In this episode, the SITREP asks Mike Figlioli, VFW Director of National Veterans Services, about VA disability: what is it, how to apply, and more. To connect with the SITREP:

- Email us ideas at theSITREP@va.gov
- For video podcasts, visit https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/thesitrep
- Sign up for theSITREP eNewsletter at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USVA_485

For additional information, on this topic, visit: https://www.va.gov/disability/

For VFW assistance, visit: https://www.vfw.org/ or https://pactactinfo.org/

To call for VFW assistance, dial: 816-756-3390 for Kansas City, VFW HQ or
202-543-2239 for Mike Figlioli's office in DC

To find an accredited VSO or attorney, visit: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

For NASDVA, visit: https://nasdva.us/

For NACVSO, visit: https://www.nacvso.org/

00:00 Introduction
00:37 What is VA disability?
00:58 What is the process for applying?
02:06 Does applying cost money?
03:05 When to get help from VSO or attorney?
04:37 Does a Veteran have to be a Combat Veteran for benefits?
05:44 Is VA disability tax free?
06:07 How can VA disability money be used?
06:46 What does service-connection mean?
07:25 What does presumptive condition mean?
08:44 What is Intent to File?
10:56 Can multiple claims be submitted in the same time period?
13:19 What is a VA disability appeal?
15:09 How does VA approve or deny claims?
18:12 Missing evidence for a claim
19:43 Does VA disability pass on to a spouse or family member?
20:38 What is a NEXUS letter?
21:35 Can a Veteran reapply for VA disability, even after denial?
24:31 Advice regarding Statement to Support [buddy statement]
25:57 What is the 5 year rule?
26:25 What is the 20 year rule?
27:25 Three tips for applying for VA disability
30:28 Three tips for finding a good VSO
32:47 Three common mistakes when submitting a claim
34:57 What services do VFW Veteran Service Officers provide?
37:14 Does a Veteran need to be in VFW to get help from VFW?
38:12 How to connect with a VFW Veteran Service Officer?
39:36 Closing

In this episode of the SITREP, Mike and Paul sit down with Scott Levins, Director or National Personnel Records Center, and discuss everything from how to replace a copy of your DD-214 to how many military records were destroyed during the NPRC fire in 1973. To learn more about ordering military records, visit National Personnel Records Center. If you or a loved one served in the military and are looking for additional information about your benefits, be sure to visit "#theSITREP" on YouTube and begin connecting with the benefits your earned and deserve!

Major questions asked during this podcast include, what is NPRC [National Personnel Records Center], what is the fastest way to get military records, how much does requesting records cost, is the process different for requesting different types of records, how to replace certificates, awards and medals, how to get a spouses DoD medical records, how to get records for a deceased Veteran, who's records were lost during the NPRC fire in 1973, how to get classified records; Special Operations Veterans, what is the fastest way to replace a DD-214, do Veterans need to request records for a VA Disability Claim, how has COVID changed operations at NPRC, are a Veteran's records public, how do I get my military records [analog or digital]?