Category Archives: VBMS Tricks

BVA-§3.816(c)(1)–BENDIN’ ATOMS DOWN IN BIKINI

Posted on April 24, 2023 by asknod

Once upon a time down on a peaceful Pacific Island, the US Navy began testing a-bombs. My Vet was there (Johnston Atoll) standing on deck at parade rest (as ordered) in April ’62 to observe and, unbeknowst to him, being … Continue reading →

Posted in Agent Orange, BvA Decisions, DM II, Independent Medical Opinions, TDIU, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HLRs–THE DOUBLE HEADER ( SMC)

Posted on April 8, 2023 by asknod

I wonder how many of you-both litigators and pro se Veterans- have ever had a double header HLR informal conference. You heard me right. I had a HLR on Thursday morning last with DRO Loralie. Forget she was 15 minutes … Continue reading →

Posted in Combat Presumption, Higher Level of Review (HLR), Reductions in rating, TBI, VBMS Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

R1–WE’RE GOIN’ UP AROUND THE BEND

Posted on April 2, 2023 by asknod

Great song. My pilot in charge (PIC) had a battery-powered GE tape recorder with the little 3-inch reels and a penchant to play songs while we were taxiing out to take off from Alternate in the mornings. He swore it … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaints Department, Humor, R1/R2, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

SMC N–I LIKE THAT OLD TIME SMC

Posted on March 10, 2023 by asknod

First off, a prayer for 11 Bravo 20 Eddie who passed last Sunday. I had him in for an upgrade to R2 and he fell prey to the old delay, deny until he died. I’ll be helping his surviving spouse … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Milestones, SMC, VA Agents, VBMS, VBMS Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

GROUNDHOG DAY 2023–6 MORE WEEKS UNTIL THE RD

Posted on February 1, 2023 by asknod

Wow. Groundhog Day already. Shut the front door. If I were five years old, I’d of figured a year had transpired already. At almost 72, it feels more like New Year’s was a week ago. I had a kickass Higher … Continue reading →

Posted in HCV Risks (documented), Higher Level of Review (HLR), IMOs/IMEs, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

CUE TRAINING FOR DUMMIES

Posted on January 22, 2023 by asknod

Here’s a Powerpoint presentation for VA employees I received from an Agent I helped get her wings. Imagine that. In one session which they claim will only consume three (3) hours, they propose to make you a VA Jedi Knight … Continue reading →

Posted in CUE, Earlier Effective dates, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

FORT FUMBLE–HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS

Posted on December 16, 2022 by asknod

One thing I know is that VA higher ups can be cantankerous and throw an a&a decision in underneath the bottom of the inbasket out of spite. Especially if they see my moniker on it. They did it to me … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, Aid and Attendance, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

PYRAMIDING PARKINSON’S–PICK YOUR POISON, SONNY

Posted on December 5, 2022 by asknod

Imagine suffering from Diabetes with severe peripheral neuropathy. Now, supersize that with advanced Parkinson’s and a full load out of the symptomatology. You’re not a doctor so you file for loss of use of your upper and lower extremities. Does … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, AO, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

EXPOSED VET RADIO SHOW THURDSAY 20 OCTOBER 1900 HRS E

Posted on October 18, 2022 by asknod

How many of you have applied for an increase after about 10 years and they run you through the new c&p gamut of what would appear to be a normal physical with a side order of closer examination of an … Continue reading →

Posted in 100% ratings, All about Veterans, DBQs, Humor, Reductions in rating, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VA Attorneys, VBMS, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

FORT FUGETABOUTIT (HOUSTON)–A PAIR OF JEANS THAT FIT JUST RIGHT

Posted on September 2, 2022 by asknod

In 1973, I was unceremoniously evicted from the ranks of active military personnel. My crime? Why, being antisocial with passive aggressive tendencies. Since then, it’s metastasized. I have become social with active aggressive tendencies. This personality disorder pays off in … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, vARO Decisions, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments