Amanda Mineer

Navigating Disability Benefits and Deportation: A Veteran's Dilemma

Service-connected psychiatric disability and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are commonalities among veterans with substance abuse challenges and involvement with the criminal justice system. While ...

The Meaning of the Monk Case: Monk v. Shulkin Case Class Actions

Recently, the Federal Circuit overturned years of precedent in the case of Monk v. Shulkin, F.3d (April 26, 2017). The decision allows the CAVC (U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims) to approve ...

Why Might I Need a Buddy Statement for My VA Disability Claim?

Injuries that occur during your service in the military can impact your ability to function for the rest of your life. You may have decided to file an application for veterans disability compensation ...

Discharge Upgrades for Veterans Eligible For Benefits

Veterans must have a discharge from military service under honorable conditions to be eligible for benefits from the Veterans Administration.

Exposure to Agent Orange

PORTIONS OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BECOME OUTDATED AS OF PASSAGE OF THE PACT ACT IN AUGUST 10, 2022. See here for an updated discussion of Agent Orange disability claims.

Obtaining Medical Records​

New Research Shows Relationship Between Hormone Levels and PTSD

Can hormones have anything to do with PTSD? For decades, researchers have grappled with the question of whether abnormal cortisol levels have any effect on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cortisol is ...

The Impact of CTE Brain Injuries on Veterans

CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that starts with concussive injury to the head and ends in cognitive impairment, sleep and mood disorders, and in ...

Obtaining Copies of Service Records

If you are a veteran of the U.S. military and have a current injury or condition that is connected to that service, you may be eligible for veterans’ disability compensation. While the VA is ...

Incarcerated Veterans with Service-Connected Disability

Veterans with service-connected disabilities, treated or untreated, are frequently in conflict with the justice system. What services are available to veterans who are under threat of incarceration, ...