Vets with Benefits

#13: Earning It All After Service with Justin Cross

Justin Cross is a U.S. Navy veteran, former Lockheed Martin flight test engineer, and the founder of Earn It All, a program built on four pillars, health, wealth, victory, and respect. From serving on fighter jets after 9/11 to working on the cutting-edge F-22 and F-35 programs, Justin’s journey reflects discipline, resilience, and a commitment to accountability that he now teaches to veterans and civilians alike. In this episode Justin opens up about his own struggles navigating the VA system, including waiting ten years to file his first claim. He shares how stigma, pride, and lack of information keep many veterans from claiming benefits, and why documenting injuries early is critical for long-term success. From the mindset shift of viewing benefits as a safety net for your family, to understanding what the VA can and cannot provide, Justin’s story shows both the challenges and the victories possible when veterans engage the system. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:24) From Secret Missions to Civilian Life (07:20) Why Justin Joined the Navy After 9/11 (12:10) Leaving Service and Finding a New Mission (15:57) Creating “Earn It All” for Veterans (24:06) Facing Masculinity and Responsibility Today (31:15) Struggles With the VA System and Delayed Claims (40:29) Lessons Learned and Advice for Veterans If you have ever delayed filing for your VA benefits, what finally pushed you to take action? Share your Answer in the Comments. Connect with Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.j.cross [https://www.instagram.com/justin.j.cross] Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date and make the most of the benefits you’ve earned. For a FREE case review, call 508-205-2503 [TEl+1-508-205-2503] today! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy [https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573] DISCLAIMER: This podcast and all its content are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing in this podcast or these videos creates an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your state or jurisdiction or, if for a VA-related matter, a VA-accredited attorney, agent, or representative. Laws can change, and while we do our best to be accurate, always consult with qualified legal counsel or other qualified professionals before acting on anything discussed on this podcast or any of its content. The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of BSCC Media LLC or the guest speaker and do not represent the views of any law firm (including Vetus Legal LLC) or any other individual or entity. Any third-party content or information is used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and/or educational purposes. This podcast and all its content are produced and owned exclusively by BSCC Media LLC. BSCC Media LLC makes no claim of ownership of governmental or third-party materials referenced. This podcast and associated materials are Copyright © 2025 BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vets with Benefits is a trademark of BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. “Vetus Legal” and its logo graphics are registered trademarks of Vetus Legal LLC. BSCC Media LLC and this podcast are not affiliated with Vetus Legal LLC and use of its trademarks does not imply endorsement.

#12 Thousands Of VA Exams May Have Been Mishandled

Thousands of PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) exams may have been conducted by VA doctors before they completed required training, putting benefits at risk. In this episode, Todd Wesche breaks down the new VA Office of Inspector General report exposing serious failures in how compensation exams were handled. He explains what the findings mean for veterans who filed claims in 2023, the difference between VA and contractor compliance rates, and what steps you can take if your claim was denied or underrated. This episode gives veterans the critical information they need to protect their benefits and correct potential errors. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:19) Why The PACT Act Changed Disability Exams (02:23) VA Examiner Training Deadlines Explained (03:38) OIG Findings On Training Failures (04:49) Risks Of Improper Payments And Denials (05:56) What VA Is Doing To Fix The Problem (06:35) Steps Veterans Should Take If Affected If you had a PACT exam in 2023 how was your experience? Share your story in the comments to help other veterans understand what to watch for. September 2025 OIG Report: https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/review/not-all-va-disability-compensation-examiners-completed-training-providing-pact-act [https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/review/not-all-va-disability-compensation-examiners-completed-training-providing-pact-act] PACT Act Information: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ [https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/] Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date and make the most of the benefits you’ve earned. For a FREE case review, call 508-205-2503 [tel+1- 508-205-2503 ]today! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy [https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573 [ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573] DISCLAIMER: This podcast and all its content are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing in this podcast or these videos creates an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your state or jurisdiction or, if for a VA-related matter, a VA-accredited attorney, agent, or representative. Laws can change, and while we do our best to be accurate, always consult with qualified legal counsel or other qualified professionals before acting on anything discussed on this podcast or any of its content. The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of BSCC Media LLC or the guest speaker and do not represent the views of any law firm (including Vetus Legal LLC) or any other individual or entity. Any third-party content or information is used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and/or educational purposes. This podcast and all its content are produced and owned exclusively by BSCC Media LLC. BSCC Media LLC makes no claim of ownership of governmental or third-party materials referenced. This podcast and associated materials are Copyright © 2025 BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vets with Benefits is a trademark of BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. “Vetus Legal” and its logo graphics are registered trademarks of Vetus Legal LLC. BSCC Media LLC and this podcast are not affiliated with Vetus Legal LLC and use of its trademarks does not imply endorsement.

#11: Finding Purpose After Service With Aaron Williamson

For veterans struggling with the VA and life after service, Aaron Williamson’s story is proof there is a way forward. Aaron is a Marine veteran, celebrity trainer, and fitness professional with over 27 years of experience. He has trained Hollywood icons like Dwayne Johnson, Jamie Foxx, and J.K Simmons but his success comes from a foundation of resilience. From serving in Iraq to facing homelessness and PTSD, Aaron rebuilt his life through discipline and fitness, and now shares his hard-earned philosophy on health, mindset, and transformation. In this episode, Todd Wesche and Aaron dive into the real challenges veterans face with the VA system, from lost claims to endless delays, and how those struggles affect mental health and identity after service. Aaron shares how fitness became his lifeline, and what he believes needs to change in veteran healthcare. His story offers insight into both VA bureaucracy and practical lessons on finding a path forward after military life. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:19) Homelessness And Transition Struggles (06:44) First Encounters With The VA System (10:26) Frustration With Bureaucracy (14:20) Why Veterans Need Hormone Testing (27:49) Rebuilding Identity Through Fitness Discipline (39:58) Mental Health Purpose And Finding Self Worth (51:57) Final Reflections And Advice For Veterans What part of his journey resonated most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments so other veterans can learn from your perspective. Connect with Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronvwilliamson/ Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date and make the most of the benefits you’ve earned. For a FREE case review, call 508-205-2503 today! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573 DISCLAIMER: This podcast and all its content are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing in this podcast or these videos creates an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your state or jurisdiction or, if for a VA-related matter, a VA-accredited attorney, agent, or representative. Laws can change, and while we do our best to be accurate, always consult with qualified legal counsel or other qualified professionals before acting on anything discussed on this podcast or any of its content. The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of BSCC Media LLC or the guest speaker and do not represent the views of any law firm (including Vetus Legal LLC) or any other individual or entity. Any third-party content or information is used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and/or educational purposes. This podcast and all its content are produced and owned exclusively by BSCC Media LLC. BSCC Media LLC makes no claim of ownership of governmental or third-party materials referenced. This podcast and associated materials are Copyright © 2025 BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vets with Benefits is a trademark of BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. “Vetus Legal” and its logo graphics are registered trademarks of Vetus Legal LLC. BSCC Media LLC and this podcast are not affiliated with Vetus Legal LLC and use of its trademarks does not imply endorsement.

#10 VA Cost of Living Adjustment And Why It Is Not A Pay Raise

More money does not always mean more value. VA COLA is designed to hold the line on your buying power, not give you a true pay raise. In this episode Todd explains the difference between a VA cost of living adjustment and a pay raise, why that distinction matters to your budget, and what the pending COLA bill would actually cover. He breaks down CPI, shows how inflation math works in plain language, reviews the risk that Congress may delay or skip COLA, and outlines practical options to improve your financial position regardless of the vote. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:36) What The Pending COLA Bill Would Cover (02:48) COLA Versus Pay Raise Explained (03:52) Inflation Example And Buying Power (04:36) What Happens If COLA Does Not Pass (05:44) Stay Engaged And Watch Congress After hearing this, what will you do differently to prepare if COLA is delayed or smaller than expected? Share your plan or question in the comments so others can learn from your approach. Historical VA Compensation Rates: https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000015931/Disability-Compensation-and-Special-Monthly-Compensation-SMC-Rates [https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000015931/Disability-Compensation-and-Special-Monthly-Compensation-SMC-Rates] S.2392 - Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2392/text/is [ https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2392/text/is] Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date and make the most of the benefits you’ve earned. For a FREE case review, call 508-205-2503 [tel+1-508-205-2503 ]today! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy [https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573 [ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573] DISCLAIMER: This podcast and all its content are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing in this podcast or these videos creates an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your state or jurisdiction or, if for a VA-related matter, a VA-accredited attorney, agent, or representative. Laws can change, and while we do our best to be accurate, always consult with qualified legal counsel or other qualified professionals before acting on anything discussed on this podcast or any of its content. The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of BSCC Media LLC or the guest speaker and do not represent the views of any law firm (including Vetus Legal LLC) or any other individual or entity. Any third-party content or information is used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and/or educational purposes. This podcast and all its content are produced and owned exclusively by BSCC Media LLC. BSCC Media LLC makes no claim of ownership of governmental or third-party materials referenced. This podcast and associated materials are Copyright © 2025 BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vets with Benefits is a trademark of BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. “Vetus Legal” and its logo graphics are registered trademarks of Vetus Legal LLC. BSCC Media LLC and this podcast are not affiliated with Vetus Legal LLC and use of its trademarks does not imply endorsement.

#9: VA Combined Ratings Explained

Nearly every veteran runs into complicated VA math, and it rarely adds up the way you think. Why does ten percent plus ten percent equal nineteen, and why do so many veterans fall short of 100 percent even with multiple disabilities? In this episode of Vets with Benefits, Todd Wesche breaks down the confusing world of VA combined ratings. He explains how disabilities are calculated under 38 CFR 4.25, why veterans face diminishing returns when adding conditions, and how TDIU provides a path to full compensation. With clear analogies and real-world examples, Todd gives veterans the knowledge to set expectations and make smarter decisions in their claims. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:06) Why VA Combined Ratings Confuse Veterans (01:37) The Water Glass Analogy for VA Math (03:56) The Legal Basis in 38 CFR 4.25 (07:17) TDIU and How It Helps Veterans (08:02) Key Takeaways and Next Steps After hearing this breakdown, what part of VA Combined Ratings has frustrated you the most? Share your experience in the comments, your story could help another veteran understand they are not alone. Title 38 Combined Ratings Table: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-A/section-4.25 [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-A/section-4.25] Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date and make the most of the benefits you’ve earned. For a FREE case review, call 508-205-2503 [tel+1- 508-205-2503 ]today! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/vetswithbenefitspodcast] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy [https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7NBoMWRfOZkZpS38puLy] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-with-benefits/id1823034573] DISCLAIMER: This podcast and all its content are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing in this podcast or these videos creates an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your state or jurisdiction or, if for a VA-related matter, a VA-accredited attorney, agent, or representative. Laws can change, and while we do our best to be accurate, always consult with qualified legal counsel or other qualified professionals before acting on anything discussed on this podcast or any of its content. The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of BSCC Media LLC or the guest speaker and do not represent the views of any law firm (including Vetus Legal LLC) or any other individual or entity. Any third-party content or information is used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and/or educational purposes. This podcast and all its content are produced and owned exclusively by BSCC Media LLC. BSCC Media LLC makes no claim of ownership of governmental or third-party materials referenced. This podcast and associated materials are Copyright © 2025 BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vets with Benefits is a trademark of BSCC Media LLC. All rights reserved. “Vetus Legal” and its logo graphics are registered trademarks of Vetus Legal LLC. BSCC Media LLC and this podcast are not affiliated with Vetus Legal LLC and use of its trademarks does not imply endorsement.