VET2VET

STDs can be an embarrassing topic, especially if you contracted the sexually transmitted disease while you were in the service. But if that's when you got it, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. In 2018, 4.7 million veterans, or about 25% of all veterans, received compensation due to a service-connected disability. The majority of these vets are from the post 9/11 generation. There are 833 conditions related to service that allow vets to claim disability. While it is controversial, STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are among those on the list. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran's military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

VA recognizes migraines as a service connected disability, so long as the veteran can prove a connection with military service. In other words, if the veteran can prove that the migraines began in service it is service connected. Another way is a secondary service connection. If the migraine relates to other service-connected conditions, then she may obtain service-connected disability for this condition. Migraines can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work or complete daily tasks. If you're a veteran whose migraines resulted from your time in the service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Here's what you should know. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The VA awards disability compensation for each Genitourinary System condition that is service-connected. The DoD will also rate service-connected Genitourinary System conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

VET2VET is a non-profit and non-partisan educational project dedicated to sharing information through social media. By spreading the knowledge we strive to achieve: - assisting veterans with adjustment to civilian lifestyle after serving in the military; - providing assistance in obtaining your VA and other available benefits you've earned; - hosting guests who are concerned about veterans; - linking veterans with fellow veterans; …among others, VET2VET covers VA claims for compensation, health care and other entitlements. Do you want to learn more about the different rights and array of benefits you earned through Service to your country? So many veterans feel confused about their benefits and Services, which is why VET2VET is providing the counseling and assistance to you and your family. There's so much to know...and so many changes from one year to the next. We are proud to offer and share VET2VET podcast for FREE. If you choose to support this podcast to help sustain future episodes we would be grateful. However the best contribution is the one you paid to the nation - your military service and your support for those who served. ★ JOIN US IN OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU AND OUR FELLOW VETERANS ★ ▶ facebook.com/VETOVET2 ▶ twitter.com/VETOVET2 ▶ youtube.com/c/VETOVET2 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

If you follow the steps discussed in todays podcast , you will have much better chances with your claim. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Disability Compensation. Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are determined by VA to be disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service connected. When we talk about service-connecting a medical condition, disease, injury or illness to military service, we are talking about proving the relationship between the two. Because a Veteran need not show actual causation - reasonable relation is typically sufficient - there are 5 major legal theories that can be used. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

You can appoint an attorney, claim agent, or VSO to act on your behalf in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits (38 U.S.C. 5902, 5903, and 5904). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

National area supervisor for West Cost Region. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

There are numerous ways to apply for VA disability benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seeking: Online using an eBenefits account Complete and mail your claim form to your nearest VA regional office Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. To find the VA regional office nearest you, use the Veterans Affairs National Facilities Locatoror call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000. Work with an accredited representative or agent --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

National area supervisor for West Cost Region. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Veterans Services Officers assist local veterans or their dependents in securing all benefits to which they may be entitled. County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO), employed by their respective states, are knowledgeable individuals who know their way around the VA system. They can assist veterans and their families in a number of ways. County Services Offices can help you with compensation/pensions, medical care, military records, grave markers and veteran home loans. Some counties may also have dedicated funds to assist you with temporary shelter/utilities, food/health supplies, medical/dental, job placement, counseling, and transportation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Benefit of the Doubt Rule When it comes to the Benefit of the Doubt doctrine, the statute is 38 USC § 5107(b). That statute says: “The [VA] shall consider all information and lay and medical evidence of record in a case before the [VA] with respect to benefits under laws administered by the [VA]. When there is anapproximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the [VA] shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant.” Veterans Assistance Act Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA), is a law which was passed in 2000 to improve the manner in which the VA assists veterans claiming benefits, and which also set out some basic notice requirements for the VA. The VA's interpretation of the "benefit of the doubt" regulation: They "Doubt" the Veteran is going to get any "benefits". --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

A prominent condition affecting Gulf War Veterans is a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems. VA refers to these illnesses as "chronic multisymptom illness" and "undiagnosed illnesses." We prefer not to use the term “Gulf War Syndrome” when referring to medically unexplained symptoms reported by Gulf War Veterans. Why? Because symptoms vary widely. DEADLINE Under long-standing VA rules, any undiagnosed illnesses used to establish eligibility for VA benefits by veterans of the Persian Gulf War must have become apparent by Dec. 31, 2011. The new deadline adds five years, extending it to Dec. 31, 2016. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

For most veterans, having to deal with hearing loss and tinnitus is quite common. Nearly 933,000 veterans were being compensated for hearing loss and almost 1.3 million veterans were compensated for tinnitus. A veteran with either of these two conditions may be wondering what is needed to establish service connection for hearing loss and/or tinnitus. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

All claims for VA benefits begin with an application. Unless there are very unusual circumstances, a claimant should use the form that the VA specifies for the benefit desired. As with all VA forms, you should read the Form instructions carefully and get help if you are unsure of what is required. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

A Primary Family Caregiver stipend is monetary compensation paid to a Primary Family Caregiver for providing personal care services to an eligible Veteran enrolled in the Caregiver Support Program. The stipend benefit is not intended to replace career earnings, and receipt of the stipend payments does not create an employment relationship between VA and the Primary Family Caregiver. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

There are eight distinct steps that most claims for disability compensation follow. These phases may vary in time depending on the complexity of the claim, the amount of evidence that must be gathered to support the claims, and the type of evidence. You are strongly encouraged to submit as much evidence as possible with your claim to help minimize processing time. There are eight steps of claims processing .So without further ado, let's get into it. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

TBI has been called a “signature injury” of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Thirty-three percent of all patients with combat-related injuries and 60% of the patients with blast-related injuries seen at Walter Reed Army Medical Center have sustained a TBI (Okie, 2005). Mild TBI or concussion is one of the most common forms of combat-related injury. Based on self-report data, approximately 15% of troops engaged in active combat in Afghanistan and Iraq may have suffered a mild TBI (Hoge et al., 2008). Additionally, a recent study of the Navy-Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry revealed that battle-injured were more likely than those injured outside of battle to have multiple TBIs (Galarneau et al., 2008). Statistics show TBI is an important public health problem. These numbers can help establish TBI prevention strategies, identify research and education priorities, and support the need for services among those living with a TBI. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2011), each year an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States sustain a TBI annually. Of them: 52,000 die, 275,000 are hospitalized, and 1.365 million, nearly 80%, are treated and released from an emergency department. About 75% of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild (m)TBI. The number of people with TBI who are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care is unknown. TBI is a common injury seen in military combat. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a Mental Disorder that is caused by experiencing a traumatic event. When defining PTSD, a “traumatic event” is any event where the person experiences shocking circumstances that conflict with their understanding of what is right and good. Events that cause PTSD can include actual or threatened abuse, death, physical injury, sexual abuse/violence, accidents, situations that cause extreme fear, and many more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The way VA defines The word "permanent" slightly differently. For that matter, the word total doesn't mean total when discussing a disability. These are just terms to VA. There really isn't a protected rating. Any rating can be modified by VA at any time, depending on the circumstances. How do you know if your benefit is P & T? What is IU? What is substantially gainful employment? Are there any other eligibility requirements? How is the way VA decides total disability different from other agencies? TDIU awards may be permanent or they may be temporary. If I get a 100% rating, should I continue fighting the VA for benefits? SMC compensation --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

If there are 2 medical issues that nearly every single Veteran has to deal with, it is tinnitus and knee problems: which is why questions about VA disability compensation for a knee replacement are among the most frequent questions I get in my email inbox. If you were Army or Marine, a good bit of your time was spent running in formation with improper footwear, carrying 80+ pounds of socks and MREs from Point A to Point B. If you were in the Air Force, you may have spent a good bit of time crouched under – or in – planes. And you Navy guys and gals ran up and down steps in tight quarters. Even the desk jockeys have knee problems – sitting is the absolute worst position for your hips, knees and feet. Human musculature is not designed for sitting all day. The point is that one of the most common types of VA Claims is a claim for something to do with the knees. And, as a Veteran's knee condition worsens, he or she may find themselves needing a partial or total knee replacement. Can a Veteran get disability compensation for a Knee Replacement? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Diabetes affects nearly 25 percent of VA's patient population. The disease is the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal disease, and amputation for VA patients. Diabetes mellitus falls under The endocrine system which is a network of glands that create hormones to help regulate the body. These hormones control the growth of new cells and metabolism. Some organs, like the kidney, also help in producing hormones. The endocrine system is made up of the hypothalamus, thymus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal gland, reproductive glands (ovaries or testes), and the pancreas. All these parts work together to keep the body in balance. Diabetes is a metabolic disease. For diabetics, the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily living. Diabetes is not – as commonly believed – something that only fat people get. Typically, RO will conclude that diabetes — or symptoms of diabetes — did not appear to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from the military. Another common error occurs when the VA Rater – or the BVA – relies solely on a medical opinion from a VA Medical Center Doctor who concludes that it would be pure speculation whether the present diagnosis of diabetes was caused by or connected to military service. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Purchasing a first home is an exciting milestone in any person's life. For some, the process may also seem very intimidating. Factors to Consider When Buying a Home Purchasing Your First Home 10 Things Many Borrowers Don't Know About VA Loans Etc. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

In most cases, your advocate should notify the VA of the benefits you want as early as possible. It is not necessary to wait until you have the proper application form. A dated, handwritten note is enough to start your claim and to preserve the earliest possible effective date (the date from which the VA pays benefits) for your claim. Every day delayed can mean another day of benefits lost forever. If you were discharged less than one year ago, it is vital to apply before that first year is up—special rules apply to you. Do not delay your application until you and your advocate have gathered every possible bit of evidence needed to win your claim. You will have time after you file your claim to collect and submit relevant evidence. If you are worried that the VA may decide your claim before you get all of your evidence in, your advocate can write to the RO to say that you wish to submit evidence before they decide your claim. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The Peripheral Nerves of the Low Back and Legs is one of the most common claims made by Veterans for service-connected disability. That is because back injury is so common during military service. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that travel from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral nerves that are in the lower back travel into the legs and feet. VA disability claims involving nerves in the lower back and the legs can be complex due to the fact that the larger nerves split off into smaller nerves as they go down the leg. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

According to the VA 2015 Annual Benefits Report, over 395,000 veterans currently receive VA disability benefits for degenerative arthritis of the spine. Injury and joint overuse, both common among veterans, can contribute to degenerative arthritis. It is important to note that both degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be eligible for presumptive service-connection if symptoms appear within one year of discharge from military service. A veteran only needs to show that the condition is at least 10 percent disabling, and that symptoms began within one year of discharge. It is really difficult to decide how best to rate a spine condition, but the basic rule of thumb is to rate it under the code that would give the highest rating. Always start first with the General Rating Formula. There are, of course, a few exceptions . --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Although carpal tunnel release is highly effective, the procedure may be under-utilized in this population. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment of the median nerve at the wrist that is most commonly associated with repetitive motion. However, carpal tunnel syndrome may be idiopathic or caused by such diseases as diabetes, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, or tumors. Carpal tunnel syndrome, whatever the etiology, is considered to be a type of mononeuropathy called a pressure neuropathy that results in neurologic signs and symptoms that, if untreated, or treated too late, may lead to permanent weakness and sensory loss in the hand. As such, it is clearly an organic disease of the nervous system, since peripheral nerves are part of the nervous system, and there is objective evidence of nerve damage. Therefore, carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a presumptive condition under § 3.309(a) subject to the rebuttable presumption provisions of § 3.307(d). Please note: Entitlement should be granted for a chronic condition only. For VAC purposes, "chronic" means that the condition has existed for at least 6 months. Signs and symptoms are generally expected to persist despite medical attention, although they may wax and wane over the 6 month period and thereafter. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an assisting living facility also qualifies. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Thank you everyone who post comments and get involved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Many of the listed benefits also have other eligibility requirements. Mention of a particular benefit is to establish the basic threshold level of disability required for eligibility (or possible eligibility) to that benefit. Each higher level of disability also includes those benefits listed for previous levels. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) www.vba.va.gov Veterans Health Administration (VHA) www.va.gov/health National Cemetery Administration (NCA) www.cem.va.gov We though to cover Federal Benefits and CalVet afterwards but finally decided to incorporate everything into one Episode:) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, under 65, and are permanently and totally disabled, or, a patient in a nursing home, or, are receiving Social Security disability payments. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Thank you everyone who post comments and get involved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Disability Benefits Questionnaires(DBQs) are medical examination forms used to capture essential information for evaluating disability compensation and/or pension claims. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The VASRD is governed by principles that dictate how the Rating Authorities should assigned Military Disability Ratings in various circumstances. These principles are meant to make up for any shortcomings or holes in the rating schedule and to create equality and fairness when applying the ratings. Some principles are specific to single conditions (these will be discussed on the individual condition pages), and some can be applied to all. The principles in the VASRD were originally meant to govern only VA Disability cases, and so when the VASRD began being officially used for DoD Disability as well, the DoD had to make a few changes to the principles in order to apply them successfully in the DoD system. Everything below applies to both the DoD and the VA unless it is clearly stated. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes the body to sweat uncontrollably and unpredictably. Most commonly the hands, feet, groin, and underarms are affected; however, hyperhidrosis can also occur on the face and, rarely, the entire body. The cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown but doctors believe that an over-reactive sympathetic nerve response is the primary cause. High emotion, smells, sounds, certain foods and drinks, caffeine, or nicotine can trigger episodes. Hyperhidrosis can also occur with other conditions like Parkinson's disease, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The VA gives every veteran who applies for benefits a disability rating. This rating ranges from 0%-100% and indicates the occupational limitations that a soldier may have due to active military duty. The higher your VA rating, the more you may be able to receive in monthly compensation. The VA has listed spinal conditions under section 4.71 Schedule of ratings–musculeskeletal system. For spinal conditions such as Lumbosacral or cervical strain, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis, spinal fusion, and vertebral fracture/dislocation, the VA will use the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to determine a disability rating. When using this rating system, the VA will evaluate both the cervical spine and the thoracolumbar spine through a variety of tests. These tests will measure the veteran's range of motion. The results will then be used to determine what their VA disability rating is. Under the general rating formula, an applicant will receive a rating of either 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Marijuana use for medical conditions is an issue of growing concern. Some Veterans use marijuana to relieve symptoms of PTSD and several states specifically approve the use of medical marijuana for PTSD. However, controlled studies have not been conducted to evaluate the safety or effectiveness of medical marijuana for PTSD. Thus, there is no evidence at this time that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD. In fact, research suggests that marijuana can be harmful to individuals with PTSD. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

VA Reexaminations and Reductions of Veterans Disability Benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may reduce or terminate your disability benefits under certain circumstances. Typically the VA will not do this unless you are first asked to appear for a reexamination. A reexamination can be a medical examination or, if the VA feels it is necessary to evaluate the severity of your disability, a period of hospital observation. The VA is legally entitled to require an exam or hospitalization, so it is critical that you comply with a reexamination request in order to preserve your benefits. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Veterans Court is a collaborative process that includes the prosecutor, defense counsel, Judge, the Department of Veteran Affairs and other community based support organizations. The goal of Veterans Court is to rehabilitate and restore veterans as active, contributing members of their community. The Veterans Court program focuses on veterans who are currently in, or entering, the Criminal Justice System. The Court creates and supervises treatment plans to address the underlying causes of the veterans behavior and substance abuse issues. Issues commonly addressed by the treatment programs include: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Traumatic Brain Injury Anger issues Domestic Violence Alcohol abuse Drug Abuse --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

State Veterans Homes are facilities that provide nursing home, domiciliary or adult day care. They are owned, operated and managed by state governments. They date back to the post Civil War era when many states created them to provide shelter to homeless and disabled Veterans. To participate in the State Veterans Home program, VA must formally recognize and certify a facility as a State Veterans Home. VA then surveys all facilities each year to make sure they continue to meet VA standards. VA does not manage State Veterans Homes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

What are the Major Differences between DoD and VA Disability Benefits? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), sometimes called the Inactive Ready Reserve, is composed of former military personnel who still have time remaining on their enlistment agreements but have returned to civilian life. They are eligible to be called up in "states of emergency". The IRR is an inactive (as most Vets remember it back in the day STANDBY Reserve as opposed to Ready Reserve) group of service members who still have time remaining on their signing agreements and are eligible to call up during local state or national “states of emergency.” The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) defined a National State of Emergency as American citizens being in a war for survival of our nation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

For most veterans, having to deal with hearing loss and tinnitus is quite common. Nearly 933,000 veterans were being compensated for hearing loss and almost 1.3 million veterans were compensated for tinnitus. A veteran with either of these two conditions may be wondering what is needed to establish service connection for hearing loss and/or tinnitus. #SE1E18 Hearing Loss And Tinnitus (part 1) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Scar disabilities are rated under 38 CFR §4.118, diagnostic codes 7800-7805. Scars are rated based on the number of scars or disfigurements a veteran has, the area of the body affected, their permanence, and the presence of pain or instability. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

If one were to just look at the VA system from a distance, one would immediately assume inefficiency and bureaucracy cause the delays in such a large system, and that would be partly correct. But, it is often overlooked that a major cause of the delays in the VA system is because the system is replete with protections for our nation's veterans. This podcast will highlight three of the ways Congress has expressed a “special solicitude” for the veteran in the benefit process. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

In the event of an emergency, when a VA facility is not the nearest medical facility, do not delay treatment by attempting to request VA payment authorization first. Instead, proceed to the nearest emergency room to get the care you need. A medical emergency is generally defined as a condition of such a nature that a prudent layperson would reasonably expect a delay in seeking immediate medical attention to be hazardous to life or health. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

It is impossible to listen to or read news reports concerning the VA without finding volumes of information, mostly negative, regarding the delays in the benefit system. What likely will not be found is information explaining why some of the reasons for the delays in the system are actually positives. This podcast will address the aspects of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Appeals process: The multi-stage appellate process is available to you after you have already received one or more decisions on your claim, but disagree with some aspect of VA's decision. During the appellate process, an appeal undergoes additional independent reviews, often multiple times and by different adjudicators, as you or your representative submit new evidence and/or a new argument. Nearly 74 percent of appeals are from Veterans who are already receiving VA disability compensation, but are seeking either a higher level of compensation or payment from an earlier effective date. VA has modernized and updated its appeals process to better ensure Veterans receive the benefits they deserve in a more-timely manner. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Well before its official creation, Abraham Lincoln defined the VA's primary goal in his Second Inaugural Address: “to care for him who shall have borne the battle.” Many would agree the VA's secondary goal is to provide veterans their benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible. When a veteran files a new claim, the VA will issue a rating decision that must contain the following: what issues were decided, summary of evidence considered by the VA, summary of applicable laws and regulations, identification of findings favorable to the claimant, explanation of why claim was denied, explanation of how to get evidence used in making the decision, and identification of criteria that must be satisfied to grant service connection or the next higher level of compensation. After this rating decision, you have one year to take action. You are to appeal for a higher review at the RO, file new evidence or file an NOD to go to the Board of Veterans' Appeal --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

Commonly known as the “Forever GI Bill,” the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 picked up its nickname due to its main provision which eliminates the current 15-year use-it-or-lose-it constraint of the Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefit. This time limitation has been one of the sticking points of the Post 9/11 GI Bill with veterans and many veteran organizations since the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill back in August 2009. While removing this “feature” is important, it' just one benefit change of many contained within the unprecedented Forever GI Bill. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support