As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

Hit a wall with your VA claim—even after submitting an independent medical opinion or nexus letter? VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer breaks down why the VA sometimes ignores strong medical evidence and what you can do about it. In this episode, Ed walks you through the process of fighting back after a denial, including how to use a Higher Level Review, when to skip the informal conference, and how to craft persuasive written arguments to strengthen your appeal.

You’ll learn exactly how the VA’s “benefit of the doubt” rule works, why the balance of evidence matters, and common pitfalls in both VA and private medical opinions. Ed also shares tips on pushing back if the VA tries to send you for endless exams or claims there’s a “duty to assist” error. Should your case go to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, you’ll discover why that can sometimes be the best route to success.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in the claims process, this episode gives you practical strategies—and the power—to move your case forward.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RHiFz5oAzyQ

You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com

Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

Already rated for a respiratory condition like asthma and thinking a new claim for sleep apnea might boost your VA rating? Not so fast. VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer unpacks a little-known VA regulation that could affect your benefits.

In this episode, Ed explains why veterans can’t always receive separate ratings for multiple respiratory conditions like asthma and sleep apnea. You'll learn about the key regulation—38 CFR 4.96(a)—which requires the VA to assign just one rating for the predominant respiratory disability, rather than adding the ratings together. Ed walks you through how the VA determines which condition is “predominant” by looking at the diagnostic codes and specific criteria for asthma and sleep apnea.

He highlights the impact this rule has on your overall compensation and discusses what options you have if you think your situation is unique. If you’re wondering how to maximize your rating or appeal a VA decision under this rule, Ed points out the importance of consulting a qualified representative. This episode is a must-listen for any veteran navigating multiple respiratory service-connected conditions and wanting to understand their rights under current VA law.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4MTL0WmM-k0

Special provisions regarding evaluation of respiratory conditions: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR14fb86bcc86c2cb/section-4.96

Schedule of ratings—respiratory system: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR14fb86bcc86c2cb/section-4.97

You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com

Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

Did you know the VA has a list of around 40 chronic diseases that may be presumed connected to your service—even if you never reported symptoms on active duty?

In this episode, VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer walks you through the “chronic disease presumption,” a powerful tool for veterans seeking VA disability benefits. Ed explains which conditions qualify under 38 CFR 3.309(a), how the presumption works if your diagnosis or symptoms appear within one year (or longer for some conditions) after leaving service, and what medical and lay evidence you’ll need to support your claim.

You’ll discover why hearing loss, tinnitus, psychosis, and conditions like bipolar disorder fall under this presumption and learn practical steps for gathering evidence such as buddy statements and private medical opinions. Ed also shares a real-life example of winning a 100% rating for a veteran whose symptoms began after service.

list of chronic conditions: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR39056aee4e9ff13/section-3.309

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GO-MqhAH648

You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com

Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.