Michael Irey, Brookside Veteran Services Representative

08/31/2025

Did you know?

The VA recognizes sleep disorders—including insomnia and sleep apnea—as valid service-connected disabilities. These conditions aren’t just minor inconveniences; they can seriously impact your quality of life, contribute to other health problems, and even affect your ability to work.

Filing a VA disability claim for sleep disorders can:
Increase your disability rating, often boosting your monthly tax-free compensation.

Improve your access to treatment, such as CPAP machines, mental health support, and specialized sleep care through the VA healthcare system.

Provide long-term health stability, as untreated sleep disorders are linked to heart disease, depression, and chronic fatigue.

Many veterans live with sleep disorders without realizing they qualify for benefits. By filing a claim and documenting how your sleep condition is connected to your service, you may unlock not only increased compensation but also the medical support you deserve.

At Brookside Veteran Services, we’ve seen firsthand how recognizing sleep disorders as service-connected can change lives—both financially and medically. Don’t overlook this critical benefit.

👉 Learn more about filing your claim today:

Contact me now
or visit
www.helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/28/2025

Did you know?

Even a 10% VA disability rating can unlock powerful benefits that many veterans overlook. With just 10%, you gain access to:

-Tax-free monthly compensation deposited directly to you.

-VA healthcare eligibility, including treatment for service-connected conditions.

-State-level benefits, which may include reduced or eliminated property taxes, free hunting and fishing licenses, or tuition assistance for you and your family.

Starting with a 10% rating is more than just a small win—it’s often the first step in building your full benefit profile. Over time, if your condition worsens or you provide stronger evidence, your rating can increase—sometimes significantly. That initial claim could ultimately mean tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits that you might otherwise miss by waiting.

At Brookside Veteran Services, we’ve helped countless veterans take that first step, guiding them through the VA claims process to secure the rating they deserve. Remember, starting small is better than not starting at all—because the sooner you begin, the sooner your benefits can grow.

👉 Don’t wait—get started today:
Contact me now
or visit
www.helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/27/2025

The Reality of Going It Alone vs. Me with Brookside Veteran Services

Many veterans attempt to handle their VA disability claims on their own. The reality? It often takes 4 to 7 years to reach their maximum disability rating.

At Brookside Veteran Services, we consistently deliver results in just 4 to 5 months—and recently, some approvals have come in as little as 30 days.

Here’s a real-world example:

A veteran moving from 0% to 70% VA disability receives an increase of $1,759.19 per month (tax-free).

I can help secure that in 5 months instead of 54 months (4.5 years) going alone, that’s 50 extra months of income gained.

$1,759.19 x 50 months = $87,959.50 in tax-free earnings—delivered sooner with Brookside’s proven process.

Its More Than Just Money

That calculation doesn’t even include the added veteran benefits of a 70% rating:
✅ Priority healthcare access
✅ Education support for you & your family
✅ Property tax exemptions
✅ Housing programs and more

With Brookside, it’s not just about money—it’s about a faster path to stability, dignity, and a better quality of life.

📞 Don’t wait years to get what you’ve already earned. Start today:

Contact Me Now
or visit
www.helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/25/2025

Did you know?

Far too many of our nation’s heroes face homelessness after their service. Many of these veterans are also struggling with mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression—conditions that the VA recognizes as disabilities.

The good news is that veterans suffering from mental health conditions may qualify for VA disability benefits, providing monthly tax-free income, healthcare access, housing support, and stability that can make the difference between life on the streets and a path to recovery.

No veteran should be without a safe home or proper care. If you or someone you know has been impacted by service-connected mental health struggles, it’s time to learn what benefits are available.

👉 Take the first step today:
Contact me!
or visit
www.helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/21/2025

Did you know?

Veterans with VA disability benefits often gain access to specialized doctors and reduced wait times for medical care.

That means faster appointments, more personalized treatment, and direct access to the healthcare experts you need.

Better care isn’t just about convenience—it leads to a better quality of life. And here’s the truth: these are benefits you’ve already earned through your service. Don’t settle for long delays or limited options when the VA system offers opportunities for specialized healthcare that can truly improve your daily living.

If you’re not taking advantage of these benefits, you could be missing out on life-changing support for your health and well-being.

Contact us at www.helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/21/2025

Did you know?

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may receive tax-free monthly compensation for life.

This income is completely exempt from both federal and state taxes, meaning every dollar goes directly into your pocket. Over a 25-year period, even a modest rating can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Don’t wait! — every month you delay filing could cost you valuable benefits you can never get back.

Contact me or visit us at:
www.helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/19/2025

Did you know?

The VA offers retroactive disability compensation—often called back pay—that can go all the way back to the date you filed your “Intent to File.”

This means that even if your full VA disability claim isn’t ready yet, you can lock in your start date today. When your claim is finally approved, the VA must pay you back to that original date. For many Veterans, this can add up to thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars in tax-free compensation.

Too many Veterans miss out on this life-changing benefit simply because they don’t know the rules or delay filing the Intent to File form (VA Form 21-0966). Skipping this step means losing money you’ve already earned through your service.

At Brookside Veteran Services, we make sure you never leave benefits on the table. We guide you through the process, help you protect your start date, and ensure your claim is positioned for maximum success.

-Don’t wait another day—protect every dollar of your VA compensation.

Visit: helpvetusa.com/contact, or contact me NOW!

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/17/2025

Did you know?

If you receive up to a 90% VA disability rating, you’re eligible for more than just monthly tax-free compensation—your benefits stack up!

Healthcare Priority: You qualify for higher priority VA healthcare, including many free services and reduced copays.

Dependents' Benefits: Your spouse, children, and even dependent parents may qualify for additional monthly payments.

Education Support: You and your dependents may access VA education benefits, like Chapter 35 (DEA).

Property Tax Breaks: Many states offer significant property tax reductions or exemptions to veterans with high disability ratings—sometimes even at 90%.

VA Home Loan Funding Fee Waiver: Most vets at 90% are exempt from the VA home loan funding fee, saving thousands when buying a home.

Travel, Recreation & Discounts: You can access discounts at national parks, state parks, museums, and more.

VA Vocational Rehabilitation: Even at 90%, you may be eligible for job training, career counseling, and employment support.

Don’t leave benefits on the table—reach out today to find out what you and your family may qualify for!

Visit helpvetusa.com/contact or message me to get started.

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/15/2025

Did you know?

You may qualify for VA Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if your service-connected disabilities prevent steady, substantially gainful employment—even if your combined rating is less than 100%. Approved TDIU pays at the 100% rate, which can mean $1,000+ more per month depending on your current rating and dependents, plus access to additional benefits.

Who’s commonly eligible for TDIU

One service-connected condition rated 60% or more; or
Multiple service-connected conditions with a combined 70%+, including one at 40%+;
or
You fall below those thresholds but can’t maintain gainful employment due to service-connected conditions.

What does “unable to work” mean?

It means you can’t keep substantially gainful work (steady, above-poverty-level income) because of service-connected limitations.

Sheltered/protected employment or frequent accommodations may still qualify.

Evidence that strengthens your claim:

-VA Form 21-8940 (TDIU application) and detailed work history
-Medical opinions linking your conditions to work limitations
-Employer statements about reduced hours, accommodations, or termination
-SSA disability decisions (if applicable)
-Lay statements from you, family, or coworkers describing functional limits

Why apply now?

-Higher monthly, tax-free compensation
-Possible healthcare expansions, vocational benefits, and dependents’ education options

There is also a potential to receive retroactive pay if granted!

If your conditions make steady work unrealistic, don’t leave benefits on the table. I can help you evaluate TDIU and prepare a strong, evidence-based claim.

Contact me today!
or
Start here: helpvetusa.com/contact

Get in touch for a free consultation about our specialized services for U.S. Veterans. We're ready to support and answer your queries.

08/13/2025

Did you know?

If your service-connected condition has worsened since your last VA decision, you can request a VA disability rating increase. Many veterans live for years with outdated ratings—missing out on higher monthly tax-free payments and valuable benefits they could qualify for right now.

Don’t leave money and resources on the table. A simple review of your case could lead to thousands of dollars more each year and expanded VA benefits for you and your family.

Brookside Veteran Services helps veterans navigate the VA rating increase process quickly and effectively, so you can get the benefits you’ve earned.

Learn more at: https://www.helpvetusa.com

Contact me today!

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

08/11/2025

Did you know?

Appealing an incorrect VA disability rating can result in significant back pay and increased monthly compensation.

Too many Veterans accept low ratings without question, leaving money and benefits unclaimed.

For more information, please reach out!