Playing the Long Game: How Veterans Build Stronger VA Disability Claims Over Time

Think you can't qualify for VA disability benefits because you never served in combat? That misconception could be costing you thousands of dollars in compensation. In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, attorneys Francis Jackson and Kristian Terison explain why peacetime veterans may qualify for disability benefits, how to prove service-connected conditions, and why taking the first step toward filing a claim could make all the difference.

How much does it really cost to hire an attorney for a VA disability claim? And what happens if your claim is denied? In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, attorneys Francis Jackson and Alexandra Jackson break down contingency fees, case expenses, VA payment rules, and court appeals. Learn what veterans should understand before signing a fee agreement and why knowing the difference between attorney fees and expenses can help prevent unexpected costs.

What if a condition you are already service connected for is causing another medical problem that could also qualify for VA disability benefits?

For many survivors of military sexual trauma, the hardest part of pursuing VA disability benefits may begin long before a claim is ever filed. Shame, silence, and the difficulty of acknowledging what happened can keep veterans from seeking help for decades. In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, attorneys Francis Jackson and Kristian Terison discuss what they call the "silence tax," why MST claims are different from many other VA disability claims, what evidence the VA may consider, and why it is never too late for a survivor to file.

For Blue Water Navy veterans exposed to Agent Orange, changes in the law have opened doors that were once closed. But what happens when a veteran’s ship is missing from the VA’s list, or a claim was denied decades ago?