• 5 VA Rating Rules Every Veteran Needs to Know
    Aug 22 2025

    I AM A VA-ACCREDITED ATTORNEY and I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    Want a Higher VA Disability Rating? Don’t Miss These 5 Powerful Rules!

    VA-accredited attorney and combat veteran Ed Farmer breaks down 5 must-know VA disability rating rules that could significantly impact your claim. Whether you’re just starting your claim or stuck in a long appeal, these tips could make all the difference.

    👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:

    ✅ How the bilateral factor boosts ratings for conditions affecting both arms or legs ✅ Why the “higher of two evaluations” rule might mean a bigger benefit ✅ What happens when the VA can’t separate symptoms from service-connected vs. non-service-connected issues ✅ When medication side effects do (or don’t) impact your rating ✅ How staged ratings can lead to increases over time

    Ed shares real-world examples and practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and get the rating you deserve.

    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p2u9O0K3cqs

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA-accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

    #VeteransAppeals #NoticeOfAppeal #CourtOfAppeals #VeteransClaims #VABoardDecision #LegalAid #MilitaryVeterans #AppealsProcess #LegalRights #VeteransBenefits #VAcourt #VeteranAdvocacy #VAclaims #VArepresentation #VAregulations #VAcase #MilitaryLaw #vacourt

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    7 mins
  • VA’s Sneakiest Denial Tool: Rework Exams Explained
    Aug 15 2025

    VA-accredited attorney and Army veteran Ed Farmer discusses the top 4 reasons veterans are getting denied — and what you can do about it.

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    Have you been denied VA benefits even after a favorable C&P exam?

    VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer exposes one of the VA’s most frustrating tactics: “rework exams”—when the VA quietly asks examiners to change positive opinions, often in high-value claims with big retroactive payouts on the line.

    In this episode, you’ll discover: - What a rework exam really is and why it’s not about quality control. - How this tactic unfairly targets veterans with strong claims, sometimes without another exam. - Steps you can take if you’re hit with a rework request. - How attorneys use the VA’s case management system to push back. - Key case law (Mariano v. Principi, Douglas v. Shinseki) that can strengthen your appeal. - Strategies for Higher-Level Reviews and Board of Veterans’ Appeals cases.

    If you’re facing a rework exam, you can fight back and win. This episode gives you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to protect your benefits and hold the VA accountable.

    🎯 Don’t miss this—your claim could depend on it.

    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0ESZiK1wjnU

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

    #VeteransAppeals #NoticeOfAppeal #CourtOfAppeals #VeteransClaims #VABoardDecision #LegalAid #MilitaryVeterans #AppealsProcess #LegalRights #VeteransBenefits #VAcourt #VeteranAdvocacy #VAclaims #VArepresentation #VAregulations #VAcase #MilitaryLaw #VACourt

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    7 mins
  • Two Presumptions That Can Help Your VA Claim for Pre-Existing Conditions
    Aug 8 2025

    VA-accredited attorney and Army veteran Ed Farmer discusses the top 4 reasons veterans are getting denied — and what you can do about it.

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    Do you have a pre-existing condition and wonder if it can be service-connected by the VA?

    VA-accredited attorney and Army combat veteran Ed Farmer breaks down what every veteran needs to know about the VA’s “presumption of soundness” and “presumption of aggravation.”

    In this episode, Ed explains: ✅ How the VA must prove your condition wasn’t aggravated by service ✅ What clear and unmistakable evidence means ✅ When the VA can rebut your claim (e.g., congenital issues, natural progression) ✅ What to do if your condition was noted at enlistment

    You’ll learn actionable tips on: - Reviewing your entrance exams - Getting strong medical opinions - Catching common VA mistakes

    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t2mnq6NATTw

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

    #VeteransAppeals #NoticeOfAppeal #CourtOfAppeals #VeteransClaims #VABoardDecision #LegalAid #MilitaryVeterans #AppealsProcess #LegalRights #VeteransBenefits #VAcourt #VeteranAdvocacy #VAclaims #VArepresentation #VAregulations #VAcase #MilitaryLaw #VACourt

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    6 mins
  • Should You Skip a VA C&P Exam? Risks and Strategies from a VA Lawyer
    Aug 1 2025

    VA-accredited attorney and Army veteran Ed Farmer discusses the top 4 reasons veterans are getting denied — and what you can do about it.

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    Should you attend that extra VA C&P exam, or is it smarter to skip it? VA-accredited attorney and combat veteran Ed Farmer discusses this strategic dilemma that many veterans face during the claims process.

    In this episode, Ed explains why the VA sometimes requests additional exams after you’ve already submitted a strong independent medical opinion or nexus letter—and the risks and rewards of refusing to go.

    You’ll learn about potential consequences of missing a VA exam, how the “benefit of the doubt” rule can work in your favor, and why some adjudicators may not interpret the rules in your best interest. Ed breaks down when skipping the exam might give your claim more weight, but also why it can lead to longer wait times and more appeals. With practical advice and caution around high-stakes decisions, this episode empowers you to make an informed choice about your VA claim.

    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8CPJc8BEM-k

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

    #VeteransAppeals #NoticeOfAppeal #CourtOfAppeals #VeteransClaims #VABoardDecision #LegalAid #MilitaryVeterans #AppealsProcess #LegalRights #VeteransBenefits #VAcourt #VeteranAdvocacy #VAclaims #VArepresentation #VAregulations #VAcase #MilitaryLaw #VACourt

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    4 mins
  • The 4 Biggest Problems with the VA Regional Office
    Jul 25 2025

    VA-accredited attorney and Army veteran Ed Farmer discusses the top 4 reasons veterans are getting denied — and what you can do about it.

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    In this episode, Ed highlights why independent medical opinions are often ignored, why informal conferences with higher-level reviewers have become unproductive, and how incorrect exam requests can sabotage your claim.

    You’ll also learn why so many veterans are awarded the wrong effective dates and the challenges these errors create. Ed shares the strategies his law firm uses to fight these issues, including when it makes sense to appeal all the way to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Throughout the episode, you'll get practical advice on gathering the right evidence, appealing unfair decisions, and staying persistent.

    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t6HRyrCCipk

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

    #VeteransAppeals #NoticeOfAppeal #CourtOfAppeals #VeteransClaims #VABoardDecision #LegalAid #MilitaryVeterans #AppealsProcess #LegalRights #VeteransBenefits #VAcourt #VeteranAdvocacy #VAclaims #VArepresentation #VAregulations #VAcase #MilitaryLaw #VACourt

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    9 mins
  • 10 Real VA Claim Questions — Straight Answers from a VA Attorney
    Jul 11 2025

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    In this episode of VA Made Easy, VA-accredited attorney and Army combat veteran Ed Farmer answers 10 real questions from veterans struggling with VA disability claims and appeals.

    Ed breaks down how to prove chronic joint pain, link sleep apnea to PTSD—especially when weight gain plays a role—and strategies to secure the back pay you deserve. He explains what to expect if your prostate cancer rating drops after treatment and how to use buddy statements effectively when medical documentation is lacking.

    You’ll also learn how to file for TDIU, appeal for a higher rating, and protect your claim’s effective date if you miss a C&P exam. Ed even covers what happens if a veteran passes away during their appeal and how to keep the process moving.

    Whether you’ve been denied, delayed, or just don’t know what to do next, this episode offers clear, actionable advice to help you take control of your VA claim and get the benefits you’ve earned.

    Subscribe for more straightforward guidance on VA disability claims from someone who’s been in your boots.

    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jn5fX-rknNU

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

    #VeteransAppeals #NoticeOfAppeal #CourtOfAppeals #VeteransClaims #VABoardDecision #LegalAid #MilitaryVeterans #AppealsProcess #LegalRights #VeteransBenefits #VAcourt #VeteranAdvocacy #VAclaims #VArepresentation #VAregulations #VAcase #MilitaryLaw #VACourt

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    16 mins
  • Top 5 TDIU Questions Veterans Ask – Answered by a VA Attorney
    Jul 4 2025

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    Are you confused about the VA’s rules for unemployability, also known as TDIU? VA-accredited attorney and Army combat veteran Ed Farmer tackles the five most common questions he receives about TDIU in this episode of VA Made Easy.

    Ed explains why the VA cannot use your age as a factor in unemployability claims, and clarifies when and how the VA is supposed to “infer” a TDIU claim—even if you never filed the official paperwork. He addresses misconceptions about employment history, including why your educational and occupational background matters if the VA says you could just “work an office job.” You'll also learn how the VA defines “substantial gainful employment” and what counts as crossing the income threshold for TDIU eligibility. Finally, Ed discusses the intersection of TDIU and Social Security benefits, shedding light on when you can receive both.

    If you’ve been denied unemployability or aren’t sure how the rules apply to your case, this episode provides clear answers and practical tips to help you move forward.

    VA form 8940 - https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-8940-are.pdf

    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OeJugr4K8xs

    You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

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    6 mins
  • VA’s New IBS Criteria — Are You Missing Out on a 30 Percent Rating?
    Jun 27 2025

    As a VA-accredited attorney, I'm here to assist you with your legal needs. Schedule a consultation today: https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

    Veterans with IBS: Are you stuck at a 0% VA rating? Learn how the new 2024 VA disability rules could help you get a higher percentage.

    VA-accredited attorney Ed Farmer breaks down the updated rating criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), effective May 19, 2024—explaining what qualifies for 10%, 20%, or 30%.

    📌 In this video:

    - Understand the new diagnostic rules - Learn what symptoms really count - When to file a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim - Tips for C&P exams and writing winning statements

    🎯 If you feel underrated, this video helps you advocate for the benefits you deserve.

    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8q3pmIJVbSQ

    You can also find more information about my practice at: https://www.vetlawoffice.com

    Disclaimer: The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide only general information about the VA disability claims system. Every case is unique, and neither Edward M. Farmer nor VA Made Easy, LLC are providing legal advice for your specific VA case or legal matter. You should consult with a VA accredited attorney before relying upon any of the information presented here. The acts of making a comment or viewing information from VA Made Easy LLC’s YouTube channel do not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results are not guaranteed nor is Edward M. Farmer able to predict the outcome of any claims.

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    6 mins