39 Articles · Retired CPA & CFE · Educational

VA Claims Articles
& Guides 2026

Educational articles on VA disability claims, denied benefits, red flags, claim sharks, and veteran advocacy — written by a retired CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner. No sales. No pressure. Just honest information.

Monte Fisher Monte Fisher CPA (Ret.) · CFE
Veteran Advocate
VCAnalytics.ai
Educational content only
Retired Texas CPA & CFE
No paid placements
Not legal advice
New series

AI Business Transformation —
industry-specific guides

How small and medium businesses can assess, implement, and govern AI in their specific industry — without being sold to. Independent analysis from a retired CPA, CFE, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Article 1 of 5 · Published Now
AI-Driven Fleet Optimization in 2026: The Competitive Edge Smart Operators Are Using
Fuel cost reduction, predictive maintenance, fraud detection, and integrated fleet ecosystems — what's actually working for fleet operators in 2026 and how to evaluate vendors without being sold to.
Read the full article → Philippine BPO Series · Published Now
AI Governance for Philippine BPOs: 3 Questions Your US Client Will Ask
Philippine BPOs deploying AI without governance frameworks risk losing US contracts. The 3 questions your US client will ask at renewal — and how to answer them.
Read the full article → Philippine Mining Series · Published Now
AI Governance for Philippine Mining: 3 Questions Your Foreign Investor Will Ask
Philippine mining operations deploying AI without governance frameworks risk losing foreign investment. The 3 questions your foreign investor will ask — and how to answer them.
Read the full article → Frameworks · Published Now
NIST AI RMF and COSO for Philippine Business Leaders — Plain English Guide
The two frameworks your US clients and foreign investors use to audit your AI governance — explained without jargon by a forensic CPA who has applied them in the field.
Read the full article → Free Tool · No Signup
Free FAIG Assessment — Is Your Organization Ready to Implement AI?
15 questions, 5 minutes, your score stays in your browser. Data governance, security posture, human oversight, vendor due diligence, and organizational readiness — scored against NIST AI RMF and COSO.
Take the free assessment → Free Conversation · No Upfront Fees
Ready to assess your specific situation? Message Monte directly.
Fleet, logistics, professional services, healthcare operations, regulated industries — Monte assesses your situation, identifies which AI applications have real ROI potential, and introduces vetted AI partners. No vendor agenda.
Message Monte on WhatsApp →
Most important reads

Start here — essential guides

⭐ #1 on Google
Best VA Claims Companies 2026: Honest Ranking & Red Flags
The complete independent ranking — DAV/VFW, Veterans Guardian, VetComm, VCAnalytics and more. Scored on ethics, licensing, transparency, and PII protection. No paid placements.
Read the full ranking → Most Read
Why Was My VA Claim Denied? Billion Dollar Middlemen Contractors
Private C&P contractors and internal VA pressures lead to high denial rates. Exposing churn, quotas, and waste costing veterans billions in benefits.
Read the full article → Critical Reading
VA Claim Sharks 2026: Real Risks for Veterans
Red flags, referral fees, VA Form 0845 dangers, and best practices for protecting yourself. Written by a retired CPA who has seen it all.
Read the full article →

Need help with your specific claim?

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Denied claims & strategy

When your claim was denied
or underrated

Denied Claims
VA OIG Report: Nearly 45% of Denied Claims Have VA Processing Errors
According to VA OIG reports, nearly 45% of denied claims contain processing errors by the VA — not veteran errors. Don't give up.
May 2026Read article → Denied Claims
Why Was My VA Claim Denied? The Answer: Billion Dollar Middlemen Contractors
Private C&P contractors and internal VA pressures lead to high denial rates. Exposing churn, quotas, and waste costing veterans billions.
Dec 2025Read article → Strategy
VA Claims Processing Times 2026: Faster Processing but High Denial Rates
The full picture on VA processing speed vs outcomes — faster doesn't mean better for veterans.
Read article → Strategy
Why Your First VA Claim Matters
The importance of getting your first claim right — avoid common pitfalls and maximize benefits from day one.
Read article → Strategy
Are VA Raters Over-Relying on C&P Exams?
Examining VA rating decisions and the heavy dependence on Compensation & Pension exams — is it fair to veterans?
Read article → Strategy
Millions Spent on Unnecessary C&P Exams
The massive cost of redundant exams — how it hurts veterans and taxpayers simultaneously.
Read article → Strategy
Why the VA Spends Millions Fighting Veterans' Claims — And Why You Should Never Give Up
VA OIG reports show nearly 45% of reviewed denials contain errors. Many veterans win on appeal.
May 2026Read article → Strategy
100% VA-Rated Veteran Leaving Thousands on the Table?
Even at max rating, many veterans miss out on additional benefits. Discover how to claim what's rightfully yours.
Jan 2026Read article →
Conditions & benefits

Specific conditions
veterans need to know about

Conditions
Sleep Apnea and PTSD: Can Pulling Off the CPAP Mask Protect Your 50% Rating?
Proposed VA changes to sleep apnea ratings and how PTSD-related CPAP intolerance can support the 50% rating.
May 2026Read article → Conditions
Sleep Apnea Secondary Conditions 2026: Stack These to Boost Your Combined Rating
Hypertension, GERD, migraines, ED and more — high-value secondaries you can stack with sleep apnea before rating changes hit.
May 2026Read article → Conditions
Tinnitus VA Claim 2026: How to Win 10% Using Official DoD Evidence Most Veterans Overlook
The official MOS Noise Exposure Listing is a powerful tool most veterans don't use.
May 2026Read article → Conditions
Fatty Liver VA Claim Denied in 2026? Here's Why and How to Fight Back
VA sending out many denial and severance letters for fatty liver. Don't give up — many can be successfully challenged.
May 2026Read article → Conditions
Obesity as a Secondary VA Condition: The Strategic Link the VA Keeps Fighting
The VA continues to deny obesity as secondary despite medical evidence. Here's how veterans successfully use it as an intermediate link.
May 2026Read article → Conditions
VA Obesity Denials 2025: What Veterans Need to Know
VA's shifting stance on obesity as a service-connected condition — why denials are rising and what vets need to do.
Nov 2025Read article → Conditions
Are VA Benefits for ED, Sleep Apnea, Tinnitus at Risk?
Potential threats and changes to these high-rated conditions — how to protect your rating before changes hit.
Oct 2025Read article → PACT Act
PACT Act Updates: New Conditions and Locations
Latest expansions to PACT Act benefits, new presumptive conditions, and VA location changes veterans need to know now.
Oct 2025Read article → Benefits
VA vs SSDI: Can Veterans Get BOTH Benefits in 2026?
Comparing VA disability ratings and Social Security Disability Insurance — eligibility, amounts, and how to claim both.
Oct 2025Read article → Treatment
Ibogaine for Veterans: Brain Reset & New Hope
Information about ibogaine treatment options, research updates, and how veterans are exploring this emerging therapy alongside VA benefits.
May 2026Read guide →
Red flags & fraud

Protect yourself —
claim sharks and predators

Must Read · 2026
VA Claim Sharks 2026: Real Risks, Red Flags & Best Practices
Real risks for veterans filing claims. Red flags, referral fees, VA Form 0845 dangers, and best practices explained by a retired CPA.
May 2026Read article → Fraud Alert
Predatory Advertising Targeting Veterans: Tactics, Laws & How to Protect Yourself
How companies use trauma-based ads and emotional manipulation to target veterans. What to watch for and how to protect yourself.
May 2026Read article → Fraud Alert
VA Claim Sharks: Are You Being Targeted?
Uncovering predatory "claim sharks" exploiting veterans — how to spot them and protect your benefits.
Oct 2025Read article → Data Risk
VA Form 21-0845 Warning 2026: Your VA File Could Be Sold on the Dark Web
Know the risks before signing Form 0845. Your data may reach parties you never intended.
Read article → Fraud Alert
VA Red Flags & Fraud Crackdown 2026
How to choose wisely under Veterans Right to Choose — what the fraud crackdown means for non-accredited companies.
Read article → Fraud Alert
Fraud by Vets Against Vets
Exposing scams targeting fellow veterans — stay informed and protected from those who exploit the community they claim to serve.
Jan 2026Read article → Fraud Alert
Hidden Cost of VA Claim Fraud
The real price of fraudulent claims — how fraud by a few impacts the benefits of genuine veterans.
Jan 2026Read article → Discrimination
Do Insurance Companies Skirt Anti-Discrimination Laws Using Credit Scores?
Credit scores as a proxy for protected traits — how veterans face higher rates due to service-related debt.
Dec 2025Read article →
Mental health

Mental health claims
& PTSD strategy

Mental Health
Can Getting Yelled at in the Military Give You PTSD? The Truth
Routine yelling and military discipline almost never qualify as PTSD under VA rules. Here's what the VA actually requires and why some companies push false promises.
May 2026Read article → Mental Health
Veteran Mental Health Conditions: Have You Been Assessed?
A step-by-step checklist for veterans filing mental health claims with the VA — what to include and what VA looks for.
Sep 2025Read article →
VA system & policy

Understanding the system —
policy, rules & reform

Rules
VA Rules 101: Accredited vs Unaccredited and Locations
Breaking down accredited vs unaccredited VA claims representatives — who to trust and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Oct 2025Read article → 2026 Law
California SB 694 vs Florida SB 910: New State Laws Affecting VA Claims Help
California banned most paid unaccredited VA claims help starting January 2027. Florida kept options open with consumer safeguards.
2026Read article → Policy
Is Musk's Next Target an AI-Driven VA Claims Process?
Elon Musk's latest focus and what it means for veterans, claims processing, and the VA system going forward.
Jan 2026Read article → AI & Tech
AI Solutions Enhance VA Claims Process?
Using existing AI tools to prepare stronger, faster VA claims — practical tips for veterans who want to use technology smartly.
Oct 2025Read article → Policy
38% VA Denials vs Somali Daycares 99% Approvals?
Examining disparities in VA claim denials — uncovering potential fraud and bias in the system that affects veterans.
Jan 2026Read article → Accountability
What's Happening in Greene County with Veterans Tax Money?
Questions about veterans tax money allocation, oversight, and what vets need to know about local fund management.
Jan 2026Read article → Policy
Service Dogs Imports: Government Overreach?
CDC regulations on service dog imports — how they impact veterans with service animals and what to watch for.
Dec 2025Read article →
Philippines & expat veterans

Veterans abroad —
Philippines & overseas guides

Philippines
Private Security & Investigations in the Philippines: What US Veterans Must Know
Important visa rules, RA 11917 restrictions, and safe legal pathways for American veterans considering security work in the Philippines.
May 2026Read article → Philippines
VA Manila Closing 2025: What Veterans in the Philippines Need to Know
What vets need to know about VA Manila Regional Office changes and how it affects veterans living in the Philippines.
Jan 2026Read article → Philippines
VA Disability & FMP for US Veterans in the Philippines 2026
Complete guide to FMP, C&P exams in Manila and Angeles City, CVAC Manila, and in-person help from Monte in Makati.
2026Read guide → Overseas
Best Countries for US Veterans Living Abroad 2026 — Ranked by Retired CPA & CFE
11 countries ranked honestly — Philippines, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Germany, UK, Australia and more.
2026Read ranking →
Foundational guides

Start from the beginning —
VA basics & education

Basics
VA Compensation 101: The Basics Every Veteran Should Know
A foundational guide to VA compensation claims — how the system works, what to expect, and how to get started.
Jan 2026Read guide → About Monte
From Forensic Accounting to Veterans Benefits
How forensic accounting skills uncover hidden VA benefits and strengthen claims — the foundation of Monte's approach.
Oct 2025Read article → About Monte
Empowering Veterans with Secure Data-Driven Claims Analytics
How VCAnalytics uses secure AI and data analytics to help veterans win claims faster and more effectively.
Dec 2025Read article →

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Free Tier 1 Analysis → Message Monte