Category Archives: Duty to Assist

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

MEMORIAL DAY 2020–WHAT HAPPENED?

Posted on May 23, 2020 by asknod

Memorial Day greetings to you all. I’d probably be excoriated for being politically inept if I said Happy Memorial Day. Rightfully so. This isn’t a holiday to hand out attaboys for being a Vet. It’s all about remembrance of loved … Continue reading →

Posted in 1151 claims, All about Veterans, Blue Water Navy, Complaints Department, CUE, Duty to Assist, Food for the soul, HCV Epidemiology, Humor, KP Veterans, Memorial Day, Nexus Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

§3.103-PRE AND POST AMA RE HEARINGS

Posted on January 16, 2020 by asknod

In the prior post Home Alone–The AMA, a fellow NOVA member and VA Agent (Jim Radogna)  queried me on the status of the availability of hearings at the AOJ level and how they are conducted now in the post- AMA … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals Modernization Act, Complaints Department, CUE, DRO and BVA Hearings, Duty to Assist, Food for thought, Independent Medical Opinions, KP Veterans, Lawyering Up, Lay testimony, Nexus Information, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA AMA appeals knowledge, VA Attorneys, VA BACKLOG, VA statistics, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

VBA SEATTLE–CARRY ON MY WAYWARD SON

Posted on December 31, 2019 by asknod

Another great song by Kansas. It aptly describes my Marine. Meet Ken. Survivor of the 1968 Khe Sanh Spring Break. Those animals partied up there for 77 days straight. He got his first Purple Heart several weeks after the siege … Continue reading →

Posted in Duty to Assist, From the footlocker, Humor, Inspirational Veterans, KP Veterans, PTSD, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments