Most Recent Blog Posts
The Black Heroine behind Amanda Gorman.
Single mothers! The poem “The Hill We Climb” recited by Amanda Gorman during the Inauguration on January 20th, 2021 was also written for you. It was created and articulated by a brilliant young Black woman with her eye on the President’s office. The poet’s dynamic...
The Black Woman In Me
As we approach Black History Month and Women’s History Month, I am presented with an opportunity to write about a Black woman. So, I chose me! I am an Afro-Latina who also identifies as Black. On my census bureau application last year, I checked off Black, Hispanic...
An Honest Conversation with Veterans about Race.
In light of the events of the past couple of weeks, and the role of veterans in those events, it is important that we veterans begin to have an honest conversation about race and identity in the veterans community.
Proving Gulf War Syndrome claims (Part 2 of 2)
This post is part of a two-part series summarizing the so-called "Gulf War presumption" of service connection. You can click here to read the first post. What is a Qualifying Chronic Disability? To get the presumption of service connection for Gulf War syndrome, a...
We The People
This article was written by Yalitza Ledgister. In June 2020, I promised that, in an effort to take a step towards ending the systematic oppression of Black veterans, I would hire a writer to elevate the voices of Black veterans, veterans of color, women veterans and...
What is Gulf War Syndrome claims (Part 1 of 2)
What is Gulf War Syndrome? This post is part of a two-part series summarizing the so-called "Gulf War presumption" of service connection. You can click here to read the second post. In this first part, we are going to explore, in the specific context of VA claims,...
Calling Out to End Racism.
This article was written by Yalitza Ledgister of the law firm of Attig | Curran | Steel, PLLC (I'm told a link to Yalitza's bio is coming soon). In June 2020, I promised that, in an effort to take a step towards ending the systematic oppression of Black veterans, I...
Learn about the different types of VA claims under the AMA.
A veteran was once able to file different types of VA claims in the legacy claims and appeals system, and they generally fit into two categories. One category encompassed VA claims recognized by the VA: new claims, claims for increased rating, and reopened claims. A...
