Michael Irey, Brookside Veteran Services Representative

02/03/2026

Not Everyone Gets 100% — But Any VA Rating Can Change Your Life

A lot of Veterans hesitate to file because they think, “If I’m not going to hit 100%, what’s the point?”

Here’s the truth: not everyone reaches a 100% VA disability rating—but many Veterans qualify for some rating, and any rating can be life-changing.

Even a smaller percentage can mean:
-Monthly compensation
-Better access to VA healthcare
-Lower out-of-pocket medical costs
-Added financial stability for your household

You don’t have to be “broken enough.”

If your condition is connected to your service, you deserve a fair evaluation—period.

✅ If you’re unsure where you stand, start with an Intent to File so you protect your effective date while you gather what you need.

Contact me for assistance and help with your rating today!

01/30/2026

If You’re Thinking About Filing a VA Claim… Do This TODAY ⏳

If a VA disability claim is even on your mind, don’t wait until tomorrow.

Start with one simple step:

✅ Submit your Intent to File — right now.

Why it matters:

Your Intent to File can lock in your effective date, which can protect months of potential back pay you might lose by waiting.

Even if you’re not ready to submit your full claim yet, an Intent to File buys you time to:

Gather records

Schedule appointments

Build strong evidence

Decide whether to file on your own, use a VSO, or work with a team like Brookside

Bottom line: Waiting can cost you money.

Do the Intent to File today.

Contact me today!!! 🇺🇸

01/30/2026

Did You Know? VA Disability Ratings & What They Can Mean for Your VA Healthcare

A lot of Veterans think a VA disability rating is only about monthly compensation. It’s not. Your rating can also impact what you may qualify for on the VA healthcare side—including priority group placement, copays, and access to certain services.

Here’s a simple breakdown (high-level):
0%
VA recognizes the condition is service-connected
You may still qualify for VA healthcare related to that condition
Compensation = $0, but the service connection can matter a lot long-term

10%–40%
Often the “starter” ratings where Veterans begin building documented evidence
VA healthcare access typically improves, and copays may be reduced depending on your situation
Service-connection status becomes a foundation for future increases

50%
A major tipping point for many Veterans
Often associated with significant reductions in healthcare costs (including fewer copays for many types of care)
Can make ongoing treatment and prescriptions far more affordable

60%–90%
Generally broader protection and less out-of-pocket exposure
Often improves access and lowers financial barriers for ongoing care
Many Veterans report this range is where the system becomes easier to navigate

100%
The highest standard rating level
Typically provides the most comprehensive benefits across VA systems
Often paired with strong healthcare access and minimal cost exposure

Important note
Every case is different. Priority groups and copays depend on more than just rating (income, service history, special eligibilities, and more). But your rating can absolutely shape your healthcare experience.
✅ If you’re unsure what your current rating means for your healthcare options—or you’re stuck at a rating that doesn’t match your real-life limitations—contact me!!!!!

01/28/2026

Simple VA Claim Tip (that saves time): Start an Intent to File today.

Even if you’re not ready to submit your full claim yet, an Intent to File can help protect your effective date—which can mean more back pay later.

✅ Takes just a few minutes
✅ Buys you time to gather records
✅ Keeps you moving forward instead of waiting

If you’re unsure what to file for or how to do it cleanly, I can help you map out the next steps.

01/27/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Waiting too long to file a claim can cost you months or years of back pay.

The VA generally pays benefits starting from the date you file, not the date your condition began.

Delaying doesn’t help — filing informed does.

Contact me today!!!

01/27/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Waiting too long to file a claim can cost you months or years of back pay.

The VA generally pays benefits starting from the date you file, not the date your condition began.

Delaying doesn’t help — filing informed does.

Contact me today!

01/22/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

A 70% VA disability rating can mean a major shift in your monthly, tax-free income—and for many veterans, it also opens the door to additional benefits (including possible family/dependent impacts and other programs that may reduce out-of-pocket costs).

If you’re sitting at 50% or 60% and believe your symptoms are under-rated, 70% is often one of the most meaningful jumps on the scale.

Take one simple step today:
File an Intent to File to lock in your potential effective date—then build your strategy.

Contact me today for assistance!

01/17/2026

DID YOU KNOW? ⏳🇺🇸

If you delay filing your VA disability claim, you’re usually the one paying the price.

Every week you wait can mean weeks (or months) of benefits you can’t get back. And if you’re entitled to compensation, that delay can cost you real, tax-free income.

It’s Saturday—take action today. ✅

Start with an Intent to File. It’s quick, and it can help protect your effective date while you gather your documents.

Then choose your path:
-Start your own claim
-Call a VSO
-Reach out to me

01/15/2026

Waiting Doesn’t Hurt the VA… It Hurts You!

Every month you wait is a month you don’t get back—
a month without the compensation you may already qualify for.

And going at it alone can feel “free”… until it costs you:

-delays
-confusion
-denials
-under-rated decisions

Don’t do it alone, contact me today!

01/14/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

A lot of veterans miss out on higher VA ratings because they don’t connect the dots on secondary conditions.

Example:
Knee pain → altered gait → hip/back issues (possible secondary)
PTSD → sleep disruption → migraines, GERD, hypertension (possible secondary)

If you’re not sure what’s connected, that’s exactly what we help you sort out.

✅ Start here: www.helpvetusa.com
📩 DM me “SECONDARY” and I’ll get you going in the right direction!

01/13/2026

DID YOU KNOW

A 0% VA rating can still be a big deal.

Even at 0%, the VA is saying: “Yes, this condition is service-connected.”

That matters because it can unlock:
Free VA healthcare for that specific condition
Priority access if the condition worsens later
A cleaner path to request an increase (with updated medical evidence)
Potential eligibility for secondary conditions tied to that service-connected issue

Many Veterans ignore 0%—but it can be the foundation for future benefits.

Discover our mission, services, and approach to navigating the VA disability process with independent educators. Contact us to secure your benefits.