Qualifying for VA SMC for Mental Illness
Once a veteran gets to 100% VA disability, are there any more benefits they qualify for? The answer is yes! One HUGE possible benefit is known as Special Monthly Compensation... continue reading
Articles by Brian Reese
VA Disability List of Conditions From A to Z: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)
Did you know the VA’s official disability list includes over 900 conditions eligible for service-connected disability benefits? In this Definitive Guide, VA disability expert Brian Reese... continue reading
How to File for VA Disability Increase Online (15-Step Tutorial)
Today, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider will teach you how to file for VA disability increase online at VA.gov. This 15-step tutorial also includes helpful explanations and screenshots so you... continue reading
VA Disability Changes: Here’s What Veterans Can Expect in 2024!
Huge VA disability changes are coming this year regarding how the VA reviews and rates Mental Health, Sleep Apnea, Tinnitus, and GERD to include Acid Reflux. The exact implementation dates... continue reading
Top 100 VA Disability Claims List From A to Z [2025 Edition]
Hi Fellow Veterans, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider here! Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Top 100 VA Disability Claims List From A to Z. This comprehensive list of the top VA disability... continue reading
VA Disability for Acid Reflux: Changes Coming Soon!
Changes to VA disability for acid reflux could be coming by the summer or fall of 2024. Why? The VA has proposed to add a new Diagnostic Code (DC) 7206 for rating Gastroesophageal Reflux... continue reading
Do I Need a Nexus Letter for Presumptive Conditions?
No, you don’t need a Nexus Letter for presumptive conditions. Why? Because a presumptive disability condition does not have a specific “Nexus” requirement under the law. In fact, the... continue reading
How to Download Your VA Certificate of Eligibility Online in 3 Steps!
Thanks to the new Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) automatic download feature, it’s easier and faster than ever to download your VA Certificate of Eligibility... continue reading
3 Best Veterans Charity Pick Up Programs [2025]
Have you ever wished there were veterans charity pick up programs that allowed you to donate your items directly to support our U.S. military veterans? Well, I've got some great news for you... continue reading
How to Service Connect VA Sleep Apnea Secondary to Weight Gain
Did you know you might be able to service connect VA sleep apnea secondary to weight gain as an “interim link?” Yep, it’s true. While weight gain and obesity is not eligible for a VA... continue reading
Can I Get VA Disability for Obesity?
No, you can’t get VA disability for obesity via direct service connection as there is no separate VA rating for obesity under the law. However, it is still possible to service connect obesity... continue reading
What are Disability Ratings for VA Benefits?
Disability ratings for VA benefits range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%. The VA will assign a "combined" rating percentage based upon the severity... continue reading