I’m going to do things a little differently with this post.
Every week, I write on something topical – a new rule that affects veteran-owned small businesses, a development in reducing the disability compensation claims backlog, an interesting bid contract.
After over a year of monitoring my site statistics, I have found that one blog in particular absolutely kills the others in terms of search term hits. This is my blog announcing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) recognition of disabilities presumed secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI). This blog can be accessed here.
When people found this blog, they were searching for generic terms like “tbi rating” and “tbi va claim.” Since they appeared to be looking for general information on TBI claims, I don’t believe they found what they were looking for.
These searches got me thinking. How many veteran disability compensation claims are slowed down because veterans didn’t find the information they needed in order to adequately present their claims? Because there isn’t enough information out there? Because the available information isn’t clear, either because of the way it’s presented or because the compensation process is complicated? The VA claims process involves the application of nuanced rules, regulations, and diagnostic codes; and it is extremely difficult for veterans to know not only what applies to their claim, but how it applies.
I believe that if veterans had more, straightforward information about pursuing disability compensation claims, this would help not only them, but also the VA. When claims are done properly at the outset, they can be resolved faster (and more favorably), resulting in veterans receiving the money to which they are entitled and contributing to the VA’s reduction of its immense backlog.
Towards that end, I am pleased to announce the September 1, 2013 launch of my new website: http://www.endvabacklog.com. This website will consist entirely of resources for veterans pursuing disability compensation claims, including links, practical tips, VA diagnostic codes, sample lay witness statements, explanations of regulations, and a blog. There will be two separate resource portals for two of the most confusing types of claims – claims for post-traumatic stress disorder and claims for TBI. Please keep in mind that these resources are presented as general information only, and do not contain specific legal advice, as every claim is different.
For all of the veterans who are reading this, thank you for your service to our country. Please visit http://www.endvabacklog.com on or after September 1, 2013 in order to learn more about obtaining the benefits to which you are entitled.
