Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

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

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

REMANDS- WHY WE HAVE THEM.

Posted on August 24, 2024 by asknod

I get perennial questions from every Vet when they join the asknod Army. How long is this going to take? Do we have to appeal to the Board? To the Court? Actually, there are a lot more questions but those … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Appeals Modernization Act, BvA Decisions, Remanded claims, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

VA’S TERA AND ILER REPORTS–A REBIRTH OF THE AO REGISTRY?

Posted on August 4, 2024 by asknod

Face it. VA is like any Government Agency. The penchant for turning everything into a fancy acronym has finally given birth to whole agency offices with acrotanks-think tanks of sub-IQ GS 10s entrusted with turning everything they can into some … Continue reading →

Posted in PACT ACT, Public Service Announcements, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a 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