Veteran's Resource Network

08/12/2026

🇺🇸 Please Join Us in Welcoming Kyle Smoke! 🇺🇸

The Veteran’s Resource Network is proud to announce Kyle Smoke as our Director of Professional Development.

Kyle brings 18 years of distinguished military service, including two combat tours, to this important leadership role. His experience, discipline, and dedication to serving others give him a valuable understanding of the challenges veterans face as they transition from military service to civilian life.

As Director of Professional Development, Kyle will help connect veterans with the training, mentorship, leadership development, and career-building opportunities they need to succeed in their next chapter.

We are honored to welcome Kyle to the VRN leadership team and look forward to the impact he will make in the lives of veterans and their families.

Please join us in congratulating Kyle on his new role!

08/05/2026

07/28/2026

Congratulations! 👏🏽 Now what?! 🤔

07/19/2026

If you’re 100% P/T or retired:

Contact your state department of Veterans Affairs and register, then google IDCO Set up an appointment with DEERS

Bring the following:
• DD 214
• Retirement or Separation Orders
• Not Retired VA Disability Letter if 100%
• 2 forms of ID for all members receiving an id + your CAC (Real ID Compliant)

To get your disabled Veteran id card.

ASK VA ABOUT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE

ASK VA ABOUT Special monthly compensation (SMC)

Retirees contact 1-800- TRICARE, If they say you don’t qualify contact the VA

CHAMPVA VA- Dependent Benefits,

CHAMPVA Benefits, 1-800-733-8387.

Property Tax Exemption

Sales Tax Exemption

Free Admission to State Parks and Museums

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption

Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

College Credit for Military Experience: Veterans with an honorable discharge may receive college credit for military education, training, and experience.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Turnpike Toll Exemption: In Certain States veterans who meet specific criteria, including a 100% disability rating, may be eligible for free use of turnpikes.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)- Help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching, entrepreneurship, more.

Folds of Honor Scholarship- Spouse & Children $5,000 annually

If you're retired:

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)

You must have served be in retirement state and have a VA disability rating of 50% or greater. CRDP restores the retired pay that would have been offset by VA disability payments, allowing you to receive both.

CRSC-Combat related Special Compensation

• Eligibility, All of these must be true:

• You’re retired (and entitled to or receiving military retirement pay), and

• You have a VA disability rating of at least 10%, and You currently have your DoD retirement payments reduced by the amount of your VA disability payments

07/17/2026

What is the difference between 100% and 100% P&T?

What are the different 100% ratings?

Just as there are a number of different ways that a Veteran can get to a 100% rating, there are also a number of different variations of receiving compensation at the 100% level, all with different restrictions and benefits. Veterans may have noticed that the VA uses terms such as IU, TDIU, 100% schedular, and 100% P&T.

TDIU vs. IU
The closest any of them come to actually be interchangeable is TDIU and IU. IU stands for Individual Unemployability, while TDIU stands for Totally Disabled based on Individual Unemployability. Effectively, these are the same thing and the requirements for both are identical. In order to qualify for TDIU, an honorably discharged Veteran must show that they are unemployable due to their service-connected disabilities.

The VA defines “unemployable” as not being capable of obtaining and securing substantially gainful employment, which is employment that compensates you above the poverty level. As such, the first requirement for TDIU is to be unemployable.

The Veteran must then meet one of the two following criteria:
The Veteran must have at least one service-connected disability that is rated 60% or more, or
They must have a combined rating of 70% with at least one service-connected disability that is rated 40% or more

Once the claim of TDIU is granted, many Veterans then wonder whether it’s permanent. While TDIU can be permanent, that isn’t necessarily so. If a Veteran receives TDIU, the VA may determine that their condition has improved sufficiently enough for them to sustain gainful employment. So if a Veteran receives TDIU and then becomes employed, or the VA determines that they could become employed, the TDIU benefits could be terminated. However, a Veteran may find that their TDIU is permanent if they are 70 years or older or have been receiving TDIU consecutively for 20 years.

100% Schedular VA Rating
How does TDIU compare to being rated at 100% schedular? The main difference between the two is that with TDIU, a Veteran has been deemed unemployable even though their service-connected disabilities do not add up to 100% overall. Being rated at 100% overall, however, does not necessarily restrict a Veteran from obtaining and securing substantially gainful employment. So, if a Veteran is rated at 100% overall and still wishes to be employed, they are free to do so. Similarly to TDIU, if a Veteran is rated 100% schedular, they could still see their rating changed by the VA. If it was determined that the Veteran’s condition had improved, the VA could reduce their 100% schedular rating.

That is unless they receive 100% P&T which stands for 100% disabled, permanent and total.

100% Permanent and Total
For a Veteran to receive 100% VA P&T, the VA must determine that there is a reasonable certainty that the Veteran’s disabilities will continue for the rest of their life. A Veteran may receive a rating on an individual claim that is permanent but keeps them from reaching 100% overall. However, once a Veteran is rated at 100% overall and their disabilities are determined to be permanent, they are 100% VA P&T.

If a Veteran receives 100% VA P&T, that also entitles them to additional benefits that would not be available to them otherwise.

07/16/2026

🚨🚨Attention Columbus, GA Veterans 🚨🚨

01/08/2026

Top Reasons VA Disability Claims Get Denied — And How to Avoid Them

Filing a VA disability claim can feel like entering a maze—but you’re not alone. Understanding why claims get denied is the first step in winning the benefits you’ve earned.

Here are the most common reasons claims get denied—and how to avoid them with confidence and clarity:

1. Lack of a Nexus (Medical Connection)

The Problem: You may have a current condition and proof it existed during service, but the VA can’t connect the dots between the two.
How to Avoid: Include a medical nexus statement—preferably from a licensed provider—clearly linking your condition to your military service. A strong statement might say:

“It is at least as likely as not that the veteran’s condition is related to their military service.”

2. Insufficient Medical Evidence

The Problem: Your claim may lack diagnoses, treatment records, or documentation showing the severity of your condition.
How to Avoid: Submit private medical records, VA treatment records, buddy statements, and any relevant documentation. More evidence = more credibility.

3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications

The Problem: Missing forms, dates, or service details can cause delays or outright denials.
How to Avoid: Double-check every section of your VA Form 21-526EZ. List every condition separately and ensure dates, service periods, and unit details are accurate. Attach supporting documents upfront.

4. Missing Service Treatment Records

The Problem: If the VA can’t find documentation of your in-service injury or illness, they may deny the claim.
How to Avoid: Proactively request your military service records and STRs (Service Treatment Records) from the National Archives or VA. Use lay statements and buddy letters to fill in any gaps.

5. VA Examiner Minimizing Symptoms

The Problem: The C&P examiner may downplay your symptoms, leading to a low rating or denial.
How to Avoid: Be honest but clear during exams. Describe your worst days, not just your average. Note functional limitations (e.g., “I can’t walk without a cane after 15 minutes.”). Bring someone with you if needed.

6. Failure to Attend a C&P Exam

The Problem: Missing a scheduled VA exam is an easy way to get your claim denied.
How to Avoid: Always attend your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams. If you must reschedule, call ASAP and document everything.

7. Claiming the Wrong Condition or Not Using Proper Terminology

The Problem: Listing a vague or non-diagnosable issue (like “pain” without a diagnosis) often leads to denial.
How to Avoid: Use medical terminology when possible (e.g., “degenerative disc disease” instead of just “back pain”). Get a formal diagnosis before filing.

8. Trying to Go It Alone

The Problem: The VA system is complex and ever-changing. One missed detail can cost you years of benefits.
How to Avoid: Work with a VA-accredited claims agent, VSO, or veteran support center like VRN. These professionals understand the process and help build stronger claims.

Final Tip: Document Everything & Stay Persistent

Even a denied claim isn’t the end—many are won on appeal. Keep your records, stay organized, and never hesitate to ask for help.

Need Help Filing or Appealing a Claim?
Veteran's Resource Network is here to walk with you—step by step. Let’s turn confusion into clarity and get you the benefits you deserve.