Michael Irey, Brookside Veteran Services Representative

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.

01/09/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Many Veterans qualify for a higher VA rating through secondary conditions—issues caused or worsened by an already service-connected condition.

Examples:
-Knee/hip/back pain from altered gait
-Migraines secondary to tinnitus
-Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD (case-specific evidence matters)
-Depression/anxiety secondary to chronic pain

If you only claim the “main” condition, you may be leaving benefits on the table.

Contact me today for help with your rating!

01/08/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

The VA doesn’t just rate a diagnosis—they rate how well your records prove severity and impact on daily life.

If you’re filing (or appealing), make sure your evidence clearly shows:

-Frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms
-How it impacts work, sleep, relationships, and daily function
-Consistent treatment notes (not just one-time mentions)

Small details in medical records can be the difference between “service-connected” and the right rating.

Contact me for help with your VA rating today!!!!!

01/07/2026

Big thanks to

Hal Pinter

for all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

01/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

The VA doesn’t just rate a diagnosis—they rate how well your records prove severity and impact on daily life.

If you’re filing (or appealing), make sure your evidence clearly shows:

-Frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms
-How it impacts work, sleep, relationships, and daily function
-Consistent treatment notes (not just one-time mentions)

Small details in medical records can be the difference between “service-connected” and the right rating.

Contact me for help with your rating today!!!

01/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Many Veterans spend years living with service-connected conditions and still say things like:

“Nah, I’m good.”
“Others had it worse.”
“I’ll deal with it later.”

The VA doesn’t award benefits for being tough.

They award benefits for documented, service-connected conditions.

You can be strong and informed.

You can be humble and still claim what you earned.

And no—you’re not “taking from someone else.”

You already paid for these benefits with your service.

“Just dealing with it” shouldn’t be the long-term plan.

01/05/2026

Did You Know?

Many veterans qualify for VA disability benefits years after leaving the service — even if they were never treated while on active duty.

If your condition can be connected to your service, it may still count.

You served. You earned it.

Contact me today!