Category Archives: Duty to Assist

UTUBE©– POKING THE BEAR 101

Posted on February 9, 2025 by asknod

One of the most absolutely hilarious VA old wives’ tales is the perennial  “don’t rock the boat” speech given to aspiring disabled Veterans by countless VSOs over the years. I got one from my first protracted foray into VA benefits … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Complaints Department, Duty to Assist, Nexus Information, Public Service Announcements, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, VA statistics, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CVN 65–LISTEN TO THE STORY ‘BOUT A MAN NAMED STEVE

Posted on December 15, 2024 by asknod

Naw. Steve wasn’t from Bugtussle. He was from Pennsylvania for what it’s worth. What’s important is he raised his right hand and signed on for 4 years as a Squid. Now why anyone would voluntarily submit to a vow of … Continue reading →

Posted in Blue Water Navy, Duty to Assist, research, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

BVA–GONNA BE A HEARTACHE TONIGHT

Posted on July 27, 2024 by asknod

Life is good. It’s summer. It should be good-and moreover, it should be redolent with good memories and fun. But, as the title to this blog implies, there’s gonna be a continuing heartache for a few of us due to … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Complaints Department, Duty to Assist, How to Qualify for VA SMC, Independent Living Program, SMC, VA Agents, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

BVA/VBA BACKLOG–THE NEVERENDING PARADE OF EXCUSES

Posted on September 24, 2023 by asknod

Before I begin this diatribe-nay-observation, I have something that needs to be illuminated. I don’t spend much time on my phone. If I did, nothing would get done. Personally, I think that’s what’s happening to the rest of the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals Modernization Act, BvA Decisions, Duty to Assist, Humor, VA Agents, VA statistics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

WHY THE AMA IS NOT WORKABLE (AND NEVER WILL BE)

Posted on September 10, 2023 by asknod

Sassy little header above, isn’t it? Well, Veterans, let’s “unpack ” this as they like to say in the hallowed halls down at the corner of Delay and Deny Ave. NW. I proffer a test case to demonstrate the unworkable … Continue reading →

Posted in AO, Complaints Department, Duty to Assist, IMOs/IMEs, Remanded claims, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

§5104(b)–WHAT’S IN YOUR RD?

Posted on February 24, 2022 by asknod

February 22. In Bent Brain land, the folks in white coats call it a trigger or precipitator of depression. You watch that date approach inexorably every year and dread its arrival. After two weeks in a horrible funk, you crawl … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals Modernization Act, Duty to Assist, Higher Level of Review (HLR), Humor, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VARO Misfeasance, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

SMC–THE PLASTIC FANTASTIC LOVER

Posted on September 12, 2021 by asknod

I see from the asknod statistics that the most viewed items seem to be articles about Special Monthly Compensation- or SMC in VA parlance. I think, to VA, it is an inconvenient truth; an entitlement that has to be granted … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, Aid and Attendance, Duty to Assist, Humor, Lawyering Up, R1/R2, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

FORT FUMBLE, NEBRASKA–HELTER SKELTER

Posted on September 4, 2021 by asknod

Only in the corndog capital of the United States could you have a VA adjudicatory mishap of such epic proportions presented with a straight face. Nah. Just kidding. In this day and age, with the VA’s National Work Queue (NWQ), … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, Aid and Attendance, All about Veterans, Appeals Modernization Act, BvA Decisions, Duty to Assist, Earlier Effective dates, Humor, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Motions for Reconsideration, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Charles F. Gardenhire–Korean War Veteran

Posted on August 3, 2021 by asknod

I lost another of my Veterans a few days back. Charles was my one and only Korean War Veteran. He survived the Chosin Reservoir massacre by staying awake and fighting for days. His company was overrun by the enemy. Sixteen … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Duty to Assist, Food for the soul, Milestones, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

ANOTHER PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY

Posted on April 18, 2021 by asknod

I’ve been reading a lot of birth announcements on FacePlace™ recently. It must be Circadian rhythm that brings forth this Spring phenomenon. I’m a product of this with my birthday as well. But how about a Prequel? Indeed, a picture … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Blue Water Navy, Complaints Department, Duty to Assist, Legacy Claims, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Conspiracies, Veterans Law, VSOs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments