Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Does tinnitus interfere with your ability to get to sleep…?

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Laura

Tinnitus has been a health problem for my DH since Vietnam.  To keep from going bonkers, he developed the typical DIY techniques of creating white noise with fans, the TV, and radio.   Getting to sleep can be a trial … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Tips and Tricks, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

CAVC-EASTMAN V. SHINSEKI–GETTING THE C-FILE THE OLD FASHIONED WAY

Posted on July 6, 2013 by asknod

I’ve had Vets write me and ask how to pry loose a copy of their c-file after their requests go unanswered for a year or two.  Mr. Clifford A. Eastman, through his able rainmaker, Mr. Mark Lippman, has discovered the … Continue reading →

Posted in C-Files and RBAs, CAVC ruling, Extraordinary Writs of Mandamus, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

THE PRESUMPTION OF REGULARITY

Posted on July 4, 2013 by asknod

It seems Veterans are assailed from every quarter when they file a claim. Denials in this process are endemic and almost guaranteed the first time out. To add insult to injury, the new “Provisional Rating” procedure espoused as the panacea … Continue reading →

Posted in Presumption of Regularity, Tips and Tricks, VA BACKLOG | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

DBQs AND CLAIMS FILING

Posted on June 29, 2013 by asknod

Lawyer Bob and his stalwart crew up in large mosquito land have sent me some interesting news. As often as I inveigh against using the DBQs (disability benefits questionnaires), I have now been told there is a silver lining to … Continue reading →

Posted in C&P exams, Introduction-Read these first, Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BVA–PCT RATINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Posted on June 19, 2013 by asknod

Here’s a little primer to acquaint Veterans with one of the diseases associated with both Agent Orange and HCV. I have it and from what I gather, several of you that I have helped do too. PCT stands for Porphyria … Continue reading →

Posted in BvA Decisions, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Tips and Tricks, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

C & P Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Exam

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Laura

My DH had his first C & P Exam last week in a VA-contracted independent audiologist.  The exam was cursory at best.  We’ll be writing for our one free copy of the exam since the VA has a duty to … Continue reading →

Posted in C&P exams, Guest authors, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

NOT SO FAST ON THE FAST LETTER, ALLISON

Posted on May 23, 2013 by asknod

Be careful with your brand new provisional rating after VA gives it to you. If it’s a denial or defective in any way, you can speed it up immeasurably instead of waiting around for them to do something for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HORSETRADING AT THE DRO CORRAL

Posted on May 23, 2013 by asknod

No sooner following its incestuous birth and surreptitious  inauguration,  the brand new (for those of you in St. Petersburg) VA Form 21-0958 NOD (Notice Of Disagreement) is generating friction with attorneys for Veterans. And well it should. Nicknamed the Notice Of Desire … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips and Tricks, vA news, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

SMC (SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION)-WHAT IS IT?

Posted on February 27, 2013 by asknod

Member Carla writes and says “my husband has lost the use of his creative organ for all intents and purposes. They attribute this to his DM2. He was also blinded in one eye from shell fragments during a mortar attack … Continue reading →

Posted in ASKNOD BOOK, R1/R2, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

NPRC INPATIENT RECORDS FILES

Posted on February 18, 2013 by asknod

Over the last five years I have been asked by many Vets about how to obtain records that have gone missing. Some of you are unable to pursue a claim because it appears there is no record of you existing … Continue reading →

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