Kevin Bigelow - Veteran Coach

Kevin Bigelow - Veteran Coach Supporting veterans elevate their VA ratings and access rightful benefits. No claim representation or legal advice provided.

Helping fellow vets navigate VA claims, secure deserved benefits, and achieve their maximum VA rating potential.

Did you know GERD may be claimed as a secondary condition to a service-connected disability such as PTSD?A secondary cla...
10/01/2026

Did you know GERD may be claimed as a secondary condition to a service-connected disability such as PTSD?

A secondary claim requires evidence connecting the new condition to an already service-connected disability.

For GERD and PTSD, the evidence needs to address whether PTSD caused or aggravated your GERD. Medical records, medical opinions, and relevant statements about your symptoms may support that connection.

Having both conditions does not automatically establish a secondary claim. The relationship between them needs to be supported by evidence.

Myth: A secondary condition has to be caused directly by military service.That is not how a secondary service-connected ...
09/28/2026

Myth: A secondary condition has to be caused directly by military service.

That is not how a secondary service-connected condition is generally defined.

A secondary condition is typically connected to an already service-connected disability. The focus is on whether one condition is related to another service-connected condition.

For example, if a Veteran develops a condition that may be caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability, that relationship may support a secondary service connection claim.

Understanding the connection and having evidence to support it is key. A condition doesn’t always have to have started during service to be relevant to a VA claim.

Your VA disability rating is based on more than simply having a diagnosis.VA evaluates the severity of a service-connect...
09/24/2026

Your VA disability rating is based on more than simply having a diagnosis.

VA evaluates the severity of a service-connected condition using the evidence in your claim, which can include medical records, test results, your C&P exam when required, and other relevant information.

The important takeaway is that your symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to function can matter when VA evaluates the severity of your condition.

That is why understanding the rating criteria for your specific condition is important. Your medical evidence should clearly document what you are experiencing and the level of impairment involved.

Before your next VA claim or review, take time to understand what evidence actually supports the severity of your condition.

VA claims can involve a lot of information, from medical evidence and service records to rating decisions and possible n...
09/22/2026

VA claims can involve a lot of information, from medical evidence and service records to rating decisions and possible next steps.

When everything starts to feel unclear, the first step is not always doing more. Sometimes it is taking a closer look at what you already have and understanding what it means.

I educate Veterans on the VA claims process so they can better understand their evidence, decisions, and the questions they should be asking.

If you have questions about your VA claim and want a clearer understanding of where things stand, book a FREE 30-minute call with me.

Let's focus on your questions, make the information easier to understand, and identify what you may want to consider next.

📞 Book your FREE 30-MIN Call with me! 👇
https://calendly.com/kevinbigelow-increase-va-rating/30min
☎️ Call/Text: (813) 547-4799

Today marks the birthday of the United States Air Force.🛩️Since its establishment as an independent military branch in 1...
09/18/2026

Today marks the birthday of the United States Air Force.🛩️

Since its establishment as an independent military branch in 1947, the Air Force has played a significant role in protecting U.S. airspace and supporting missions around the world.

For Air Force Veterans, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the service, skills, and experiences that became part of their journey in uniform.

From aviation and engineering to logistics, communications, security, and leadership, Air Force service has contributed to a wide range of military missions and careers beyond service.

Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force and to the Veterans who proudly served in its ranks.

Do you know why your DD214 can be so important to your VA claim?Your DD214 can be one of the most important documents in...
09/16/2026

Do you know why your DD214 can be so important to your VA claim?

Your DD214 can be one of the most important documents in your VA claims journey.

From your service dates to your discharge information, your DD214 contains details that can establish your military service and become part of the foundation for a VA claim.

Swipe through to see why this document matters and what you should know about it.

Save this post so you can come back to it when reviewing your VA records.

What Is Missing From Your VA Claim?Sometimes the biggest question isn’t whether you have evidence, but whether it clearl...
09/14/2026

What Is Missing From Your VA Claim?

Sometimes the biggest question isn’t whether you have evidence, but whether it clearly supports your claim.

Before taking the next step, review your records, medical evidence, service history, and condition details. Look for gaps, unclear information, or anything that still needs to be addressed.

Knowing what your evidence supports and what may be missing can make the claims process easier to navigate.

As a Veteran Coach, I educate Veterans on the VA claims process, evidence, ratings, and potential next steps so they can make more informed decisions about their claims.

If you have questions about your VA claim and want to better understand your options, **book a FREE 30-minute call with me.** We can use the time to discuss your questions and clarify what you may want to look at next.

📞 Book your FREE 30-MIN Call with me! 👇
https://calendly.com/kevinbigelow-increase-va-rating/30min
☎️ Call/Text: (813) 547-4799

Patriot Day, observed on September 11, is a day to remember the lives lost and the many people affected by the attacks o...
09/11/2026

Patriot Day, observed on September 11, is a day to remember the lives lost and the many people affected by the attacks of September 11, 2001.

For Veterans and military families, the events of that day also marked a significant turning point in American military history and shaped the experiences of a generation who served afterward.

Remembering September 11 is not only about looking back. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, service, and lasting impact that followed.

Today, we remember those who lost their lives and honor the families, first responders, service members, and communities whose lives were forever changed.

Take a moment to remember.🕊️

Your PFT results may tell an important part of the story when it comes to your asthma claim.A Pulmonary Function Test (P...
09/09/2026

Your PFT results may tell an important part of the story when it comes to your asthma claim.

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) measures how well your lungs are working. For VA respiratory evaluations, PFT results can include measurements such as FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC, which may be considered when determining the severity of asthma.

For asthma under Diagnostic Code 6602, VA also considers factors such as the frequency of exacerbations, physician visits, and certain medications.

The takeaway: don't overlook your PFT results when reviewing the evidence for an asthma claim. Understanding what your medical evidence shows can help you better understand how VA evaluates the severity of your condition.

Have you ever looked at your PFT results and wondered what the numbers actually mean?

Labor Day is a time to recognize the value of hard work and the contributions workers make to their communities.For many...
09/07/2026

Labor Day is a time to recognize the value of hard work and the contributions workers make to their communities.

For many Veterans, the skills developed through military service can carry into civilian careers, including leadership, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Military service is one part of a Veteran’s story. The work, skills, and contributions that come afterward matter too.

This Labor Day, take a moment to recognize the work and dedication that continue to shape your path beyond service.

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