Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu

Recent Blog Posts

PercentageQuestion

How The VA’s Disability Ratings Are Hurting Veterans

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) still relies on the 1945 “whole person” formula for disability ratings, which assumes that each condition affects the veteran independently. However, research shows this assumption is flawed, often leaving veterans undercompensated for interconnected disabilities. For example, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at significantly higher risk for… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
PercentageUp3

SSDI Benefits To See 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase For 2026

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the cost of living increase for 2026. Social Security payments will receive a 2.8% increase next year. This increase affects approximately 75 million Americans, bringing relief in the face of rising living costs. On average, retirees will see their monthly Social Security benefit rise by about $56,… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
ConstructionZoneHit

Worker Killed In Work Zone Accident Caused By Speeding Driver

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

As the saying goes, speed kills. Even if you avoid harming yourself, your actions may have consequences for others. Being in a hurry can lead to serious or fatal accidents. Sadly, this recently happened to a woman working in a work zone in New York. The laborers’ union member and flagger died a violent… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Injured_Volunteer

Are Injured Volunteers Covered By Workers’ Comp?

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

Volunteering for a cause or organization that you truly care about can be fulfilling. It can be nice to help someone in need but what happens when injury strikes while you are volunteering? Paid employees are usually covered under New York’s workers’ compensation laws, but what about volunteers? Many public and non-profit organizations rely… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Approved2

VA Employee Accused Of Improperly Approving $2 Million In Claims

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

As a disabled veteran, you have probably had a tough time getting approved for benefits. You have probably wished the process was much easier. What if someone could just approve every claim that came in. That is actually what one Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) worker did. For several years, a senior veterans service… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
VeteranDog

Study Shows Service Dogs Help Reduce Stress, Aging In Women Veterans

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue among those who have served in war and fought for our country. Dealing with this mental health issue is not an easy task, and it often takes its toll on veterans. However, the results of a recent study may be helpful, especially for women veterans. The… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
BenefitCuts2

Trump Considers Cutting SSDI Benefits

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

We are currently living in tough financial times and the president may be making things even worse soon, especially for a vulnerable segment of the population. The Trump administration is reportedly considering cutting disability benefits for low-income and older Americans by as much as 20%. This proposal could impact hundreds of thousands of people… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Arrested30

VA Employee Arrested For Illegally Collecting $85K In Disability Benefits

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

A former Veterans Affairs (VA) employee is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he illegally collected nearly $85,000 in disability benefits while working full-time for the VA in Albany. Edmond Anadio, a 64-year-old man from Gloversville, was arrested and arraigned in federal court in Albany on August 26, 2025. Prosecutors allege that from 2021… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
VeteranThinking

What To Know About Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

Veterans make many sacrifices for our country. For their service, they get educational benefits, home loans, medical benefits, and much more. In 2023, veterans were given another benefit that they may not know about. That year, the Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) was created to give veterans life insurance benefits, with acceptance guaranteed. As… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Revised

New Conditions Added To Compassionate Allowances List

By Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC |

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has expanded its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program by including 13 additional serious medical conditions, bringing the total to 300 qualifying conditions. According to SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, the expansion underscores the agency’s dedication to making disability determinations more accessible and efficient. He emphasized that by adding these conditions,… Read More »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Translate »