Category Archives: Special Monthly Compensation

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 TRIP NUMBER 3–I’M BEING FOLLOWED BY A MOONSHADOW

Posted on January 27, 2025 by asknod

As has been the case for well over a tenth of a century, I continue to offer advice for free. There is no special $99.95 Bootcamp for Beginners fee or the $199.99 Advanced Infantry Course for SMC where you actually … Continue reading →

Posted in 1154(b) combat presumptions, Agent Orange, BvA Decisions, Complaints Department, Food for thought, Lay testimony, R1/R2, SMC Bedridden, SMC School, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, 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

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

SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION–THE LATEST JEDI KNIGHTS

Posted on September 29, 2024 by asknod

I’ve been horribly remiss in getting this article out. I apologize profusely-both to you, the readership and the latest graduates of the SMC Academy. In fact, I was waaaaay remiss (five months) in creating and printing the diplomas. As many … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Equitable Estoppel, Food for the soul, Independent Living Program, R1/R2, SMC, SMC School, Special Monthly Compensation, TBI, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, VA special monthly compensation, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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

THE SYNDICATE–A COMPOSITE ANALYSIS

Posted on July 18, 2024 by asknod

Without divulging any names, (boy howdy do your ears just perk up) I admit joining a new think tank. We loosely call it The Syndicate although it’s far more informal than a Wounded Wallet “All Hands on Deck!” alert. Relax. … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, CAVC Knowledge, Food for thought, Special Monthly Compensation, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

SMC AND COMBAT CRAIG–DON’T POKE THE BEAR

Posted on April 21, 2024 by asknod

I always wonder what VA “Experts” have been smoking when they open their pieholes and start explaining SMC. The best one I’ve heard in recent memory is probably when our fellow 100%-rated Veteran and expert in all things VA, Combat … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Qualify for VA SMC, SMC, Special Monthly Compensation, VA Agents, VA special monthly compensation, VA TBI, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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