Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Tuesday & Wednesday at 7AM Central. Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit h ...
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Va Service Connected Compensation Podcasts
Hi Veterans, welcome to the VA Claims Insider Podcast! We’re Veterans helping Veterans get the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve. I’m your host, Air Force service-disabled veteran Brian Reese, and each week we share VA disability claim tips, strategies, and lessons learned to help you win, service-connect, and get rated at the appropriate level, even if you’ve already filed or been denied!
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Did you serve in the military? theSITREP is your trusted source for information about the benefits you have earned and deserve. Join theSITREP, as we discuss VA Disability, VA Pensions, VA Health Care, VA Home Loans, benefits for dependents, and benefits offered by other agencies and departments, such as military retirement, social security benefits and more. Want to watch? Search #theSITREP on YouTube. Have topic ideas for future episodes of theSITREP? Email us at [email protected].
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VA Disability for BPH: What Veterans Need to Know
8:35
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8:35In this episode, we dive into Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — a common but often misunderstood condition affecting many veterans — and how it can qualify for VA disability compensation. BPH, also known as enlarged prostate, can cause significant urinary symptoms and affect daily life. While it’s common in aging men, veterans may experience it …
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How to Prove Mental Health Claims Without a Diagnosis in Service
27:12
27:12
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27:12Many veterans struggle with mental health conditions that began during their time in uniform but were never formally diagnosed while they were serving. In this episode, we explore how those experiences are recognized and understood by the VA — even without an in-service diagnosis on record. We’ll talk about how symptoms, service experiences, and po…
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Amputation and VA Disability – Understanding Ratings, Benefits, and Support
9:01
9:01
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9:01🧠 Episode Overview: In this episode, we take a deep look at amputations and VA disability benefits — including how the VA evaluates different types of limb loss, what compensation levels veterans can expect, and what additional support programs are available. Whether your amputation resulted directly from service, from a combat injury, accident, or…
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Alcohol Use Disorder and Veterans Disability – Understanding Your Options
9:31
9:31
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9:31🧠 Episode Overview: In this episode, we take an honest and informative look at Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and how it affects veterans seeking VA disability benefits. Many veterans struggle with alcohol use after service — often as a result of PTSD, chronic pain, or other service-connected conditions. Yet, the VA’s approach to alcohol-related disabi…
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🧠 Episode Overview: In this episode, we break down everything veterans need to know about glaucoma and VA disability benefits. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss — and many veterans aren’t aware that it can be connected to their military service or service-connected conditions. We’ll cover how the VA rates glau…
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Homeless Veterans Programs: Real Help, Real Hope, Real Change
9:26
9:26
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9:26Leah breaks down the VA’s Homeless Veterans Programs, highlighting how they provide housing, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and employment opportunities to help veterans regain stability. She explains key initiatives like HUD-VASH, the GPD program, HCHV, and SSBF, while emphasizing the “housing first” approach as the foundation f…
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Top 5 Reasons VA Denies Sleep Apnea Claims
10:42
10:42
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10:42Leah breaks down why so many veterans’ VA sleep apnea claims get denied and how to strengthen them. She explains what sleep apnea is, why it’s especially common among veterans, and the two main service connection paths—primary and secondary. Leah then highlights the top reasons for denials, including lack of a sleep study, missing or weak service c…
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Hepatitis and VA Disability | All You Need to Know
8:53
8:53
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8:53Leah provides a focused breakdown of how hepatitis B and C can be service-connected for VA disability claims. She explains the basics of hepatitis, common ways veterans may have been exposed during service (such as air gun injections or pre-1992 blood transfusions), and the criteria needed for direct or secondary service connection, including the i…
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VA Disability for Medication Side Effects | What Veterans Need to Know
8:40
8:40
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8:40Leah explains how veterans may qualify for VA disability compensation if they experience side effects from medications prescribed for service-connected conditions. She outlines what the VA recognizes under 38 CFR 3.310, provides real-world examples such as ulcers from NSAIDs, metabolic syndrome from antipsychotics, sexual dysfunction from SSRIs, an…
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Congenital Birth Defects and VA Disability | All You and your Family Need to Know
9:53
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9:53Leah explains how congenital birth defects intersect with VA disability benefits for both veterans and their children. She covers what congenital birth defects are, the conditions linked to toxic exposures like Agent Orange in Vietnam and Korea or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and when children may qualify for compensation or health benefits.…
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Degenerative Disc Disease and VA Disability: What You Need to Know
10:16
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10:16In this episode, we dive into the complex topic of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and its role in VA disability claims. Veterans experiencing chronic back pain or spinal issues may be struggling with DDD, a condition that can significantly impact daily life and work. Whether you’re a veteran filing a claim or an advocate assisting others, this epi…
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Cold Reality: How the VA Handles Cold Weather Injuries
10:04
10:04
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10:04Cold weather injuries are more common among veterans than you might think—especially for those who served in harsh winter environments or lacked proper gear and protection. In this episode, we explore how conditions like frostbite, trench foot, chilblains, and cold-induced neuropathy may qualify you for VA disability benefits. You’ll learn how to r…
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Hot Weather Injuries & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know
9:11
9:11
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9:11Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous, especially for veterans who served in hot climates or during physically demanding deployments. In this episode, we break down how hot weather-related injuries like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and rhabdomyolysis can lead to lasting health conditions—and how they may qualify fo…
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Emergency Cash for Veterans: What You Didn't Know You Qualify For
10:23
10:23
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10:23Struggling financially and not sure where to turn? In this episode, we uncover emergency cash resources available to veterans that many don’t even know they qualify for. From VA-backed financial relief programs to nonprofit grants and state-funded emergency aid, we walk you through real, accessible options that can help when money is tight. Whether…
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In this episode, we explore how PFAS exposure—commonly known as "forever chemicals"—may impact veterans and their VA disability claims. Found in firefighting foam (AFFF), contaminated water, and military bases, PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system disorders. We break down what …
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Seizure Disorders and VA Ratings: What Veterans Should Know
8:13
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8:13In this episode, we break down what veterans need to know about a VA disability claim for seizure disorders. Whether you're dealing with epilepsy, non-epileptic seizures, or service-connected neurological conditions, understanding how the VA rates seizures is crucial for securing the benefits you deserve. We’ll cover the different types of seizure …
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Stroke and VA Disability Claims | All You Need to Know
6:07
6:07
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6:07Leah offers a clear and compassionate overview of stroke and cerebrovascular disease in military veterans. As a veteran and former VA examiner, Leah explains why veterans face higher risks due to conditions like TBI, PTSD, and hypertension, and outlines how the VA evaluates and rates strokes, including temporary 100% disability ratings and residual…
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Endometriosis and VA Disability Claims | All You Need to Know
9:33
9:33
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9:33Leah explains how female veterans can get VA disability compensation for endometriosis. She breaks down what endometriosis is, how it's rated by the VA, and what kind of medical evidence is needed to build a strong claim. Leah also covers primary vs. secondary service connection, the role of nexus letters, and the possible secondary conditions like…
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Rotator Cuff Injuries and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
7:12
7:12
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7:12Leah breaks down everything veterans need to know about rotator cuff injuries and how they relate to VA disability claims. As a U.S. Army veteran and former C\&P examiner, she explains the causes, symptoms, and medical evidence needed to support a claim, while also walking viewers through how the VA rates these shoulder conditions under diagnostic …
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How to Maximize Your VA Benefits for Your Family
32:47
32:47
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32:47Leah sits down with VA-accredited attorney Rebecca Deming to deliver an in-depth overview of how veterans can maximize their VA benefits for their families. They cover everything from who qualifies as a dependent, how to access healthcare options like CHAMPVA, and how to unlock education programs such as Chapter 35 and the GI Bill transfer. They al…
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Cataracts and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
8:04
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8:04In this video, Leah B from Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting—an Army veteran and former compensation and pension examiner—explains everything veterans need to know about cataracts and VA disability benefits. She breaks down what cataracts are, how they may be caused or worsened by military service (such as through trauma, radiation, or steroid us…
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How VA Telehealth Works: Virtual Care for Veterans Explained
8:44
8:44
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8:44Leah breaks down exactly how VA telehealth services work and why they’re a game changer for veterans. She explains how virtual care makes it easier for vets to connect with providers, access appointments, manage chronic conditions, and get mental health support, no matter where they live. Leah shares real examples of using secure video visits, mess…
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Parkinson’s Disease & VA Disability | All You Need To Know
11:14
11:14
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11:14Leah breaks down everything veterans need to know about Parkinson’s disease and VA disability, with a clear focus on ratings, connection, and benefits. She explains how Parkinson’s disease can be service-connected through direct, presumptive, or secondary pathways—especially for those exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or toxic chemicals during mi…
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How to File a VA Disability Claim – Details from a VA Attorney
53:34
53:34
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53:34Leah teams up with VA attorney Rebecca Deming to break down the often overwhelming process of filing a VA disability claim. Drawing on their extensive experience, they walk viewers through everything from basic eligibility, required documentation, and types of claims, to practical tips for filling out forms and what to expect after filing. The disc…
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VA Presumptive Conditions and Nexus Letters | All You Need To Know
8:06
8:06
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8:06Leah explains whether nexus letters are needed for VA presumptive conditions. She breaks down what presumptive conditions are, referencing official VA sources like exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and Camp Lejeune toxins, and clarifies that these conditions are generally assumed by the VA to be service-connected, meaning a nexus letter is *typi…
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
8:51
8:51
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8:51Leah breaks down everything veterans need to know about getting VA disability benefits for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). She explains how COPD includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, outlines symptoms, and dives into medical literature showing a strong connection between toxic military exposures (like burn pits or…
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What Are Favorable Findings in VA Disability Claims ? | All You Need To Know
8:16
8:16
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8:16Leah explains the crucial concept of favorable findings in VA disability claims. These are positive acknowledgments by the VA, such as confirmed diagnoses, in-service injuries, or credible lay statements, that remain on record even if a claim is denied. Leah walks viewers through how to find and interpret these favorable findings in their rating de…
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How to Avoid Rating Mistakes and Maximize Your VA Benefits
31:24
31:24
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31:24Leah and Rebecca Deming from Provet Legal dive deep into the topic of "pyramiding" in VA disability claims. They explain how the VA prevents veterans from receiving multiple ratings for the same symptoms, using real-world examples involving mental health, respiratory conditions, and TBI. The conversation is packed with practical insights on how to …
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Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) : A Hidden Disability for Veterans | All You Need To Know
10:01
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10:01Leah breaks down the often-overlooked condition of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) and its significant impact on veterans. She explains the symptoms, causes, and heightened prevalence of DES in the veteran population, especially among those with PTSD, depression, or who underwent refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK during active duty. Leah supports her i…
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Alzheimer's Disease and Tinnitus in Veterans | All You Need To Know
8:36
8:36
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8:36Leah explores the potential connection between Alzheimer's disease and tinnitus in veterans, highlighting how both conditions—often overlooked as related—may actually share neurological links. Drawing from multiple scientific studies, Leah presents compelling evidence that tinnitus could be an early indicator or risk factor for cognitive decline an…
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Can You Work with a 100% VA Disability Rating? | All You Need To Know
23:59
23:59
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23:59Leah teams up with VA attorney Rebecca Deming of ProVet Legal to unpack a complex but crucial topic: working while rated 100% disabled by the VA. They clearly differentiate between 100% scheduler disability, which allows full-time work with no income restrictions, and TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), which comes with mor…
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What is a DBQ in VA Disability? (Disability Benefits Questionnaire Explained)
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8:17What is a DBQ in VA Disability? (Disability Benefits Questionnaire Explained) Episode Overview In this episode, we break down the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)—a key tool in the VA disability claims process. Whether you’re filing a new claim, appealing a decision, or looking to increase your rating, understanding how a DBQ works can make …
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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know
18:46
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18:46Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell & VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know Episode Overview In this episode, we dive into the impact of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy on veterans and their VA disability claims. We’ll discuss how the repeal of DADT has affected veteran benefits, what LGBTQ+ veterans need to know about filing for VA disability, and h…
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Alzheimer's Disease and Tinnitus in Veterans: Potential Causes and Impact
8:36
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8:36Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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What Happens in a Veterans Disability C&P Exam for Breast Disorders
9:23
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9:23Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Exploring the Importance of Veteran Service Organizations
9:30
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9:30Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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How Veterans Disability Conditions Can Lead to GERD: Top 3 Links
8:50
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8:50Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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What Happens in a VA Disability C&P exam for Gallbladder Disorders
12:58
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12:58Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Everything You Need to Know About Veterans Automobile Allowance
8:04
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8:04Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Veterans Guide to the Foreign Medical Care Program: What You Need to Know
8:05
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8:05Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Rudasill Decision: Big News for Veterans’ GI Bill Benefits!
8:20
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8:20Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Gulf War Veterans | All You Need To Know
7:35
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7:35Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Asbestos Exposure and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
8:35
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8:35Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Top 5 Conditions Related to Back Pain in VA Disability
14:41
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14:41Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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VA Launches First Study on Psychedelic - Assisted Therapy for Veterans !
7:58
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7:58Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Veterans Disability Clothing Allowance | All You Need To Know
8:24
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8:24Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Raynaud's Disease and VA Disability | All You Need To Know
7:28
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7:28Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of …
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Gulf War Illness and VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know
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11:25By Leah Bucholz
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