Lawyers for American Vets

10/01/2026

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐏𝐓𝐒𝐃 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Start smaller. Identify what the VA denied, then find the section that explains why. You can come back to the medical records, exam findings, and other details later.

The first goal is simply to understand what the VA decided and the reason it gave.

If the explanation still does not make sense, Lawyers for American Vets reviews recent VA denials and explains the decision in plain language.

1-833-LAWVETS | lawyersforamericanvets.com


Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Results may vary. — Heidi Hrabcak & Associates, LLC.

09/24/2026

What does the VA look for in a PTSD claim?

In simple terms, the VA is usually looking for three things:

1. A current PTSD diagnosis.
2. A connection between your PTSD and something that happened during your military service.
3. Enough information to show that the stressful event happened.

That last part can work differently depending on what happened and where you served. The rules may be different for things like combat, fear of hostile activity, being a prisoner of war, or personal assault.

If the VA denied your PTSD claim, look closely at the reason it gave.

The VA may not be saying you do not have PTSD. The denial may be about the connection to your service or the information used to support what happened.

If you received a recent PTSD denial, Lawyers for American Vets can review the decision letter and help you understand what the VA says is missing.

1-833-LAWVETS | lawyersforamericanvets.com

09/18/2026

Some families have waited decades for answers.

Some service members endured captivity and returned home carrying experiences few could fully understand. Others never came home at all.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day reminds us that their stories are not finished simply because a conflict ended.

Today, we recognize former prisoners of war, remember those still missing, and stand with the families who continue to carry their absence.

09/15/2026

Your claim moved back to “Evidence Gathering.” What happened?

The VA claim process does not always move in a straight line.

If the VA needs another record, gets new information, or needs to look at something again, your claim can move back to an earlier step.

That does not automatically mean something is wrong with your claim. It also does not tell you whether the final decision will be approved or denied.

The status tracker only tells you where your claim is in the process. The decision letter tells you what the VA actually decided and why.

If you receive a denial and the reason does not make sense, Lawyers for American Vets can review the decision letter and help you understand what the VA is saying.

1-833-LAWVETS | lawyersforamericanvets.com

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Results may vary. — Heidi Hrabcak & Associates, LLC.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, but the weight of that day remains.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who moved toward danger, and the families whose lives changed forever.

We also recognize the generation of service members who answered the call in the years that followed.

September 11 is a day of memory, service, and reflection.

We will never forget.

09/10/2026

An informal conference is an optional phone call during a Higher-Level Review.

It gives you or your representative a chance to explain what you think the VA got wrong in its decision. You can only talk about information that was already in your file. You cannot submit new evidence.

The VA generally allows one informal conference for each Higher-Level Review, and asking for one may make the review take longer.

It may be helpful if you believe the VA missed something in your records or used the wrong rule when making its decision.

If your denial letter does not make sense, start with the reason the VA gave for denying your claim.

If you received a recent denial and are not sure what the VA got wrong, Lawyers for American Vets can review the decision letter and help you understand what it says.



Disclaimer: The information provided is only for general information. No information may be construed as legal advice. In addition, the exchange of information between a potential client and an attorney does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any information on the website is accurate as of the date of publication but beware that federal and state laws change. Any endorsement or result obtained on behalf of a prior or current client does not indicate a similar result can be achieved for other clients. Heidi Hrabcak & Associates, LLC.

06/01/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month.

For many veterans, pushing through pain, stress, or symptoms can become second nature.

You may tell yourself, “It’s not that bad,” or “Other veterans had it worse.”

But minimizing what you’ve been carrying does not make it less real.

You deserve to be heard, taken seriously, and treated with respect.

Whether you are dealing with visible injuries, invisible wounds, or a VA decision that does not seem to reflect your full experience, your story matters.

05/27/2026

Avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big difference when applying for VA benefits. Missing medical evidence, unclear documentation, and missed deadlines can all hurt your claim.

We break down what veterans should watch for and how to stay better prepared in our blog.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Results may vary. — Heidi Hrabcak & Associates, LLC.

Applying for veterans’ disability compensation can be a complex and overwhelming process. It is essential to navigate the system with care and avoid common mistakes that could potentially hinder your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore th...

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is not a footnote in our history. It is part of the foundation of the freedoms we live with every day.

We honor their memory, and we hold space for the families who carry that loss long after the day has passed.

05/20/2026

A condition is not always measured fairly by whether medication helps.

Even when medication improves some symptoms, many veterans still deal with side effects, flare-ups, and limits in daily life. That is why disability ratings should reflect real day-to-day impact, not just temporary relief.

If you recently received a denial, a lower rating than expected, or a reduction decision, contact us for a review of your decision letter and the evidence the VA relied on.

1-833-LAWVETS | lawyersforamericanvets.com


Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Results may vary. — Heidi Hrabcak & Associates, LLC.