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Veterans Affairs

October 26, 2016
Published by Tim Mercer at October 26, 2016
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What Is Gulf War Syndrome?

Gulf War Syndrome is a medical condition that was initially expressly equated with the first Gulf War, although certain symptoms have been found to span other conflicts in the Middle East and surrounding areas since then. The U.S. soldiers returning from the first Gulf War began suffering from chronic health issues that were chronicled and eventually became categorized as Gulf War Syndrome. More than 650,000 Service members served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect. This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990, to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran.
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October 5, 2016
Published by Allison Sullivan at October 5, 2016
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My Spouse Was a Servicemember. Am I Entitled to Survivors’ Benefits?

To lose a loved one is always a tragedy. For the spouse or family members of a military servicemember, that tragedy can be compounded by many different factors — whether they died during combat or deployment, after their return, or even years or decades later on. Family members may be left wondering if they’ll have access to any benefits to help them navigate the difficult path after their loved one has died. One of the most common questions we hear is from the spouses of recently deceased servicemembers, wondering if they will be able to access the benefits due after their loved one’s service. We have the answer below.
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September 21, 2016
Published by Bennett Gore at September 21, 2016
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Can the VA Reduce My Service-Connected Disability Benefits?

As we’ve mentioned in earlier blogs about working with the VA, disability payments based on service-connected disability or conditions vary widely depending on the injuries or disabilities that the claim is based on, and also the context and circumstances in which the injuries or disability occurred. Even after a claim is settled and you begin receiving regular benefits, you may have questions remaining. Some of our clients have contacted us after settlement to ask, “Can the VA reduce my benefits?” Today, we’d like to take a moment to answer the question.
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July 8, 2016
Published by Allison Sullivan at July 8, 2016
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Meet Our VA Attorneys: Clyde “Bennett” Gore

For the next couple of weeks, we’ll be taking time here at Bluestein Attorneys‘ blog to do something a little different. It’s essential when dealing with sensitive legal issues to get an understanding of the attorneys you’re looking to represent you — and nowhere is that more important than in Veterans Affairs Disability claims. Our VA attorneys have agreed to answer a few questions that will help you get to know them a little bit better, and to understand why they are so passionate about defending and standing up for the rights of military veterans and servicemembers. First up, we’ll meet with Clyde Gore.
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March 23, 2016
Published by Eugene Powell at March 23, 2016
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The Deadly Impact of Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

When we opened up this new blog, there were a few posts from our old blog that we made sure to hold onto — our series on PTSD and the VA and this post on the impact of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. We hope you’ll take the time to read it again, in respect to the Marines and their families exposed to the sometimes fatal water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
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February 10, 2016
Published by Eugene Powell at February 10, 2016
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PTSD &  the VA Process, Part 3

2014 marked the centenary of the beginning of World War I. This year, in many parts of the world, commemorative events will be held, marking the 100th anniversary of the start of what was referred to at the time as the Great War. In the history of psychiatry, the First World War is often identified with the first time in history that military Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was officially recognized, then known as “shellshock.” [1] “Shellshock” would undergo a long metamorphosis to emerge in 1980 as “PTSD”. The VA process for service connection for PTSD has travelled a long and often uncertain road. Let’s take a look at how you should present your case to the VA. Part I Part II Part III
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February 2, 2016
Published by Eugene Powell at February 2, 2016
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PTSD & the VA Process, Part 2

Mankind’s earliest literature tells us that a significant proportion of military casualties are psychological, and that witnessing death can leave chronic psychological symptoms, known today as service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Part I Part II Part III
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January 26, 2016
Published by Eugene Powell at January 26, 2016
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PTSD and the VA Disability Claims Process, Part 1

As early as 440 B.C., the first case of chronic mental symptoms caused by sudden fright in the battlefield is reported. Found in the account of the Battle of Marathon by Herodotus, it involves a brave man suddenly stricken blind after witnessing the death of the man at his side. [1] In modern warfare, the mental toll of the aftermath of war has had many labels, ranging from World War I (“shell shock”); World War II and Korea (“combat fatigue” or “war neurosis”); to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan [(post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)]. Part I Part II Part III
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