Brian Palermo

09/10/2026

Not every piece of VA disability evidence has to come from a doctor.

VA recognizes lay evidence, which is written testimony from you or someone who knows about your condition or related events. That can include a buddy statement from someone you served with, or a statement from a family member or friend who has firsthand knowledge.

But lay evidence and medical evidence don’t automatically prove the same things. What evidence is needed depends on the type of claim and the issue being decided.

Practical takeaway: focus on accurate, firsthand information instead of trying to make a statement sound medical.

09/09/2026

A VA claim status can move backward without meaning your claim was denied.

VA says that if it needs more evidence, or if more evidence is submitted, a disability claim can return to the evidence gathering step. That movement is part of the review process, not a decision by itself.

Practical takeaway: don’t try to predict the outcome from the step number alone. Check what VA is requesting, watch for letters or exam notices, and wait for the actual decision letter for the result.

09/08/2026

Medical records aren’t the only evidence VA can review.

VA says lay evidence can come from you or someone who knows about your condition or related events. That could include someone you served with, a family member, or a friend. VA reviews lay evidence along with the other evidence submitted with a claim.

The practical takeaway: If someone personally witnessed what happened or observed how a condition affected you, their firsthand observations may provide useful evidence. Stick to what they actually know and observed.

09/08/2026

Your VA effective date is worth checking. It’s not automatically the day VA made the decision.

VA says the effective date is the day your disability benefits can begin, and the rules depend on the type of claim and your circumstances. For direct service connection, it’s generally the later of the date VA received the claim or the date entitlement arose, with exceptions such as certain claims filed within one year after separation.

Practical takeaway: When you get a decision, check the effective date instead of focusing only on the percentage.

09/04/2026

Sometimes, the first step forward is simply understanding where you stand. 💪

From smaller increases to 100%, this week's outcomes show that every Veteran's situation is different.

The number is only part of the story. 🙌

If you're wondering about your own position, a conversation can be a good place to start.

📞 Take 30 minutes to assess your options with a FREE introductory strategy call. Link in the comments. 👇

09/04/2026

If you disagree with a VA decision, the next step is not automatically the same for everyone.

VA has three decision review options: Supplemental Claim, Higher Level Review, and Board Appeal. The evidence you have and what you believe needs another look can affect which option fits the situation.

The takeaway: understand what each review option does before choosing one.

09/03/2026

I’m out at the DeWitt Farmers Market today! 🇺🇸

I’ll be here every Thursday from now through the end of October.

If you’re a Veteran or have a Veteran in your family and have questions about VA disability benefits, stop by and talk with me. A lot of Veterans simply don’t know what they don’t know when it comes to the VA process.

Or just stop by and say hi. I’m always happy to meet another Veteran.

Hope to see some of you out here!

09/03/2026

If you are not ready to file your VA disability claim, an intent to file may matter.

It can establish a potential effective date while you gather the information and evidence you need. VA says you generally have one year after notifying them of your intent to file to complete the claim.

Know the date before the clock starts running.

09/02/2026

An intent to file can matter when you are not ready to submit a VA disability claim yet.

VA says it can set a potential earlier effective date while you gather what you need. After notifying VA of your intent to file, you generally have 1 year to complete and file the claim.

The takeaway: if you need time to gather evidence, understand this option before waiting.

09/02/2026

Come on out this Thursday at see me at the booth 37!

We're celebrating the end of summer at Thursday's End of Summer Tropical Bash at the DeWitt Farmers Market! 🎶🎤

The Emmaus Road Church Band is one of our special guests. They'll be performing in the band shell at Lincoln Park during market hours.

Thursday 3:30-6:30pm