Some of the changes include the following:

• ​The agency completed more than 3 million claims in fiscal year 2025 and is tracking a similar pace in FY2026, with 1.5 million claims processed by the halfway mark.
• Average days to complete a disability claim fell from 141.5 days to 80.7 days, a 43% reduction.

The 12-month claims-processing accuracy rate climbed to 94.02%, the highest in two years. Veterans’ benefit attorney David W. Magann notes that while shorter wait times are useful, they do not lower the evidentiary bar for proving service connection or securing the right rating.

​Survivors and Pension Claimants See the Largest Drops

Data indicate that VA pension applicants and surviving family members experienced the most significant reductions. 

The agency reported that initial Veterans Pension claims now average 57 days, down from 170 days, a 66% improvement. Initial Survivors Pension claims average 73 days, down from 172 days. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation claims, which provide tax-free monthly payments to surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition, now average 73 days, down from 163 days. The DIC backlog has fallen by 83%, and the Survivors’ Pension backlog has dropped 96%.

How Will VA Processing Times Impact Veterans?

Faster processing times may be a step in the right direction, but they do not eliminate the other barriers veterans face. The strength of a veteran’s benefit claim still depends on the credibility and relevance of their entire application. The veteran’s evidentiary burden still remains, and they must provide evidence of the service-connected disability. 

Florida Veterans Disability Attorney David W. Magann observed that quicker decisions cut both ways for claimants. Faster denials can leave families less time to fill in the gaps or correct errors before the appeal deadlines. 

Magann added that claimants who receive a swift decision should review the rating sheet carefully, as underrated conditions and missed secondary claims can quietly cost a veteran or surviving spouse thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

For more information or to request a consultation, contact the Law Office of David W. Magann at 813-657-9175 in Tampa, FL.

David W. Magann, P.A., a veterans disability law firm based in Tampa, stated that the clarification addresses how the VA applies existing standards rather than creating a new category of eligibility.

​The rule updates the VA’s regulations governing character-of-discharge determinations. These determinations affect whether a veteran with an other-than-honorable discharge may still qualify for certain benefits. The focus of the update is on how adjudicators review each case, specifically the veteran’s service records. 

According to the agency, the rule emphasizes consideration of mitigating factors that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding a veteran’s discharge. Some relevant factors in these cases include the following:

• Mental health conditions;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Relevant service-related issues that impacted the veteran’s conduct.

It is important to note that veterans are not automatically granted benefits in these cases. However, it does impact how the VA reviews all available evidence when making determinations.

Magann said the update highlights the importance of a complete record when evaluating discharge status. He noted that these determinations often depend on the specific facts of a veteran’s service history and the evidence submitted with a claim.

He also explained that some veterans may not realize that the VA conducts a separate review of discharge status for benefits purposes. Even when a discharge is classified under conditions other than honorable, the VA may still evaluate whether the circumstances meet the legal standards for eligibility.

The VA stated that the clarification is intended to promote consistency in claim reviews. The agency also indicated that clearer guidance could help reduce confusion among adjudicators and improve the accuracy of discharge-status decisions.

The regulation reflects the VA’s approach to reviewing each case individually. Adjudicators must examine service records, medical evidence, and any statements submitted in support of the claim. When mitigating factors are present, those factors may influence how the circumstances of the discharge are evaluated.

Magann stated that the update may be relevant for veterans who previously believed their discharge status prevented them from seeking benefits. He explained that it is crucial to comprehensively review a veteran’s file when making eligibility determinations.

He added that documentation plays an important role in these cases. Medical records, service history, and supporting statements can all affect how the evaluator evaluates a claim involving discharge status.

Veterans who are confused or have questions about their discharge status should contact attorney David W. Magann, P.A. Individuals may contact the firm to learn more about how the review claims and the evidence considered during the process.

Plaintiff is a Forensic Social Worker in The Legal Aid Society’s Parole Revocation Defense (“PRDU”) Unit. The complaint alleges that Plaintiff has ankylosing spondylitis and underwent medical treatment that rendered her immunocompromised. According to the complaint, Plaintiff sought a disability-based accommodation that would allow her to limit unnecessary courthouse exposure while remaining available to attend court when her physical presence was needed for client meetings, attorney support, hearings, or other court-related needs.

The complaint alleges that, rather than provide interim protection or conduct a good-faith individualized assessment, The Legal Aid Society required Plaintiff to remain physically present in court or the courthouse for up to seven hours per day during several court-coverage days, including when no client-specific or attorney-specific need required her physical presence. Plaintiff alleges that she had previously performed her job by working from The Legal Aid Society office across the street from the Bronx courthouse and attending court in-person when needed.

According to the complaint, Plaintiff requested a disability-based accommodation to work from The Legal Aid Society office during onsite court-coverage shifts and to attend court when called, rather than maintaining continuous courthouse presence. The complaint alleges that The Legal Aid Society denied her disability-based accommodation request on January 20, 2026, asserted that in-person/onsite court coverage was an essential function of the PRDU Forensic Social Worker role, and failed to provide an effective interim accommodation while the request was pending.

The complaint further alleges that The Legal Aid Society re-characterized Plaintiff’s job duties after she sought an accommodation, demanded unnecessary additional medical documentation, failed to engage in a good-faith cooperative dialogue, and retaliated against Plaintiff and similarly situated employees who requested disability-based accommodations or opposed disability accommodation practices.

Plaintiff alleges that, during the period when her accommodation request remained unresolved, she was required to continue disputed in-person court coverage without interim protection. Plaintiff alleges that Defendants’ refusal to provide interim protection required unnecessary or excessive courthouse exposure while she was immunocompromised and materially increased her risk of infection.

The complaint further alleges that other Legal Aid Society employees experienced similar accommodation-related practices. It seeks certification of four proposed classes: (1) a Location-Based Accommodation Class for employees who requested work-location, remote-work, reduced-presence, or exposure-limiting accommodations, (2) a Post-Request Job-Duty Recharacterization Class for employees whose duties or asserted essential functions were allegedly changed after they requested accommodations, (3) a NYCHRL Accommodation Delay Class for employees whose requests were allegedly delayed, including without interim measures, and (4) an Additional Medical Documentation Class for employees allegedly required to provide unnecessary or excessive medical documentation.

The ten-count complaint asserts claims under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the New York City Human Rights Law. The complaint’s claims include: alleged failure to reasonably accommodate; retaliation; interference, coercion, threats, and intimidation; medical inquiry violations; unlawful qualification standards and screening; failure to engage in a cooperative dialogue; and aiding and abetting liability against the individual defendants under the NYCHRL.

Among other requested relief, Plaintiff seeks class-wide declaratory and injunctive relief requiring lawful, timely, individualized accommodation procedures, prompt interim measures while accommodation requests are pending, limits on allegedly unnecessary medical-documentation demands, as well as training, monitoring, and other forward-looking relief. As to declaratory relief, Plaintiff also seeks a declaration that The Legal Aid Society’s alleged conduct was willful and undertaken with reckless disregard for the rights of Plaintiff and the proposed classes.

Plaintiff also seeks individual relief including back pay, front pay, reinstatement and/or full grant of the requested accommodation, compensatory damages, punitive damages under the NYCHRL, nominal damages, actual damages, attorneys’ fees, expert fees, costs, and interest.

The case is Kubicki v. The Legal Aid Society, et al., Case No. 1:26-cv-03882, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The complaint contains allegations only. The Court has not made any findings on the merits, and Defendants have not been adjudicated liable for any of the alleged conduct.

CASE INFORMATION

Southern District of New York
Kubicki v. The Legal Aid Society, et al.
Case No. 1:26-cv-03882

For rural veterans, a lack of transportation can impact more than just their physical and mental health, as missed medical appointments can compromise their disability ratings and other benefits. 

How Transportation Connects to Veterans’ Healthcare

Healthcare accessibility is one of the most glaring challenges that rural veterans face. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that roughly one-third of the 8.3 million veterans enrolled in VA health care live in rural areas, and the VA’s Office of Rural Health estimates 2.7 million rural veterans rely on the Veterans Health Administration. More than half of those rural enrollees are 65 or older, an age group with higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions that demand consistent follow-up care.

When transportation falls through, so does the medical record that supports a disability claim. A missed compensation and pension exam can trigger a denial. Additionally, gaps in treatment notes can weaken a service-connection argument on appeal.

What the Grant Program Covers

The Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program funds ground-level services rather than infrastructure. Eligible recipients use the awards to provide door-to-door rides for veterans who would otherwise lose access to scheduled care.

Grant funds typically support:

• ​Vehicle purchases, leases, and maintenance for nonprofit shuttle operations;
• Driver income and mileage reimbursement;
• Coordination with VA medical centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and authorized non-VA providers; and
• Outreach to enrolled veterans who may not realize the rides are free.

Florida is home to nearly 1.4 million veterans, making it the state with the second-largest veteran population in the country, behind only Texas. Some Florida veterans live in census tracts classified as rural or small-town under the federal Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) system, though the majority of Florida veterans reside in the state’s large metropolitan and suburban areas.’

How the Program Ties Into Disability and Survivors’ Claims

Reliable rides do more than get a veteran to the doctor. They protect the medical evidence that the VA uses to grant, increase, or continue a disability rating.

Florida Veterans Disability Attorney David W. Magann noted that consistent treatment records often determine the strength of a claim. He stated that rural veterans who cannot consistently attend medical appointments or therapy sessions can face scrutiny by VA benefit adjudicators. 

Moreover, Attorney Magann explained that these issues can arise for those seeking survivors’ benefits. He notes that an attorney involved early in the process can catch documentation gaps and evidentiary problems before they harden into a denial that takes years to undo on appeal.

For more information or to request a consultation, contact the Law Office of David W. Magann in Tampa, FL.

Veterans disability attorney David W. Magann explained the update in response to questions that arose after recent court decisions. The VA has expressed that the amendment is in response to Ingram v. Collins, which raised questions about whether adjudicators should consider how a condition would present without medication. The agency found that the approach in the case could require decision-makers to guess about untreated symptoms. The VA believes the new rule clarifies disability ratings and better reflects a veteran’s current level of impairment.

VA officials claim that the regulation was necessary to avoid disruption to the claims process.

The agency noted that applying the reasoning from Ingram across the rating schedule could have affected more than 500 diagnostic codes and required re-adjudication of hundreds of thousands of pending claims.

Magann explained that the clarification should help reinforce a more practical and tenable approach to evaluating disability claims. He noted that many veterans rely on consistent treatment to manage their service-connected health conditions. Therefore, requiring adjudicators to guess how a condition may appear without treatment could create uncertainty.

He further elaborated that disability evaluations often hinge on medical exams that reflect a veteran’s current condition. Evaluations that focus on real-life functioning, rather than hypothetical scenarios, may be more consistent with how medical evidence is evaluated.

The rule does not eliminate the role of medical evidence in determining the severity of a disability. Instead, it confirms that adjudicators should rely on the evidence available at the time of the examination, including the effects of prescribed treatment. VA stated that this approach aligns with the rating schedule’s purpose: to compensate veterans based on the average impairment in earning capacity caused by service-connected conditions.

​Magann noted that the change may be particularly relevant for veterans with conditions that are commonly managed through medication, such as mental health disorders, chronic pain, and neurological conditions. In these cases, treatment may reduce symptoms, though it may not eliminate the underlying impairment.

​The agency also expressed concern that a different approach could place additional strain on the claims system. VA stated that requiring adjudicators to assess untreated conditions could lead to delays, additional training requirements, and inconsistent decision-making.

Magann said the update highlights the importance of careful documentation in disability claims.

For veterans with questions about how this regulatory change may affect their disability claims or appeals, additional information is available from David W. Magann, P.A. Individuals may contact the firm to learn more about the VA disability evaluation process and their rights under federal law.

David W. Magann, P.A., a veterans disability law firm serving Tampa, explained that the data illustrate a need for more proactive outreach, prompt treatment, and legal guidance for servicemembers and their loved ones. 

According to the VA’s National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, down from 6,442 in 2022. The daily average also declined slightly, from 17.6 to 17.5 deaths per day. At the same time, the report states that 61 percent of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA health care during the year before their deaths.

The report also found that suicide rates increased for both male and female veterans in 2023. The rate for women rose from 13.7 to 13.9 per 100,000, while the rate for men increased from 37.3 to 37.8 per 100,000. VA identified elevated risk among veterans ages 18 to 34 and among those facing homelessness, pain, and other health problems.

Magann said those figures show that many veterans still face barriers to accessing care and benefits. He noted that support does not begin and end with crisis response. In his view, veterans often need a network that includes mental health treatment, stable housing, financial support, and help understanding available benefits.

Magann also noted that many service organizations provide valuable assistance, but they are not always staffed by attorneys. He said legal counsel can play a different role when a claim involves disputed eligibility, missing records, denied benefits, or appeal rights. In those situations, an attorney may help a veteran or surviving family member understand legal options and present evidence in a way that supports the claim.

The VA report outlines several recent prevention efforts, including same-day emergency mental health care access at VA facilities and the Veterans Interoperability Pledge, which has helped identify and contact 140,000 at-risk veterans. The agency also reported that the Veterans Crisis Line handled 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats in fiscal year 2025.

The report further reflects VA’s emphasis on broader prevention efforts outside traditional clinical settings. That approach matters because many risk factors develop in everyday life and often involve housing, employment, physical pain, and social isolation. VA has also expanded community-based funding through its suicide prevention grant program to reach veterans who may not already be connected to VA services.

Magann said the report should prompt continued attention from policymakers, health care providers, and community organizations. He added that legal assistance cannot replace mental health care, but it can help remove barriers related to benefits and documentation that may add stress during an already difficult period.

More information about veterans disability benefits is available from David W. Magann, P.A.

The change impacts Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Survivors Pension. Historically, VA issued separate decisions for each benefit. However, that approach often delayed payment because a review of both benefits was required before any finalization. The change should allow the agency to prioritize higher benefits first.

VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that the regulatory change has many benefits. He elaborated that some of the benefits include reduced administrative burden and a quicker turnaround.

​Understanding the Survivors Benefits Affected by the Regulation

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, often referred to as DIC, provides a tax-free monthly payment to eligible surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died during active duty or from service-connected conditions. Survivors Pension offers financial assistance to certain surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans who meet income and asset requirements. The program also provides tax-free payments.

Before the regulatory change, the VA usually evaluated both benefits fully before issuing a final decision. That procedure sometimes extended the timeline for families awaiting support.

The new regulation directs the VA to prioritize the benefit that produces the larger payment for the claimant. In most situations, that benefit is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

​When Survivors Pension May Still Apply

​Although DIC often provides the higher payment, certain circumstances lead the VA to award Survivors Pension instead. Those situations involve specific financial and living conditions.

The agency has identified several instances in which Survivors Pension may become the primary benefit.

• The surviving spouse has no dependent children;
• The surviving spouse resides in a nursing facility; and
• Medicaid covers the spouse’s nursing care costs.

Under those conditions, Survivors Pension may provide greater financial support. When that occurs, the VA may issue a decision on that benefit without continuing development of the DIC claim. This approach allows the agency to deliver financial assistance more quickly when a pension produces a larger payment.

​An Attorney Can Help Families Understand Their Options

While a faster decision-making process may reduce delays, survivors still face complex, bureaucratic systems. In response to the change, Florida Veterans Disability Attorney David W. Magann explained that legal representation is crucial during the claims process. While many service organizations assist veterans and their families with benefits claims, those groups are not always staffed by attorneys. An attorney can offer legal guidance that goes beyond general claims help, including analysis of eligibility issues, review of supporting evidence, and advice when a case involves disputed facts, denied benefits, or appeal rights.

Magann explained that the new regulation may help shorten delays, but families can still face legal and procedural questions when seeking survivors’ benefits. He noted that attorney guidance can be especially important when a claim turns on service connection, documentation problems, or the interaction between different forms of benefits.

For more information or to request a consultation, contact the Law Office of David W. Magann in Tampa, FL.

By combining PLCP’s damages valuation expertise with Medivest’s Medicare compliance and administration services, PLCP will deliver highly integrated, end-to-end solutions nationwide.

“This acquisition is a natural fit,” said Chad Harris, CEO of PLCP. “We share a deep commitment to innovation and service.  By joining forces, we can now support our clients across a full continuum of solutions — from damages valuation to MSP compliance and administration.”

Medivest will continue to operate under the Medivest brand and will benefit by PLCP’s substantial investments in advanced technology as well as its advanced service offerings. Clients of both organizations can expect uninterrupted service while benefiting from expanded capabilities, deeper resources, and increased investment in innovation and service.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to serve the legal, insurance, and claims professionals who rely on our expertise,” said Aaron Winnell, President of Medivest. “By joining forces with PLCP, we are expanding the scope of solutions available to our clients while preserving the service quality and expertise for which Medivest is known.”

About Physician Life Care Planning

Physician Life Care Planning is the industry leader in personal injury damages valuation services, and is trusted by attorneys and law firms nationwide. Through a unique combination of highly qualified experts and advanced technology, the company delivers life care plans and related products and services that are objective, accurate, reliable, and defensible.  All PLCP life care plans are authored by board-certified physicians whose work conforms to the tenets, methods, and best practices advocated by the American Academy of Physician Life Care Planners.  With a steadfast focus on innovation and service, PLCP continues to set the standard for Excellence in Damages Valuation.

About Medivest

Medivest is a leading provider of Medicare compliance and medical funds administration solutions, specializing in medical cost management, Medicare Secondary Payer compliance, and future care fund coordination for the legal, insurance, and claims communities. Medivest was advised in the transaction by Bailey & Company, a healthcare-focused investment banking firm with deep experience in middle-market mergers and acquisitions.

Florida remains home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, including hundreds of thousands of veterans managing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Benefits Guide notes that Florida has long emphasized mental health resources due to the high number of combat-era veterans living in the state. Many mental health claims fall short when the record lacks detail. The gaps often involve an unclear connection to service or a lack of detail about how symptoms affect the veteran’s day-to-day life.

Magann said many Florida veterans assume a mental health claim should be straightforward because their symptoms are apparent to them and their families. Yet, the VA still expects detailed, precise documentation. He noted that examiners lean heavily on what is already in the file, rather than on what a veteran says during a brief appointment. “If the paperwork is thin, the diagnosis history is muddy, or the link to service is not clearly laid out, the VA can turn a claim down in minutes,” Magann said. “Most veterans do not find that out until a denial letter shows up months later.

He also warned that Florida’s large veteran community drives heavy demand for compensation and pension exams, leading to short or rushed evaluations. When an exam does not fully reflect how symptoms affect everyday life, the VA is more likely to assign a low rating or deny the claim. Magann asserts that this is especially true in PTSD cases, where the VA expects clear documentation of in-service stressors and solid clinical support.

Magann advises veterans to begin 2026 by reviewing any VA decisions they received in 2025, especially if those decisions involved mental health conditions or secondary issues related to mental health. He noted that the Appeals Modernization Act gives most veterans one year from the date of their decision letter to seek review or file a supplemental claim. Early in the year, veterans have a better chance of getting their paperwork in order rather than racing the clock right before a deadline. Taking time now to reread past decisions and fill in any gaps can help prevent avoidable mistakes that cost benefits later.

Magann asked veterans to pay attention to warning signs that a claim may be in trouble, including missing private treatment notes, thin descriptions of how severe symptoms really are, and medical reports that have not been updated in years. He said many people also overlook how their conditions affect their jobs, family relationships, and everyday responsibilities, even though the VA weighs that information heavily when deciding a rating.

Early in the year, veterans have a better chance of getting their paperwork in order rather than racing the clock right before a deadline. Taking time now to reread past decisions and fill in any gaps can help prevent avoidable mistakes that cost benefits later.“If you get your mental health claim in order early in the year, you are in a much better position to avoid a denial and fight for a rating that matches what you are actually living with.”

The Law Office of David W. Magann represents veterans across Florida in disability claims, appeals, and mental health–related matters.

For more information or to request a consultation, contact the Law Office of David W. Magann in Tampa, FL.

Attorney Magann stated that “COLA changes can impact monthly budgets; therefore, veterans and survivors should confirm that the VA has accurate records before the change.” Magann went on to explain that “A quick review of disability rating information, dependent status, and direct deposit information can prevent underpayments and other issues.” 

Magann recommends three practical steps to prepare for the 2026 increase. The first step veterans should take is to verify their dependent and marital status. Accurate statuses are crucial to ensuring that the veterans receive benefits at the correct rate. Next,  veterans and their loved ones should review any recent significant medical changes. New or worsening symptoms might create secondary conditions that can warrant an unemployability rating. Finally, confirm your banking information so that the new amount is received promptly and without delay. 

“The 2.8 percent increase will not fix every budget, but it does provide real help for rent, utilities, medications, and equipment,” Magann said. “Pending or newly granted claims will pick up the raise when VA posts the new tables. Easy-to-decipher records make the process smoother for all parties.”

Magann suggests that when veterans reopen a claim under the Appeals Modernization Act, they compile recent treatment notes, prescription information, and lay statements into one folder, allowing them to respond to any VA evidence request without difficulty. He also urges DIC recipients to review their dependency details and any aid and attendance award to ensure the COLA is applied at the correct rate.

Do you have questions about your eligibility, rating, or an appeal? The Law Offices of David W. Magann can review your situation and outline the next steps before the 2026 adjustment.

The Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society (SCBALA) provides just one example of Florida attorneys donating their time and experience to aid local veterans. SCBALA offers assistance to any Seminole County veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge, regardless of veterans’ income.

SCBALA provides assistance to veterans on a number of topics, including housing-related services, family law, estate planning, discharge upgrade requests, and sealing or expunging past criminal records. The program is funded with a grant from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); a portion of the funds are earmarked for the specific needs of female veterans.

At Florida’s Stetson University, the school’s Veterans Law Institute trains future attorneys by offering hands-on experience helping veterans. Recently, VLI members teamed up with Stetson Law alumni to file an amicus brief, asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to meet its statutory obligations to provide benefits applications to veterans. The brief, filed on behalf of the National Law School Veterans Clinic consortium, helps law students learn to navigate some of the nation’s busiest appellate courts – while also providing a voice for veterans.

Community events also provide support for veterans. At the annual Veteran Stand Down event in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, veterans connected with financial, job, and housing assistance resources. The event took place in early November 2025 and reoccurs yearly.

Community support is essential for veterans, especially in the early months following their departure from the armed services, says Tampa veterans disability lawyer David W. Magann. Services like legal aid clinics “show our veterans that we care about them,” says Magann. Veterans who need help with benefits and other legal issues can reach out to a qualified attorney to learn more.

In mid-2025, the VA announced a change to its rules regarding community care services. Under the previous rule, a veteran and their doctor had to decide whether the veteran would benefit from access to a non-VA community care program, and then submit that decision for review from a second VA doctor. Only if a second doctor approved the plan would the VA pay for non-VA community care assistance.

Under the new rules, veterans seeking help from community care programs don’t have to go through the extra step of having a second doctor review the plan. The VA will cover community care costs from non-VA providers as long as the veteran and their referring medical provider agree that the care is in the veteran’s best interest.

To enact this change, the VA relied on language from the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The law, passed in January 2025 and signed by then-President Joe Biden, seeks to improve veterans’ lives in several ways. Topics covered in the Dole Act include the disability claims process, job training and employment, homelessness, mental health services, and at-home care for aging and disabled veterans.

Home- and community-based services have long been a part of the care system for aging and disabled individuals, including veterans. These services allow a veteran to live at home and to navigate their local community, building the relationships and familiarity proven to support mental and physical health more effectively than institutional care does. The new rule makes it easier for veterans to access community-based services.

“Access to community care is an essential part of daily life for many disabled veterans,” says veterans benefits attorney David W. Magann. “To have the VA recognize that is a real win for Florida veterans.”

Together, Bauer and Petry have built a platform dedicated to one mission: helping women rise through change—not just survive it.

A Digital Lifeline for Women in Transition

Life’s turning points—divorce, career shifts, fresh starts—can be isolating and overwhelming. The She Who Wins app offers women a place to land, reflect, rebuild, and rise with clarity and confidence.

“Women deserve accessible support at any hour of the day,” says Bauer. “This app gives them expert guidance, community, and encouragement right in their pocket.”

Available now on iOS and Android, the app is free to download and is already gaining attention for its supportive, mission-driven approach.

The app was built for women who are:

• Going through or healing from a divorce
• Facing personal or professional crossroads
• Rebuilding their confidence after a setback
• Seeking community during a major life change
• Ready to step boldly into their next chapter

Built by Leaders Who Understand the Journey

Bauer brings nearly two decades of experience working with women through divorce and reinvention. Petry contributes a deep background in operations, brand development, and community building. Their combined expertise shapes an app that is both emotionally supportive and action-oriented.

“She Who Wins isn’t just technology—it’s a lifeline,” says Petry. “Our goal is to remind women that they are powerful, capable, and never alone, no matter what chapter they’re stepping into.”

A Movement, Not Just an App

Bauer’s motto—“You don’t have to be broken to want something different”—is woven into every corner of the app. This is support without judgment, empowerment without fluff, and guidance without overwhelm.

After a bestselling book, and She Who Wins live event series, the app represents the next evolution of Bauer’s mission: to democratize access to support for women worldwide.

Download She Who Wins

The app is available now and free to download:

App Store
Google Play

Major changes in various states, law schools, and other organizations include:

New Jersey launches state Department of Veterans Affairs. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a law creating a Department of Veterans Affairs within the state government of New Jersey. The department will separate from the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, with independent leadership.

Nebraska works harder to prevent veteran suicides. Nebraska’s recently-passed law seeking more information on preventing suicides includes the creation of a suicide mortality review team within the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Collier County, Florida advances plans for a new veterans nursing home. Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs and Collier County are working together to plan a new 120-bed nursing home specifically for veterans in the county. Officials say they could break ground on the project as soon as early next year.

Connecticut’s annual Veterans Stand Down event provides essential assistance. Connecticut recently held its annual Stand Down event, which seeks to provide the state’s 100,000 veterans with access to healthcare, employment, clothing, legal, mental health, and vehicle assistance.

Campbell Law School opens Veterans Legal Clinic for North Carolina veterans. Campbell Law School in down Raleigh, North Carolina recently opened the doors of its Veterans Legal Clinic. The clinic offers pro bono representation and advocacy for veterans challenging their discharge classifications – a process that is often necessary to access benefits, status, and services.

VA awards grants to fight homelessness among veterans. The VA recently announced that it has awarded over $818 million in grants intended to fight homelessness among veterans. The grants helped 235 organizations throughout the US provide funding to support veterans’ access to affordable housing, health care, and child care.

While veterans benefits are overseen by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, accessing benefits can also mean navigating state law and local programs. For help, speak to an experienced veterans benefits lawyer.

The new program replaces the Veterans Affairs Servicing Program (VASP). VASP provided assistance to homeowners by offering lower mortgage rates, making monthly payments more affordable. This assistance helped many veterans avoid foreclosure and keep their homes by rehabilitating their mortgages and getting back on track with payments. 

Under the new law, the VA is authorized to take certain listed actions to help veterans who face defaults on home loans. The law also establishes a partial claims program. Under the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act:

• The VA can provide cash payments to veterans sufficient to avoid foreclosure, as long as the VA and the homeowner meet certain paperwork requirements.
• The VA must create loss mitigation procedures to help prevent foreclosures. These procedures must be followed before the VA can take certain actions, like changing the terms of a home loan. 
• The bill creates a five-year partial claims program. Under this program, the VA can buy a portion of the outstanding debt on a veteran’s home if the homeowner is in default or is at imminent risk of default.” 
• The bill requires the VA to report to Congress about its efforts. 

The new program seeks to provide more consistent support for veterans facing financial hardship. By aligning the VA’s approach with those used in other federal housing programs, the federal government hopes to provide consistent support more efficiently. 

The GI Bill established the VA home loan program in 1944. The program helps veterans obtain home loans at manageable prices, among other assistance. The program’s goal was to help veterans adjust to civilian life by providing them with the means to access homeownership. Currently, over 3.7 million active home loans are guaranteed by the VA. 

Navigating home loans can be complex. Veterans’ benefits, while intended to help veterans with homeownership, can make the process more confusing. An experienced veterans affairs lawyer can help.

At issue are the benefits available under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The Department of Veterans Affairs program offers caregiver training, legal support, financial assistance, and other benefits to caregivers of veterans with disabilities. These benefits are designed to support caregivers, enabling them to provide more effective assistance to their disabled veteran family members.

The PCAFC requires a veteran and their family caregiver to file for benefits together. Both the caregiver and veteran must meet certain requirements to qualify for the program. Once qualified, the caregiver can access PCAFC benefits, including caregiver training, mental health counseling, travel benefits to the veteran’s medical appointments, and other benefits.

However, many caregivers find themselves shut out of benefits. The PCAFC has routinely denied caregiver benefits when a veteran dies while the family’s PCAFC application is being processed. In some cases, family members have already undertaken caregiver training in anticipation of VA benefits – only to find themselves stuck with the bill.

The VA recently created an avenue for PCAFC applicants to appeal denials of PCAFC benefits to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. However, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals has taken a blanket approach to denying these cases. The Board’s position is that a PCAFC application requires both a veteran and their caregiver; if the veteran passes away, the application must fail for lack of a veteran applicant.

The class action lawsuit seeks legal clarity on the status of PCAFC caregiver applicants when the family member for whom they provide care dies before a PCAFC application is processed. In so doing, the lawsuit seeks to secure essential support for caregivers of the nation’s veterans.

Mt. Sinai, New York – Robert F. Brogan, CELA, of Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, New Jersey, has been elected president of the Special Needs Alliance. A long-time member and past board officer, Brogan brings decades of experience in elder and special-needs law and a deep personal commitment to helping families navigate complex systems of care.

“My goal is to nurture what makes this organization exceptional,” Brogan said. “The Alliance’s strength comes from both its professional expertise and its sense of community. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of practice while supporting each other like family. That collegial spirit is what I hope to preserve and pass on to the next generation of members.”

Brogan’s priorities for the coming year include fostering mentorship opportunities, maintaining rigorous membership standards, and ensuring the organization’s continued vitality through engagement and shared learning.

2025–2026 Executive Officers

• President: Robert F. Brogan, CELA — Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, NJ
• President-Elect: Bryn Poland, Esq. — Mayo & Poland, PLLC, Baytown, TX
• Vice President: Christopher W. Smith — Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices, PLLC, Southfield, MI
• Treasurer: Elizabeth Noble Rollings Friman, Esq. — Fleming & Curti, PLC, Tucson, AZ
• Secretary: Larry H. Rocamora, Esq. — McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson & Hinkle, PLLC, Durham, NC
• Immediate Past President: Tara Anne Pleat, CELA — Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, Clifton Park, NY

Board of Directors

Leonard R. Anderson, Esq. — Barlow Anderson LLC, Anchorage, AK
Roxanne J. Chang, Esq. — Roxanne J. Chang, Plymouth, MI
Emily A. Donaldson, CELA — Arcare, Inc., Overland Park, KS
Robert W. Fechtman, CELA – Fechtman Law Office, Indianapolis, IN

Emma R. Hemness, CELA — Hemness Faller Elder Law, Brandon, FL
Emily B. Kile, Esq. — Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC, Scottsdale, AZ
Elena A. Lidrbauch, CELA — Hickman, Lowder, Lidrbauch & Welch Co., LPA, Sheffield Village, OH
Jacob H. Menashe, Esq. — Hickman Menashe, P.S., Lynnwood, WA
Nikki Mitchell, Esq. — Mitchell, Brown & Associates, LLC, St. Louis, MO

Rebecca C. Morgan, Esq. — Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL

Ethan J. Ordog, Esq. — Begley Law Group, Moorestown, NJ
Benjamin A. Rubin, Esq. — Rubin Law, A Professional Corporation, Buffalo Grove, IL
Matthew T. Smith, Esq. — Elder Law Lawyers McClelland & Associates, PLLC, Lexington, KY
Thomas E. Smith, Esq. — Thomas Smith Law Firm, Hot Springs, AR
Scott C. Suzuki — Scott C. Suzuki, Attorney at Law, LLLC, LLC, Honolulu, HI

About the Special Needs Alliance

The Special Needs Alliance comprises more than 150 attorneys across 45 states, each invited to membership based on demonstrated excellence in disability and public benefits law. Members average more than 18 years of experience and include many Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA). Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the SNA works to improve the quality of legal services and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

For more information, visit www.specialneedsalliance.org.

The Bufkin v. Collins Decision

Bufkin v. Collins focused on whether the Veterans Court of Appeals is required to review “benefit of the doubt” decisions made by the VA. These decisions apply the benefit-of-the-doubt rule, which states that the Board should rule in favor of granting disability benefits when the evidence in a case doesn’t weigh clearly in favor of one side or the other.

The Supreme Court held that the Veterans Court of Appeals need only review benefit-of-the-doubt decisions for “clear error.” The Court of Appeals does not need to conduct a more thorough review or consider additional evidence, although it may do so if it chooses, wrote the Court in a 7-2 decision.

Two Justices, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Neil Gorsuch, dissented. Writing separately, Justice Jackson stated that the “clear error” standard fails to apply the benefit-of-the-doubt rule the way Congress intended. 

Getting Veterans the Help They Need

Bufkin v. Collins will have no effect on cases where the evidence weighs clearly in favor of granting benefits. However, it is likely to impact veterans whose cases offer conflicting evidence or no clear answer – just like the cases involved in Bufkin itself. 

“The help of an experienced lawyer will be invaluable” for these veterans, said Attorney Fausone. By building a strong case from the outset, veterans will be more likely to receive benefits without facing a benefit-of-the-doubt analysis – and thus never being required to face the Court of Appeals on the benefit-of-the-doubt question. 

If you’re a veteran with questions about your benefits, speak to an experienced veterans’ benefits attorney as soon as possible. Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a Michigan-based veterans benefits law firm with considerable experience helping veterans fight for service-connected benefits. Learn more at https://www.legalhelpforveterans.com.

Various House bills focus on specific issues facing veterans. Two bills, the Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act and the Deliver for Veterans Act, seek to improve access to information and services for disabled veterans. The first requires the VA to communicate disability claim information in clear, precise language. The second seeks to cover vehicle delivery fees for disabled veterans who receive vehicles equipped or adapted for their service-related disabilities.

Another pair of bills focuses on post-service education and job training. Under the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act, National Guard reservists can access public university tuition at the same rates as veterans who served in active duty. The Veterans Education Transparency and Training (VETT) Act seeks to simplify access to job training opportunities and vocational education for veterans.

One bill focuses on additional research for health issues specific to Vietnam-related services. Liver fluke infections are connected to later development of a particular type of bile duct cancer. The Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act directs the VA to invest additional research in this connection, seeking potential screening improvements, better treatments, or additional information to help clarify how bile duct cancer may be connected to Vietnam military service.

Finally, two bills focus on survivors’ needs. The Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act seeks to elevate the importance of supporting surviving family members. The Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act seeks to bring life insurance values in line with current costs of living.

These bills now head to the Senate. If passed by the Senate, the bills will then go to the President’s desk for signature or veto.

Veterans’ disability attorney David W. Magann, based in Tampa, Florida, says this level of denial highlights how important it is for veterans to seek legal guidance when appealing a decision. “A denial letter does not mean your case is over,” Magann said. “Many veterans win on appeal after submitting additional evidence or correcting technical issues.”

According to the VA, PACT Act claims received a higher approval rate of up to 75 percent. Still, many veterans who filed under the PACT Act or other categories were denied benefits due to documentation gaps or questions about the connection between their condition and military service. These are issues that can often be addressed through the appeals process with the help of a knowledgeable advocate.

Magann’s office regularly assists veterans who have been denied. His team helps identify why a claim was rejected and works to develop strong appeals by gathering medical opinions, service records, and other supporting documentation. He explains that the appeal process can include higher-level reviews, supplemental claims with new evidence, or hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

“The system can be overwhelming, especially for someone already dealing with medical issues,” Magann said. “We focus on helping veterans fix what went wrong in the original claim so they can get the compensation they earned.”

Despite improvements in staffing and technology, the VA’s high volume of claims means errors and denials are still common. Veterans are encouraged to act quickly after receiving a denial, as the timeline for appeals is limited.

Magann emphasized that veterans should never assume a denial means they do not qualify. Appealing a decision is not just possible. It is often successful,” he said. “You gave this country your service. We are here to help you receive the full support you deserve in return.”