law, Women Vets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BVA– WORKIN’ IN A COAL MINE

Posted on February 16, 2025 by asknod

Well, pilgrims. It’s Sunday morning and I feel that spirit moving me to bore you all to tears again with my drivel. But if even one TBI’d or PTSD’d Veteran read this blog and came to me, I’d be plumb … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, Food for thought, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

LZ CORK–TIDYING UP LOOSE ENDS

Posted on December 9, 2024 by asknod

I reckon if you query any seasoned VA litigator, especially the folks down in the trenches who do this 24/7/365, you’ll find consensus among them that the VA’s ability to get their underwear on facing the right way when they … Continue reading →

Posted in 1154(b) combat presumptions, Aid and Attendance, BvA Decisions, Combat Presumption, LZ Cork, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, Veterans Law, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BVA–A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT

Posted on November 23, 2024 by asknod

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to get it right and are under the gun, timewise, it doesn’t pan out. The soufflé falls flat, the car battery is dead when you’re late for your doctor’s appointment etc. You feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, All about Veterans, DIC, Milestones, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Medical Mysteries Explained, VA special monthly compensation, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VA AID & ATTENDANCE–RAISING THE ANTE

Posted on November 3, 2024 by asknod

Ever since Congress instituted this statute (§1114 now but §314) back in the waning days of WW II, it has remained a mystery to most. VSOs are neither taught the art nor allowed to even acknowledge its very existence. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, C&P exams, How to Qualify for VA SMC, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, VA special monthly compensation, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

LASKA V. DENIS THE MENACE– SWEET HOME ALABAMA

Posted on September 7, 2024 by asknod

Used to be back in the old days, every rating decision with the the VA logo on the top had the actual Fort Fumble identified. Thus you knew from whence it originated if you wished to hurl imprecations and discuss … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, BvA Decisions, CAVC Knowledge, CAVC ruling, CAVC/COVA Decision, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, TBI, Tips and Tricks, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

WINDSHIELDS AND REARVIEW MIRRORS

Posted on March 24, 2024 by asknod

Boy howdy I gotta tell you my body is screaming at me I’m getting old. When I sit down, it’s like a crash-landing. When I move to stand up, it’s like looking out the side window passing V 2 on … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, R1/R2, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, VA Representative Training, Veterans Law | 3 Comments

THE 2ND AMENDMENT AND VETERANS BEING DECLARED INCOMPETENT

Posted on January 7, 2024 by asknod

This is an interesting subject I get into with my “lunch group” at Applebee’s™ every so often. We meet at the Gig Harbor restaurant infrequently for lunch and enjoy one another’s camaraderie. We’re all pretty openminded and even willing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, All about Veterans, Fiduciary, Legislation, PTSD, TBI, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, vA news, VA TBI | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BVA– R1-WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS.

Posted on January 5, 2024 by asknod

I think I can safely say this will not go on forever but I’ve been extremely blessed to bring in yet another SMC R1 rating for one of my blind Veterans today. As is typical, VA neglected to tell him … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, Aid and Attendance, BvA Decisions, How to Qualify for VA SMC, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, TBI, Tips and Tricks, VA TBI, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments