For years, studies have shown an association between exposure to Agent Orange and bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Despite the evidence supporting this connection, VA has refused to propose a regulation adding these ailments to the list of conditions presumed to be associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Frustrated by VA’s failure to act, in January […]

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims recently issued a decision in Long v. Wilkie. In it, the Court answered the question of when VA must refer a veteran’s claim for disability benefits for extraschedular consideration. Extraschedular consideration is most often requested by a veteran when he or she believes that VA’s rating schedule

Effective February 7, 2021, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented major changes to the rating schedule for musculoskeletal disabilities. Diagnostic codes have been added, others have been removed, and an attempt has been made to update medical terminology and to provide more objective rating criteria. The changes are a mixed bag for veterans. For