Guides & updates for veterans and their families
The VA system was not built to be easy to read. This is where we translate it. Every article here breaks down one piece of the process — a rating, a form, a deadline, a change in the law — in plain English, written under the direction of VA-accredited claims agent Albert L. Thombs Jr. (accreditation #45147) who does this work every day.
Search by keyword, sort by newest or most popular, and share any guide straight to your own social media. Every dollar amount and rating you read here is an estimate that depends on your specific situation — always confirm the details on VA.gov or with a free, no-obligation review before you act on them.
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How VA Combined Ratings Really Work (Why 70% + 40% Isn’t 110%)
The VA does not add your ratings together. It combines them with “VA math,” and the result is almost always lower than you expect. Here is exactly how it works.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates and the COLA Increase, Explained
A 2.8% cost-of-living increase took effect December 1, 2025, raising 2026 VA disability compensation. Here is what changed and how to check your new amount.
TDIU: How to Be Paid at the 100% Rate Without a 100% Rating
If your service-connected conditions keep you from holding steady work, TDIU can pay you at the full 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower. Here is who qualifies.
Burn Pit Exposure Claims: What First-Time Filers Should Gather
Filing a burn pit claim under the PACT Act is more straightforward than most veterans expect. Here is the evidence that makes a first-time claim strong.
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How VA Combined Ratings Really Work (Why 70% + 40% Isn’t 110%)
The VA does not add your ratings together. It combines them with “VA math,” and the result is almost always lower than you expect. Here is exactly how it works.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates and the COLA Increase, Explained
A 2.8% cost-of-living increase took effect December 1, 2025, raising 2026 VA disability compensation. Here is what changed and how to check your new amount.
TDIU: How to Be Paid at the 100% Rate Without a 100% Rating
If your service-connected conditions keep you from holding steady work, TDIU can pay you at the full 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower. Here is who qualifies.
PACT Act Presumptive Conditions: What Every Veteran Should Know
The PACT Act made it far easier to get toxic-exposure conditions service-connected. “Presumptive” means you do not have to prove the link. Here is what it covers.
Burn Pit Exposure Claims: What First-Time Filers Should Gather
Filing a burn pit claim under the PACT Act is more straightforward than most veterans expect. Here is the evidence that makes a first-time claim strong.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Benefits Beyond the 100% Rate
SMC is extra tax-free compensation for veterans with especially serious disabilities — including the loss of use of a limb or the need for daily aid. Here is how it works.
VA Aid & Attendance: Extra Pension for Veterans Who Need Daily Help
Aid & Attendance adds to the VA pension for wartime veterans who need help with everyday activities or are housebound. Here is who qualifies and how it is figured.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: Your Benefits Explained
Veterans and families who lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may qualify for presumptive VA benefits — and a separate legal claim. Here is the difference.
Filing Your First VA Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide for Veterans
A first VA disability claim comes down to three things: a diagnosis, an in-service cause, and the link between them. Here is how to build each piece.
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