Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Additional GI Bill Benefits Possible
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced additional GI benefits for those who have served two or more periods of service. The VA updated its process for awarding GI Bill benefits, so veterans who reenlisted may be eligible for additional benefits. These benefits may apply to their family members and beneficiaries as well…. Read More »

Man Faces Sentencing In VA Benefit Fraud Scheme
Many people try to con government programs in order to receive money and other benefits. This is a common tactic but it’s against the law. It can lead to harsh punishment. A Maryland man who lied about a service-related injury fraudulently obtained more than $750,000 in disability benefits. He was recently sentenced to home… Read More »

Man Killed By Equipment At Construction Site
Cities often need more buildings to support a population, especially in New York, so construction is a necessity. However, building a structure requires materials, tools, and equipment. These factors can all be dangerous for the workers. Unfortunately, a construction worker was recently killed while working on a construction site. The fatal accident occurred on… Read More »

Does Marriage Affect My SSDI Benefits?
If you are disabled and have been trying for a long time to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you know how crazy the process is. You may have waited for more than a year to get approved, so you want to make sure you keep these benefits for as long as possible…. Read More »

Be Wary Of Veterans Benefits Scams
Veterans Day has come and gone, but veterans should be aware of benefits scams and fraud every day. Lawmakers are warning veterans and their families to be aware of scams and fraud, especially by companies who exploit veterans by trying to access their benefits. There are also people known as “claim sharks” who often… Read More »

Woman Denied Extreme Financial Hardship After Workplace Injury
Suffering a workplace injury can be devastating. You’re not only injured but also losing money from not being able to work. At what point does it become an extreme financial hardship under state law? New York law is unclear in this regard. A case from 2010 was denied for extreme financial hardship due to… Read More »

SSDI COLA Up 2.5% For 2025
It’s expensive to live. It seems like the prices for gas, groceries, and everything else we buy are constantly rising. For those who work, pay increases are rare even though everyday costs keep going up. Fortunately, government agencies do keep up with the pace of inflation. Every year, they make adjustments to monthly benefit… Read More »

What Is The 10-Year Rule For Veterans Benefits?
What is the 10-Year Rule for Veterans Benefits? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits for those who have served our country. To protect the veterans who receive benefits, the VA has a 10-year rule in place. What this means is that once the VA has granted a service connection for a… Read More »

Man Killed After Being Trapped In Machine
Nobody wants to die at work. Not many people expect to, but it happens. Sadly, a New York man was killed while working at a paper company. The 42-year-old man was killed after he was trapped in a compactor on September 18. The Milton man became trapped in the machine while working at Cottrell… Read More »

VA Benefits: What Is Chapter 35?
Veterans benefits are broad. There are many types of benefits that veterans, their spouses, and their children can take advantage of to improve their life. One of them is Chapter 35, which is the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, commonly known as Chapter 35. This program offers educational benefits to dependents of veterans… Read More »