V-Wise: Sustainable Business Ventures for Female Vets and Spouses

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, supported by funding from the Small Business Administration, is helping military families across a wide spectrum. One of the ...

What It Means to Accept a VA Disability Rating

Veterans who suffer from an injury that was caused or made worse during their active military service can make a claim to receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits are ...

Discharged Under DADT? Upgrade May Be Possible

Since World War II, approximately 114,000 servicemembers have been discharged from all four branches of the United States military for homosexual conduct. From 1994 to 2011, “don’t ask, don’t tell” ...

How to Calculate Veterans’ Disability Ratings Into Pay

You applied for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs and, after a long wait, you have finally received a favorable decision, granting you veterans’ disability ...

Reading a Rating Decision​

You served your country selflessly, but during your service you were injured or developed a condition that is still affecting your life today. After applying for veterans’ disability benefits through ...

Compensation & Pension Exams and DBQs

Once you have begun an application for veterans disability benefits, you may be required to complete a medical exam called the Compensation & Pension Exam. This examination is sometimes referred ...

Nexus Letter

Why Might I Need a Buddy Statement for My VA Disability Claim?

Injuries that occur during your service in the military can impact your ability to function for the rest of your life. You may have decided to file an application for veterans disability compensation ...

Obtaining Medical Records​

Obtaining Copies of Service Records

If you are a veteran of the U.S. military and have a current injury or condition that is connected to that service, you may be eligible for veterans’ disability compensation. While the VA is ...