Author: larryf

Several metrics often contribute to why certain cities are less than ideal for military families and veterans. A personal finance website or think tank might analyze cities based on a weighted average score derived from various categories. These often include economic environment, quality of life, and access to health care. Key economic indicators include the veteran unemployment rate, the overall unemployment rate, job growth rate, median annual income for veterans, and the poverty rate among veterans. Cities with high unemployment or slow job growth offer fewer employment opportunities for transitioning service members and military spouses. A low median annual income, especially when paired with a high cost of living, signals financial strain. Quality of life metrics might assess housing affordability, commute times, crime rate, school quality, and community support for military families. Access to health care focuses on the availability and quality of VA health facilities and VA benefits administration facilities. A city might rank poorly if it has few VA health options or long wait times, despite having a large veteran population.

The Houthi movement, officially Ansar Allah, began as a Zaidi Shia theological revival movement in northern Yemen during the 1990s. This group’s opposition to President Ali Abdullah Saleh stemmed from accusations of widespread corruption and excessively close relationships with both the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; this opposition propelled them to greater prominence. Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi started the group. Yemeni army forces killed him in 2004. This direct military exchange marked a new phase in the Houthi-US conflict. Iran’s involvement raised significant red flags; a regional war seemed increasingly likely. Middle Eastern security is incredibly weak right now.

Your disability rating isn’t necessarily permanent. Various factors can influence your rating and compensation over time. Staying aware of these factors helps you manage your VA benefits effectively. The primary factor is changes in your health condition. If a service-connected disability worsens, you can file a claim for an increased rating, potentially leading to higher disability pay rates. Conversely, if the VA determines your condition has significantly improved, they might propose a rating reduction, though protections exist for long-held ratings. Eligibility for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is another critical factor. If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is less than 100%, you might qualify for TDIU. This allows you to receive VA disability compensation at the 100% rate. Another significant factor involves secondary conditions. These are health problems caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability. For example, depression developing due to chronic pain from a service-connected injury could be considered a secondary condition. If the VA grants service connection for a secondary condition, it receives its disability rating. This rating is then factored into your overall combined rating using the VA Math formula. Properly documenting and claiming secondary conditions can lead to a higher total monthly compensation amount. Conditions presumed service-connected, like those associated with Agent Orange exposure or Gulf War service, also play a role. If you served in specific locations during certain periods and developed a condition on the VA’s presumptive list, establishing service connection might be simpler. These presumptive conditions contribute to your overall disability rating and veteran status.

As a military personnel, it can be challenging to balance your military career with a civilian job. However, having an evening job can be a great way to supplement your income, gain new skills, and enhance your overall career prospects. Here are some of the best kind of evening jobs for military personnel…

Here are 5 most famous Navy SEALs ever. It’s important to note that strength in the SEAL community encompasses physical capabilities, mental resilience, tactical skill, and leadership ability. Many other remarkable SEALs could justifiably be included on such a list, and the true measure of a SEAL’s strength often involves classified operations that aren’t publicly documented.

There are 296 ships in the US Navy.  However, the exact number fluctuates as older ships are decommissioned and new ones are commissioned. The Navy has been working toward a goal of a 355-ship fleet, though budget constraints and changing strategic priorities have affected these plans.

Trump’s latest talk has everyone buzzing. The former president, President Donald Trump, is openly suggesting a plan where he threatens Mexico cartels with drone war. This aggressive strategy aims squarely at the fentanyl crisis devastating American communities. The idea has ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum. It raises complex questions about sovereignty, effectiveness, and the future of the US-Mexico bilateral relationship.

By following these 10 key steps, you’ll be well on your way to filing a successful claim and increasing your VA disability rating. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and thorough throughout the process. A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a veteran’s service-connected disability. This rating represents how much the disability impairs veterans’ ability to work and earn a living. The rating is used to determine the amount of monthly compensation the veteran is eligible to receive. How is a VA Disability Rating Determined? The VA uses a rating schedule to determine the disability rating. The rating schedule is a complex system that assigns a percentage rating based on the severity of the disability, as well as its impact on the veteran’s daily life and ability to work.

Both the Air Force and Navy offer rewarding careers and unique experiences. It’s essential to research and understand the pros and cons of each branch before making a decision. Consider speaking with recruiters, veterans, and current service members to gain a deeper understanding of what each branch has to offer.

The Navy offers several unique advantages compared to other military branches.  As a Navy veteran, I found my military experience rewarding and training among the best. I highly recommend choosing a school or training that will become useful in your civilian life.  For many its all about veteran benefits like health care and college education.  All are great, but the ‘training’ that provides lifetime rewards long after your military service can be the most advantageous in the long term.  All to say, be prepared and study up before taking the ASVAB.  Get your school promise in writing before raising your right hand.  With all that said, let’s move on to the remarkable advantages of joining the Navy