Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

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–CHINESE WATER TORTURE

Posted on March 23, 2025 by asknod

Have you all (pronounced y’all) ever run up against an immovable object? Have you ever decided to become an irresistible force? Welcome to asknod- Home of the Win or Die™ Team of Pickles ‘n me. Pickles, of course is my … Continue reading →

Posted in Food for the soul, Presumption of Regularity, Proof of Mailing, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

PONDERING PERPETUAL MOTION IN SO. CAL.

Posted on February 23, 2025 by asknod

Good Afternoon. I guess you are wondering why I called you here today. Just kidding. We’re babysitting my son’s dog for a 4-day stint while they go on a minivacation. As you can see in the video below, Daisy is … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaints Department, Jetgun BvA Decisions, Jetgun Claims evidence, Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

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

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

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–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

BVA–OSA-25 OR 6 TO 4

Posted on October 18, 2024 by asknod

This is an outlier for me. I normally don’t dabble in OSA claims but Carey is a son of a dear friend, as is his brother Brandon, both of whom I represent. So, if you’re gonna play VA poker against … Continue reading →

Posted in BvA Decisions, OSA, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment