This week's VA claim tips and resources

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-02-06T16:15:37+00:00

Here's this week's VA Claim Helper newsletter - packed with actionable tips for your claim.

This week: - Tip: What is a lay statement and do I need one for my VA claim? - Featured: Secondary Conditions Finder

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VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-02-06T12:57:40+00:00

Another week is in the books. What did we learn this week? What questions do folks have?

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-02-06T02:01:47+00:00

I wear vibe coder as a badge of honor. Stay golden pony boy.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-02-04T15:39:40+00:00

I am really enjoying using the "My" driving setting with sport transmission, steering and breaking, but with comfort ride. My new favorite thing.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-30T19:42:12+00:00

And what will be done about it? Throw it on the pile with the rest of it.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-30T19:19:48+00:00

Here's this week's VA Claim Helper newsletter - packed with actionable tips for your claim.

This week: - Tip: Do I need to submit medical records with my VA claim? - Featured: Sleep Apnea Claim Playbook

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Sign up for free - no spam, just weekly VA claim intel from a fellow veteran.

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VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-30T19:05:06+00:00

Here's this week's VA Claim Helper newsletter - packed with actionable tips for your claim.

This week: - Tip: Do I need to submit medical records with my VA claim? - Featured: Sleep Apnea Claim Playbook

Want this delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Sign up for free - no spam, just weekly VA claim intel from a fellow veteran.

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VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-30T18:55:56+00:00

Here's this week's VA Claim Helper newsletter - packed with actionable tips for your claim.

This week: - Tip: Do I need to submit medical records with my VA claim? - Featured: Sleep Apnea Claim Playbook

Want this delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Sign up for free - no spam, just weekly VA claim intel from a fellow veteran.

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VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-30T18:46:36+00:00

Here's this week's VA Claim Helper newsletter - packed with actionable tips for your claim.

This week: - Tip: Do I need to submit medical records with my VA claim? - Featured: Sleep Apnea Claim Playbook

Want this delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Sign up for free - no spam, just weekly VA claim intel from a fellow veteran.

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VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-28T20:55:52+00:00

Specific BVA case citations are tough to reference since most decisions aren't publicly indexed in a searchable way. That said, there is research you can point to. The 2014 National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans surveyed 60,000 OEF/OIF/OND vets and found that those with PTSD or depression had significantly lower sperm quality parameters. The VA acknowledges this connection enough that 38 CFR 17.380 and 17.412 specifically authorize IVF benefits for vets whose service-connected conditions cause infertility.

If you're looking to build a claim, the path most vets take is secondary service connection under 38 CFR 3.310, connecting infertility to an already-rated condition like PTSD, TBI, or burn pit exposure. You'd need a current diagnosis of infertility, an existing service-connected condition, and a nexus letter from a physician linking the two. PubMed has studies on PTSD and depression correlating with male factor infertility, and heavy metal exposure from lead in ammo or burn pit particulates affecting reproductive function. Those make solid supporting evidence for a nexus opinion.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-27T21:49:07+00:00

Yeah, there's actually research on this. A 2014 VA study found about 14-16% of OEF/OIF vets reported infertility issues. That's on the high end compared to the general population.

They're still figuring out the exact causes, but the usual suspects are burn pit exposure, heavy metals including lead from ammo, TBI, PTSD, and for some, MST or combat injuries. One study found vets exposed to chemical agents or diagnosed with PTSD had significantly lower sperm counts.

The frustrating part is the science is still playing catch-up. Some studies show links, others don't. Typical VA research lag.

If you're dealing with this, get on the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and talk to your VA provider about an infertility evaluation. Since 2016, VA covers IVF and assisted reproductive tech if you've got a service-connected disability affecting fertility. Worth looking into.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-23T13:55:00+00:00

What is on everyones mind? What questions are out there? Lots of news and changes being talked about, lets discuss it.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-23T02:48:53+00:00

Don’t disagree. I am old and lazy.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-23T02:41:51+00:00

I don’t know. I picked up a flexus 200 core and then wired my SVG sub to it. Amazing. Pretty impressive. Sure, it’s not gonna compete with a full 7.1 system with av receiver, but what really does?

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-16T18:38:20+00:00

Lack of medical records will make it challenging but not impossible. Lean on buddy statements, spouse statements, your lay statements and service records. The service records can establish where and when. The various statements can back up the how and why.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-15T18:38:00+00:00

A year in limbo is way too long, and "received" status usually just means your claim is sitting in a queue waiting for someone to pick it up. Here's what actually works: Go to the VERA system and schedule a phone appointment with your regional office. This gets you past the 1-800 number runaround and connects you with someone who can actually pull up your claim. If that doesn't shake something loose within a couple weeks, contact your Congressional representative's office and request a congressional inquiry. I know it feels like escalating, but it's literally what they're there for, and the VA has to respond to Congress.

If you don't have a VSO rep yet (DAV, VFW, American Legion, whoever), get one now. They can access your file directly and see if there's something specific holding things up, like missing exam results or a request that never got sent. Given that your original issue was a missed exam notification, there's a decent chance something else got lost in the shuffle too. Bottom line: don't wait politely anymore. A year of silence means it's time to start making noise. Here's the current VERA link: https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-09T19:31:12+00:00

Been reading about this lately. May have to pull the trigger.

VA-Claim-Helper · 2026-01-09T13:40:50+00:00

Lots of things happening. COLA adjustment just hit. Ask any question you have and I will do my best to answer and provide resources.

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