EARNED.vet Weekly
Free, weekly veteran benefits education — disability compensation, burial benefits, and survivor benefits explained in plain English. No claims. No fees. No insurance.
How VA Disability Ratings Actually Work
Hi there,
Most veterans are told their VA disability rating—but not always how it actually works.
This week is a simple breakdown of how VA disability ratings are structured and what they generally represent.
What a VA disability rating means
A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned to ref...
May 21, 2026
disability
disability benefits
rating
va
va benefits
Common Mistakes That Delay VA Disability Claims
Most VA disability claims aren’t denied right away. They’re delayed.
And in many cases, it’s not because the veteran doesn’t qualify—but because something in the file isn’t complete, clear, or properly documented.
This week is about a few common issues that can slow down the VA claims process and...
May 14, 2026
newsletter
va
va benefits
va claims
va disability
VA Burial Benefits Most Families Miss Out On
Many VA burial benefits go unclaimed simply because families aren’t aware they exist or don’t know what qualifies.
This week focuses on several burial-related benefits that are often overlooked but may be available depending on the veteran’s service and eligibility.
What This Is
The VA provides a...
May 07, 2026
burial benefits
funeral planning
survivor benefits
va education
veteran families
What the VA Looks for in a Disability Claim
Most VA disability claims are not denied because a veteran doesn’t qualify.
They’re delayed, under-rated, or misunderstood because of how the evidence is presented and evaluated.
This week breaks down what the VA actually looks for when reviewing a disability claim, and why small gaps in document...
Apr 30, 2026
c&p exam
disability claims
va disability
va education
veterans benefits
Does My VA Disability Rating Affect My Spouse's Benefits?
A VA disability rating can affect more than monthly compensation. In some cases, it may also connect to benefits that involve a veteran’s spouse or dependents.
This week focuses on how VA disability ratings can impact additional compensation and dependent-related benefits.
Additional Monthly Comp...
Apr 23, 2026
champva
dea program
dependents
dic
pcafc
spouse benefits
va claims
va disability
veterans benefits
Are You Getting the VA Disability Rating You Actually Deserve?
Hello, and welcome back to this week's newsletter. This week we're talking about something that affects nearly every veteran who has filed a disability claim — the question of whether your rating truly reflects the impact your conditions have on your life. A lot of veterans are underrated and don...
Apr 16, 2026
disability rating
va claims
va disability
veterans benefits
Maximizing Your Disability Compensation: Essential Tips for Veterans
A veteran’s disability rating directly determines how much monthly compensation they receive — but many veterans are underrated or missing benefits they may be entitled to. Understanding how the system works and when to take action can make a meaningful difference over time.
Here are the areas th...
Apr 09, 2026
va claims
va compensation
va disability
veterans benefits
Recent Changes to VA Disability Benefits: What Veterans Should Know
Several recent developments may impact how veterans receive and manage disability benefits.
From payment increases to policy changes and new technology, understanding these updates can help veterans stay informed and prepared.
Disability Payments Increased in 2026
VA disability compensation incre...
Apr 03, 2026
compensation
dbq
disability payments
fraud detection
policy updates
va claims
va disability
va news
veterans benefits
Secondary Conditions and How to Add Them to Your Claim
Many veterans are aware that they can receive disability compensation for conditions directly connected to their military service.
What is less commonly understood is that conditions caused by a service-connected disability may also qualify for compensation.
These are known as secondary condition...
Mar 31, 2026
secondary conditions
service connection
va claims
va disability
va evidence
veterans benefits
The Date You Filed Could Be Worth Thousands of Dollars
Hello, and welcome back to this week's newsletter! This week, we're diving into something that often surprises veterans once they do file — and that's the concept of the effective date. Understanding this one thing could make a significant difference in how much money you receive.
What Is an Effe...
Mar 31, 2026
When to Appeal Your VA Disability Decision — And What Your Options Are
Hello and welcome back to this week's newsletter. Last week we broke down how the VA combined ratings formula works and why your math is probably coming out different than the VA's. This week we're covering something that a lot of veterans don't realize is an option — appealing a VA decision. Whe...
Mar 31, 2026
supplemental claim
va appeals
va claims
va disability
veterans benefits
How Your VA Disability Rating Affects Your Family's Benefits
Hello and welcome back to this week's newsletter. This week we're zooming out to cover something that affects more than just the veteran — how your disability rating impacts the benefits available to your entire family.
This is one of the most underutilized areas of the VA system. Many veterans r...
Mar 31, 2026
champva
dependents
family benefits
va disability
veterans benefits