The Veterans Disability Nexus

🎧 Episode Summary
In this episode, Leah Bucholz breaks down how gastritis — inflammation of the stomach lining — is evaluated for VA disability benefits.
Many Veterans experience chronic stomach pain, nausea, or digestive issues linked to service-related stress, medications, or other conditions. Leah explains how to build a strong service connection, understand the updated VA rating schedule for gastritis, and use medical evidence and research to support your claim.
Whether you’re filing a new claim or appealing a denial, this episode will help you better understand what the VA looks for and how to strengthen your case.
🩺 Key Topics Covered
[00:00] — Welcome & Introduction
Leah introduces Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting and the focus of today’s episode: helping Veterans understand gastritis and how it relates to VA disability benefits.
[01:00] — What Is Gastritis?
An overview of gastritis, common symptoms, and how it can develop from stress, NSAID use, or alcohol exposure during service.
[02:15] — Updated VA Disability Ratings for Gastritis
Leah explains the revised rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7307, including:
100% rating for post-surgical recovery from perforation or hemorrhage
60% for severe symptoms with anemia and hospitalization
40% for recurring episodes lasting several days
20% for less frequent episodes
0% for documented history without current symptoms
[04:00] — Service Connection Pathways
Discussion of the three main types of service connection for gastritis claims:
Direct service connection (onset during active duty)
Secondary connection (caused by PTSD, GERD, or medications)
Aggravation of a pre-existing stomach condition
[06:00] — What the Medical Literature Says
Leah reviews peer-reviewed research showing how chronic stress, NSAID use, alcohol, and Helicobacter pylori infection contribute to gastritis — and how these risk factors commonly appear in Veterans.
[08:00] — Working with Accredited Legal Professionals
Tips on finding VA-accredited attorneys, agents, or Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to assist with claims.
How to use the VA’s accreditation database and connect with reputable organizations like DAV, VFW, and The American Legion.

💡 Key Takeaways
Gastritis can be service-connected directly, secondarily, or through aggravation.
The VA’s updated rating system emphasizes episode frequency, duration, and medical treatment.
Medical literature supports links between stress, medications, and stomach inflammation in Veterans.
Working with accredited professionals and medical experts can strengthen your claim and improve outcomes.
🧭 Resources Mentioned
VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities — Digestive System (38 CFR §4.114)
VA Accreditation Search Tool: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting: https://prestigeveteranmctx.com/
World Journal of Gastroenterology (2014) — Research on stress and gastritis
American Journal of Gastroenterology (2010) — NSAID-induced gastric injury

Episode Overview
In this powerful episode, we welcome back Attorney Rebecca Demming of ProVet Legal to unpack the inner workings of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes when your VA claim ends up at the BVA, this episode is for you. Whether you're a veteran preparing for a hearing or helping someone navigate the appeal system, Rebecca offers expert insight into how the BVA works—and how veterans can improve their chances of a successful outcome.
What You’ll Learn:
What the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) is and how it differs from the initial VA decision process
The structure and role of the BVA—including Veterans Law Judges
Key steps veterans should take to prepare for a BVA hearing
How evidence is reviewed, and what counts as strong testimony
The most common issues seen at the BVA level (and how to avoid them)
What happens after a BVA decision: approvals, denials, and remands
Pro tips from Rebecca on improving your appeal strategy
Guest Spotlight:
Rebecca Demming, Esq.
Veterans Law Attorney | Founder of ProVet Legal
Rebecca returns to the show with her trademark clarity and compassion for the veteran community. With years of experience representing veterans at all stages of the VA process, she brings invaluable knowledge about the BVA hearing process and legal strategies for success.
Why This Episode Matters:
The BVA can be a critical turning point in a VA disability appeal. Understanding how it works—and how to navigate it with confidence—can make all the difference. This episode gives you the tools, tips, and expert insights you won't find anywhere else.
Key Takeaways:
BVA hearings offer veterans a meaningful chance to present new evidence or clarify their case
Professional representation can significantly improve an appeal's outcome
Staying organized, credible, and prepared makes a major impact
Even if your case is remanded, it’s often part of the process—not the end of the road
Resources Mentioned:
VA.gov: BVA Appeals Information
AMA (Appeals Modernization Act) Guide
ProVet Legal: provetlegal.com
Accredited attorney / VSO search tool

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can deeply affect a veteran’s life — impacting mood, judgment, work, and relationships. The VA recognizes bipolar disorder as a rateable mental health condition, and veterans struggling with it may be eligible for significant disability compensation.
In this episode, we’ll explain how the VA rates bipolar disorder, how to prove service connection, what evidence you need, and how to navigate the claims process with confidence.

In this episode, we shine a light on the unique challenges faced by Military Police (MPs) and how their demanding service often leads to both physical and mental health conditions that qualify for VA disability benefits.
Military Police endure high-stress situations, exposure to trauma, and physically dangerous duties — all of which can result in long-term health issues such as PTSD, hearing loss, orthopedic injuries, and chronic pain. Yet, many MPs don’t realize these conditions may be service-connected and compensable through the VA.
We’ll break down how to document your experiences, file strong claims, and overcome common challenges specific to MP veterans.
🔍 Topics Covered:
The role of Military Police and how service conditions affect health
Common service-connected disabilities among MPs:PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Back, knee, and shoulder injuries from physical strain
Hearing loss and tinnitus from weapons and sirens
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from accidents or blasts

Establishing service connection for MP-related disabilities
Importance of incident reports, buddy statements, and medical records
How to strengthen PTSD claims for law enforcement-related trauma
Using nexus letters and Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) to support your claim
Understanding secondary conditions (sleep apnea, migraines, chronic pain)
What to do if your VA claim is denied
Navigating the VA appeal process and gathering new evidence
💡 Key Takeaways:
Military Police veterans face unique service-related physical and psychological risks.
Many MP-related injuries and mental health conditions can be service-connected.
Strong evidence — medical documentation, nexus letters, and credible lay statements — is key to success.
PTSD claims for MPs often require detailed stressors and service verification.
If your claim was denied, a well-prepared appeal with professional medical support can reverse the decision.
🧾 Resources Mentioned:
VA Form 21-0781 – PTSD Stressor Statement
VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Mental and Musculoskeletal Conditions)
VA Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Rating Guide
National Center for PTSD – Resources for Law Enforcement and Veterans
Veterans Law Clinics and Accredited Claims Agents
🎧 Tune In If You’re a Veteran Who:
Served as Military Police and is dealing with ongoing health issues
Experiences PTSD, anxiety, or depression from service duties
Suffers from back, knee, or hearing injuries tied to military service
Has had a VA claim denied and wants to strengthen your appeal
Wants to better understand your VA disability rating and entitlements

In this episode, we spotlight Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.
We’ll discuss the mission, the impact, and how veterans, families, and supporters can get involved. Whether you’re a veteran, a student, or someone looking to give back, this episode explains how Folds of Honor helps ensure that the sacrifices of America’s heroes are never forgotten.
💡 What You’ll Learn
What Folds of Honor is and how it began
The mission behind the organization
Who qualifies for Folds of Honor scholarships
How the scholarship process works
The impact these scholarships have on military and first responder families
How you can support or partner with Folds of Honor
Real stories of lives changed through education and generosity
🇺🇸 Key Discussion Points
1. The Mission
Founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor began with a simple yet powerful mission: to honor the sacrifice by educating the legacy.
The organization provides academic scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled heroes — ensuring that their dreams of education live on.
2. Scholarship Programs
Folds of Honor offers two main scholarship types:
🎓 Higher Education Scholarships: For spouses or children pursuing college or post-secondary education.
📚 Children’s Fund Scholarships: For private schooling (K–12).
Eligibility includes families of fallen or disabled service members, as well as first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs).
3. Impact & Reach
Over 52,000 scholarships awarded since inception
More than $240 million in educational assistance provided
Scholarships are available across all 50 states
The organization maintains a 4-star Charity Navigator rating for financial transparency and impact
4. How to Apply
Applications typically open February 1 through March 31 each year.
Applicants must provide documentation of eligibility, academic transcripts, and a personal statement.
Scholarships are renewable each year with continued academic progress.
5. How to Support
There are many ways to contribute to Folds of Honor’s mission:
Donate: One-time or recurring donations help fund scholarships directly.
Host or join a fundraiser: Events like Patriot Golf Days, charity runs, or local drives.
Corporate partnerships: Many companies collaborate to sponsor educational funds.
Volunteer: Support local Folds of Honor chapters and community events.
6. Why It Matters
Behind every folded flag is a story of service, sacrifice, and family.
 Folds of Honor ensures that those stories continue through education — helping families heal, grow, and build a brighter future.
🔗 Helpful Resources
🌐 Folds of Honor Official Website

🎓 Scholarship Information & Application

🏌️ Patriot Golf Days

❤️ Volunteer & Get Involved

Charity Navigator – Folds of Honor Rating

💬 Key Takeaway
Folds of Honor stands as a beacon of gratitude and hope — transforming the legacy of sacrifice into opportunity through education.
 Every donation, partnership, or shared story helps make sure the families of America’s heroes are supported and remembered.