Category: Veterans Disability Law

Navy, DOJ Announce Plans to Fast-Track Camp Lejeune Claims

The United States Navy and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced they will be creating a new process to fast-track claims from veterans and their families who were sickened by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The new process, when it is put into place, will give certain people much faster access to settlement payouts for certain diseases. It is estimated that this could help tens of thousands of victims suffering from severe or chronic medical issues due to water contamination at the infamous Navy base.

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More than 300 Presumptive Conditions Added Under the PACT Act

Under the PACT Act, more than 300 medical issues have been added to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) list of presumptive conditions. This has helped to dramatically increase the number of veterans who are able to access disability benefits through the VA, particularly veterans suffering from burn pit exposure. Veterans who want to take full advantage of the PACT Act should submit their claims as soon as possible to maximize their chances at getting the benefits they deserve.

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Five Things To Know About Appealing a VA Disability Decision

If you are a veteran who was rejected after applying for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or you received a disability rating lower than what you deserved, you may be able to appeal your decision. However, the process of appealing that decision can be difficult and complicated. That is why you need to know these five things before making your appeal for your VA disability decision:

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Panel Advances Bill to Improve Access to Retirement Benefits

The House Armed Services Committee has advanced a bill that, if passed, would substantially increase many disabled veterans’ access to retirement benefits. The “Major Richard Star Act,” as it is called, would allow veterans who medically retire before 20 years in the military to obtain both retirement benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. This could help as many as 50,000 disabled veterans to obtain more benefits for their service, helping them to live more comfortably in civilian life.

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Five Things You Need to Know About Burn Pit Exposure

Over the course of many veterans’ times in the United States military, they may have been exposed to the toxic smoke from burn pits. These pits are often used by the military to dispose of just about everything, from regular garbage to discarded munitions and everything in between. Here are five things you need to know about burn pit exposure if you are a veteran:

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Seven Potential Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Veterans are substantially more likely than regular citizens to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, with around 7% of veterans dealing with the disorder. However, a shocking number of veterans never get treated, due in part to not recognizing the symptoms, meaning they do not receive the care or benefits they are otherwise entitled to. Here are seven potential signs of PTSD you should watch out for:

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Rate of Suicide Among Female Veterans Down 14.1%

Thanks to efforts from mental health professionals at the Department of Veterans Affairs (more commonly referred to as the VA), suicide rates among female veterans have declined by 14.1% in 2022, according to the Military Times. This decrease in suicide rates is attributed to increased accessibility of care for women in the military, as well as a greater understanding of the challenges that female veterans face. There are also more resources for female veterans looking to re-enter into the civilian workforce.

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Camp Lejeune Victims 70% More Likely to Develop Parkinson’s

Veterans and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune are about 70% more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease compared to the general population, according to a recent study. This study attributes the high rate of the disease among victims of Camp Lejeune to potential exposure to trichloroethylene, a chemical commonly used in certain industrial processes. This means that veterans who suffer from Parkinson’s may be able to seek disability benefits as a result of their condition.

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More Than 500,000 Claims Filed Under PACT Act

The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) has announced that more than 500,000 veterans and survivors have filed claims under the PACT Act. This law, which was signed into law in August 2022, was intended to help veterans suffering from illnesses related to toxic exposure. It has also helped more than three million veterans get screenings for toxic exposure, helping them to learn if they may need to file for benefits.

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NIH and VA Announce Study of “Gulf War Syndrome”

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Institute of Health (NIH) have announced they will be conducting a five-year long study into the condition known as Gulf War Illness, or Gulf War Syndrome, as it is commonly known. This study is meant to look into the varied symptoms of the illness, which affects nearly a third of the 700,000 people who served during the Gulf War. The goal is to uncover the cause of the disease, and develop treatments for those who have suffered with disabilities related to Gulf War Syndrome.

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