Category Archives: VBMS Tricks

A WARM, FUZZY THANKSGIVING FROM VA SECRETARY McDONONOUGH

Posted on November 22, 2023 by asknod

Every once in a while about this time of year, we all become a wee bit maudlin and little acts of kindness well up in our bosoms. We have this insane urge to spread joy and happiness across our fruited … Continue reading →

Posted in Extraschedular consideration, Thanksgiving and war, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

VBASTPETE317–BULLSHIT CLEANUP ON VERA

Posted on November 3, 2023 by asknod

VA is awash in acronyms if you hadn’t noticed. VERA is VAspeak for Visitor Engagement and Reporting Application. This is what transpires after you keep pitching a bitch about why it’s been 218 days since your HLR decision finding a … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, SMC, TBI, VA Agents, VA suspense dates, VBMS Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WHY THE AMA IS NOT WORKABLE (AND NEVER WILL BE)

Posted on September 10, 2023 by asknod

Sassy little header above, isn’t it? Well, Veterans, let’s “unpack ” this as they like to say in the hallowed halls down at the corner of Delay and Deny Ave. NW. I proffer a test case to demonstrate the unworkable … Continue reading →

Posted in AO, Complaints Department, Duty to Assist, IMOs/IMEs, Remanded claims, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, VBMS Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

BVA–CLEANUP ON AISLE FIVE

Posted on June 17, 2023 by asknod

I’m sure we’ve all heard that one before down at Piggly Wiggly. Whoa there, hoss. That’s going to have to change. The name just drips fat-shaming and small airline seats. I’m sure  the wokefolks will be along directly to ask … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals Modernization Act, BvA Decisions, BVA Referrals, SMC, VA special monthly compensation, VBMS Tricks | 5 Comments

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