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Veterans can strengthen their VA disability claims with Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs). These standardized forms help document medical conditions and may speed up Fully Developed Claims (FDC). Explore the complete 2025 VA DBQ list by body system with direct links to official forms.
Think progress in therapy might trigger a VA re-evaluation? Here’s what actually causes a mental health rating reduction — and what won’t.
The 2024 Barry v. McDonough ruling is a game-changer for veterans seeking Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) in 2025. The Federal Circuit confirmed that VA must award additional “step-ups” when veterans have separate service-connected disabilities that either combine to 50% or higher (§ 3.350(f)(3)) or include a single 100% disability (§ 3.350(f)(4)). These increases are mandatory — even if you didn’t specifically claim SMC. This HadIt.com guide explains how Barry applies to SMC (l) and above, why it doesn’t change SMC (s), and shows how stacking half-steps and full-steps can move you up the ladder from (l) toward (o). Includes a real BVA case example, a comparison table for SMC (s) vs. L-and-above, claim language you can use, and links to key resources. Understanding and applying Barry could mean a significant increase in your VA compensation.
Migraines are one of the most common — and most underrated — conditions among veterans. This guide explains VA migraine ratings, what “prostrating” really means, and how to use logs, case law, and medical evidence to win your claim.
Easily estimate how much retroactive pay you’re owed from the VA. This free VA Disability Back Pay Calculator uses your effective date and rating to give you a fast, accurate estimate of the benefits you should have received — adjusted for COLA increases from 1975 to today.