When the VA Rating System Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Could Tinnitus Claims Soon Disappear?

Tinnitus has long been one of the most common disability claims in the VA system. But proposed changes could reshape how veterans pursue compensation for ringing in their ears and potentially eliminate tinnitus as a standalone claim. In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, attorney Francis Jackson and attorney Kristian Terison break down what these proposed changes could mean for veterans, why tinnitus claims have been so common, and what veterans should do now if they have symptoms but have never filed a claim.

Why File A Sleep Apnea Claim Now?

Could thousands of veterans lose access to one of the VA's most significant disability ratings? In this episode of the Victory Over VA Podcast, attorneys Francis Jackson and Kristian Terison discuss the VA's proposed changes to sleep apnea disability ratings and why veterans with unfiled claims may need to act sooner rather than later. They break down what the proposed rule could mean, who may be affected, and why filing an Intent to File could be one of the most important steps a veteran takes right now.

The Hidden Benefit for Severe TBI

What happens when a veteran can mostly function on their own, but not quite enough to live safely without help? In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, attorney Francis Jackson explains one of the VA's most overlooked benefits: Special Monthly Compensation T (SMC-T). If a veteran's traumatic brain injury requires ongoing supervision or assistance, even when they aren't living in a nursing home, they may qualify for significantly higher monthly compensation. The challenge is knowing how to recognize it and how to prove it.

Sleep Disorders Beyond Sleep Apnea

When veterans think about sleep-related VA disability claims, sleep apnea usually gets all the attention. But what about insomnia, sleepwalking, night terrors, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy? In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, attorney Francis Jackson and attorney Kristian Terison explore the lesser-known sleep disorders that can impact veterans' lives and VA disability ratings. They discuss how these conditions are evaluated, what evidence can strengthen a claim, and why persistence remains one of the most important tools in the VA claims process.

When the VA Rating System Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Most veterans understand VA disability ratings as a percentage system with clearly defined rules. But what happens when your symptoms do not fit neatly inside those boxes? In this episode of The Victory Over VA Podcast, Attorney Francis Jackson and Attorney Kristian Terison unpack one of the least discussed areas of VA disability law: extra scheduler ratings. They explain why these claims are uncommon, when they matter, and why some veterans may qualify for additional consideration even if their ratings do not appear to tell the full story.