Veterans who expertise persistent complications as a result of service-connected situations could also be eligible for incapacity compensation from the Division of Veterans Affairs (VA). The quantity of compensation is set by a proportion ranking assigned primarily based on the severity and frequency of the complications, reflecting the impression on the veteran’s potential to carry out every day actions. For example, a veteran experiencing prostrating assaults requiring mattress relaxation could obtain a better ranking than a veteran with much less frequent or extreme complications.
This technique permits the VA to offer monetary help commensurate with the extent of impairment attributable to service-connected continual complications. A transparent understanding of the ranking standards permits veterans to raised perceive their potential advantages and navigate the claims course of. Traditionally, the VA has up to date its ranking schedule to replicate advances in medical understanding and diagnostic capabilities associated to headache situations, making certain honest and acceptable compensation.
This text will delve additional into the precise ranking standards utilized by the VA to judge headache situations, together with the required medical proof and the appeals course of. It should additionally discover assets out there to veterans in search of help with their claims.
1. Severity
Severity is a pivotal think about figuring out the VA incapacity ranking for continual complications. The VA ranking system straight correlates the depth and impression of complications with the assigned incapacity proportion. Understanding the assorted ranges of severity and their related signs is essential for veterans in search of an correct and acceptable ranking.
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Rare Complications:
These complications, whereas probably disruptive, happen much less incessantly and are usually much less intense. They could reply properly to over-the-counter medicine and usually don’t necessitate vital life-style changes. Within the context of VA incapacity rankings, rare complications usually obtain decrease rankings, reflecting their lesser impression on every day perform. For example, occasional rigidity complications would possibly fall into this class.
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Frequent, Non-Prostrating Complications:
These complications happen extra repeatedly and will intervene with every day actions, although they usually don’t require full mattress relaxation. They could require prescription medicine and necessitate changes to work schedules or social engagements. The related VA incapacity ranking is mostly larger than that for rare complications, recognizing the elevated disruption to every day life. Migraines with out aura that happen a number of occasions a month may exemplify this stage of severity.
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Prostrating Complications:
Characterised by intense ache and debilitating signs, these complications necessitate full mattress relaxation and considerably impair every day perform. They usually require sturdy ache administration methods and may result in substantial limitations in work, social actions, and general high quality of life. Prostrating complications usually warrant larger VA incapacity rankings, reflecting their extreme impression. Cluster complications or extreme migraines usually fall into this class.
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Fully Prostrating Complications:
Representing probably the most extreme class, these complications contain excruciating ache and full incapacitation. They require aggressive medical intervention and may result in extended durations of mattress relaxation and vital limitations throughout all features of life. The very best VA incapacity rankings are reserved for fully prostrating complications, acknowledging their profound impression on a veteran’s well-being. Extreme, intractable migraines or complications related to different neurological situations would possibly exemplify this stage of severity.
The VA considers the frequency, period, and related signs, comparable to nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to mild and sound, when assessing headache severity. A complete medical historical past, together with diagnostic testing and therapy information, is important for substantiating the claimed stage of severity and acquiring an acceptable VA incapacity ranking. The assigned ranking finally determines the quantity of compensation a veteran receives, highlighting the significance of precisely representing the severity of headache situations.
2. Frequency
The frequency of continual complications performs a crucial function in figuring out the VA incapacity ranking. The extra frequent the complications, the larger the potential impression on every day perform and high quality of life. The VA considers the variety of headache days per thirty days when assessing the general severity and assigning a corresponding incapacity ranking. This frequency knowledge, mixed with different components like depth and related signs, contributes considerably to the ultimate willpower of compensation.
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Episodic Complications:
Occurring much less incessantly, maybe just a few occasions a month, episodic complications should still be disruptive however usually signify a decrease stage of impairment. Whereas eligible for a VA incapacity ranking, the assigned proportion will seemingly be decrease than for extra frequent headache patterns. For instance, occasional rigidity complications or rare migraines could fall into this class. The impression on every day actions is much less substantial, impacting the general ranking.
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Frequent Complications:
Complications occurring a number of occasions a month signify a extra vital disruption to every day life. The elevated frequency can result in missed work or social occasions, requiring changes to handle the situation. This frequency stage usually warrants a better incapacity ranking in comparison with episodic complications. Migraines occurring a number of occasions a month, or persistent rigidity complications, illustrate this frequency stage and its potential impression on every day routines.
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Close to-Each day Complications:
Experiencing complications virtually every day signifies a considerable impairment. The fixed presence of ache considerably impacts the power to carry out routine duties, work persistently, and have interaction in social actions. This stage of frequency usually qualifies for a better VA incapacity ranking as a result of substantial disruption to regular life. Continual every day complications or near-daily cluster complications exemplify this frequency and its appreciable impression on general well-being.
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Fixed Complications:
Unrelenting, fixed complications signify probably the most extreme frequency class. The continual presence of ache severely limits every day actions and drastically reduces high quality of life. This stage of frequency usually qualifies for the best VA incapacity rankings as a result of profound and pervasive impression on every day functioning. Intractable migraines or complications related to different critical medical situations could fall into this class.
The frequency of complications, together with different components like severity and practical impairment, straight influences the VA incapacity ranking assigned. Correct documentation of headache frequency is subsequently essential for veterans in search of acceptable compensation. Medical information, headache diaries, and supporting proof from healthcare suppliers play an important function in substantiating the claimed frequency and making certain a good analysis by the VA.
3. Prostrating Assaults
Prostrating assaults, a key think about figuring out VA incapacity rankings for continual complications, check with episodes of extreme headache ache that necessitate mattress relaxation and considerably impair regular functioning. The presence and frequency of those assaults straight affect the assigned incapacity ranking and subsequent compensation. Understanding the nuances of prostrating assaults is essential for veterans in search of acceptable recognition of their headache-related incapacity.
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Defining Prostrating Assaults:
A prostrating assault signifies a stage of headache severity that renders a person unable to carry out routine actions and requires confinement to mattress. This incapacitation distinguishes prostrating assaults from much less extreme complications that, whereas painful, could not fully forestall every day perform. Examples embody migraines so extreme they require full darkness and silence, cluster complications inflicting debilitating ache, or complications related to neurological situations that necessitate mendacity down.
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Influence on Each day Operate:
The defining attribute of a prostrating assault is its disruptive impression on every day life. These assaults forestall participation in work, social actions, and even primary self-care. The lack to perform usually underscores the severity of those headache episodes and justifies a better incapacity ranking. For example, a veteran experiencing a prostrating assault may be unable to attend work, look after relations, and even put together meals.
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Frequency and Period:
The frequency and period of prostrating assaults are essential issues within the VA ranking course of. Extra frequent and longer-lasting assaults point out a larger stage of impairment and contribute to a better incapacity ranking. A veteran experiencing a number of prostrating assaults per thirty days will seemingly obtain a better ranking than somebody experiencing them much less incessantly. Equally, assaults lasting a number of hours and even days carry extra weight than shorter episodes. Detailed documentation of those assaults, together with their frequency, period, and related signs, is important for correct evaluation.
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Relationship to VA Incapacity Ranking:
The presence of prostrating assaults considerably influences the VA incapacity ranking assigned for continual complications. The VA ranking schedule particularly considers the frequency and severity of those assaults when figuring out the suitable proportion. Veterans experiencing frequent and extreme prostrating assaults can qualify for larger rankings, reflecting the substantial impression on their potential to perform. The documentation of those assaults, ideally corroborated by medical information and doctor statements, strengthens the declare and ensures a good analysis.
In abstract, prostrating assaults signify a crucial factor within the analysis of continual complications for VA incapacity rankings. The frequency, period, and impression on every day perform related to these assaults straight correlate with the assigned incapacity proportion and subsequent compensation. Correct and detailed documentation of those assaults is important for veterans in search of acceptable recognition of their incapacity and the advantages they deserve.
4. Purposeful Impairment
Purposeful impairment ensuing from continual complications performs a vital function in figuring out the VA incapacity ranking. The VA assesses the extent to which complications intervene with a veteran’s potential to carry out every day actions, each at residence and in a piece atmosphere. The larger the impairment, the upper the potential incapacity ranking. This evaluation considers varied features of every day life, specializing in the restrictions imposed by headache situations.
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Occupational Impairment:
Continual complications can considerably impression occupational functioning. The frequency, severity, and unpredictability of complications can result in missed workdays, diminished productiveness, and issue concentrating. Veterans experiencing frequent prostrating assaults would possibly discover it difficult to take care of common employment, impacting their monetary stability. The VA considers the precise limitations confronted within the office, comparable to the power to carry out assigned duties, work together with colleagues, and cling to work schedules. For instance, a veteran working in a bodily demanding job would possibly expertise larger impairment from complications than somebody in a sedentary function.
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Social Impairment:
Social actions usually change into difficult for people with continual complications. Headache ache and related signs, comparable to nausea and lightweight sensitivity, could make social interplay tough, resulting in withdrawal and isolation. Veterans could keep away from social gatherings, household occasions, and leisure actions as a result of worry of experiencing a headache. The VA assesses the impression of complications on social functioning, contemplating components comparable to the power to take care of relationships, take part in social occasions, and have interaction in leisure actions. For example, a veteran who avoids social gatherings as a result of complications experiences a special stage of impairment than somebody who can take part with minimal disruption.
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Impairment in Each day Actions:
Continual complications can considerably intervene with the power to carry out routine every day duties. Easy actions like driving, procuring, cooking, and private care can change into tough and even unimaginable throughout a headache episode. Veterans with extreme complications could require help with these duties, impacting their independence and general high quality of life. The VA considers the restrictions skilled in performing important every day actions, comparable to private hygiene, meal preparation, and family chores. For instance, a veteran who struggles to carry out primary self-care as a result of complications experiences a better stage of impairment than somebody who can handle these duties with minimal issue.
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Cognitive Impairment:
Continual complications may result in cognitive impairments, affecting focus, reminiscence, and decision-making. The fixed ache and related signs could make it tough to deal with duties, bear in mind data, and clarify choices. This cognitive impairment can impression each occupational and social functioning, additional contributing to the general incapacity. The VA assesses the impression of complications on cognitive talents, evaluating components comparable to reminiscence, focus, and decision-making expertise. A veteran experiencing issue concentrating at work as a result of complications faces a special stage of impairment than somebody whose cognitive perform stays largely unaffected.
The cumulative impact of those practical impairments is a crucial think about figuring out the VA incapacity ranking for continual complications. The VA makes use of the described practical limitations to assign a incapacity proportion, reflecting the general impression of complications on the veteran’s life. This complete evaluation ensures that the assigned ranking precisely represents the extent of incapacity and supplies acceptable compensation for the challenges confronted as a result of continual complications.
5. Diagnostic Standards
Diagnostic standards play a vital function in establishing service connection and figuring out the VA incapacity ranking for continual complications. A transparent analysis, primarily based on established medical standards, is important for substantiating the declare and linking the headache situation to service. The VA depends on medical proof demonstrating that the complications meet particular diagnostic standards acknowledged inside the medical neighborhood. This proof varieties the inspiration for a profitable declare, demonstrating the character and severity of the situation. For instance, a analysis of migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache, primarily based on standards outlined in assets just like the Worldwide Classification of Headache Issues (ICHD), supplies a robust foundation for the declare. Conversely, a obscure or unsubstantiated analysis weakens the declare and will result in a decrease ranking or denial.
The specificity of the analysis straight impacts the VA incapacity ranking. For example, a analysis of continual migraine, supported by detailed documentation of frequency, severity, and related signs, permits the VA to evaluate the practical impairment precisely. This specificity ensures that the assigned ranking displays the true impression of the situation on the veteran’s life. Moreover, a transparent analysis helps distinguish service-connected complications from these unrelated to service, making certain that veterans obtain acceptable compensation for situations straight ensuing from their navy service. This distinction is especially vital when different potential causes for complications exist. Clear diagnostic standards present a framework for differentiating between service-connected and non-service-connected situations.
In abstract, establishing a exact analysis primarily based on acknowledged medical standards is a cornerstone of the VA incapacity declare course of for continual complications. This analysis supplies the required framework for linking the situation to service, assessing the severity and practical impairment, and finally figuring out the suitable incapacity ranking and compensation. The readability and completeness of the diagnostic data considerably affect the end result of the declare, underscoring the significance of thorough medical analysis and documentation.
6. Medical Proof
Medical proof varieties the cornerstone of VA incapacity claims for continual complications, straight influencing the assigned ranking and subsequent compensation. A sturdy physique of proof demonstrating the existence, severity, and repair connection of the headache situation is essential for a profitable declare. This proof establishes a transparent hyperlink between the present situation and occasions or exposures throughout navy service. For instance, a veteran claiming service connection for complications secondary to a head damage incurred throughout deployment should present medical information documenting the preliminary damage, subsequent therapy, and the continued presence of complications. With out such proof, establishing service connection and receiving an acceptable incapacity ranking turns into considerably tougher. The causal relationship between the in-service occasion and the present situation should be clearly demonstrated by way of medical documentation.
A number of forms of medical proof contribute to a robust declare. Complete medical information detailing the historical past of the headache situation, together with diagnoses, therapies, and responses to remedy, are important. Diagnostic testing, comparable to imaging research or neurological evaluations, can additional substantiate the analysis and rule out different potential causes. Statements from healthcare suppliers, outlining the severity of the complications and their impression on every day perform, present invaluable supporting proof. Moreover, headache diaries maintained by the veteran, documenting the frequency, depth, and period of complications, supply an in depth document of the situation’s impression. For example, a veteran identified with migraines can strengthen their declare by offering information of emergency room visits for extreme headache assaults, prescriptions for migraine-specific drugs, and a neurologist’s assertion confirming the analysis and its impression on every day life.
The standard and comprehensiveness of medical proof straight impression the VA’s potential to evaluate the severity and frequency of complications, the ensuing practical impairment, and finally, the suitable incapacity ranking. A well-documented declare, supported by sturdy medical proof, will increase the probability of a positive consequence and a good incapacity ranking. Conversely, inadequate or insufficient proof can result in delays, a decrease ranking, and even denial of the declare. Due to this fact, gathering and presenting thorough medical proof is paramount for veterans in search of acceptable compensation for service-connected continual complications. This meticulous strategy ensures that the VA has the required data to make an knowledgeable determination, reflecting the true impression of the situation on the veteran’s life.
7. Ranking Schedule
The VA makes use of an in depth ranking schedule to find out the incapacity ranking for continual complications, straight impacting the quantity of compensation a veteran receives. This schedule outlines particular standards and assigns corresponding incapacity percentages primarily based on the severity and frequency of complications, in addition to the ensuing practical impairment. Understanding the ranking schedule is essential for veterans in search of to know their potential advantages and navigate the claims course of successfully. The schedule supplies a structured framework for evaluating the impression of complications on a veteran’s life, making certain constant and equitable compensation.
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Diagnostic Code 8100:
This code particularly addresses migraine complications and supplies a variety of incapacity rankings primarily based on the frequency and severity of prostrating assaults. For instance, a veteran experiencing one or two prostrating assaults per thirty days would possibly obtain a 30% incapacity ranking, whereas extra frequent assaults may end in a 50% and even 100% ranking. The particular standards outlined beneath this code guarantee constant analysis of migraine-related incapacity.
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Analogous Scores:
When a veteran’s headache situation does not exactly match the factors outlined beneath Diagnostic Code 8100, the VA could use analogous rankings. This strategy permits the VA to think about comparable situations and their related incapacity rankings to find out an acceptable proportion. For example, if a veteran experiences continual complications that do not meet the strict definition of migraine however trigger comparable practical impairment, the VA would possibly use a similar ranking primarily based on a associated situation inside the ranking schedule. This flexibility ensures that veterans with much less widespread or atypical headache issues obtain honest consideration.
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Mixed Scores:
Veterans usually expertise a number of service-connected situations, every contributing to general incapacity. The VA makes use of a mixed ranking system to account for the cumulative impression of a number of disabilities. If a veteran has each continual complications and one other service-connected situation, comparable to post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD), every situation receives a separate ranking, and these rankings are then mixed to find out the general incapacity proportion. This strategy acknowledges the additive impact of a number of disabilities and ensures acceptable compensation.
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Whole Incapacity Based mostly on Particular person Unemployability (TDIU):
Even when a veteran’s mixed incapacity ranking does not attain 100%, they might nonetheless qualify for complete incapacity primarily based on particular person unemployability (TDIU) if their service-connected situations, together with continual complications, forestall them from sustaining considerably gainful employment. This profit supplies monetary help equal to a 100% incapacity ranking, recognizing that the impression of service-connected situations can prolong past the restrictions mirrored in the usual ranking schedule. For example, a veteran with a mixed ranking of 70% as a result of continual complications and different situations would possibly qualify for TDIU if the complications considerably impair their potential to work, even with cheap lodging.
The VA ranking schedule, with its particular diagnostic codes, analogous ranking choices, mixed ranking system, and TDIU provision, supplies a complete framework for evaluating the impression of continual complications and different service-connected situations on a veteran’s life. Understanding these elements of the ranking schedule empowers veterans to successfully navigate the claims course of and search acceptable compensation for his or her service-related disabilities. The schedule supplies a vital hyperlink between the medical actuality of continual complications and the monetary help offered by the VA, making certain equitable and constant compensation for veterans affected by these debilitating situations.
Steadily Requested Questions on VA Incapacity Scores for Continual Complications
This part addresses widespread questions relating to VA incapacity rankings for continual complications, offering readability on the claims course of and eligibility standards. Understanding these features can assist veterans navigate the system successfully and procure acceptable compensation for his or her service-connected complications.
Query 1: How does the VA decide the severity of continual complications for ranking functions?
The VA considers a number of components when assessing headache severity, together with frequency, depth, period, and related signs like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to mild and sound. The impression of complications on every day actions, each occupational and social, can be a key consideration.
Query 2: What medical proof is required to help a declare for continual complications?
Important medical proof features a clear analysis from a healthcare skilled, therapy information detailing the historical past of complications, and outcomes of any diagnostic testing. Statements from healthcare suppliers testifying to the severity and practical impression of complications, together with private headache diaries, can additional strengthen the declare.
Query 3: Can veterans obtain a VA incapacity ranking for complications even when they did not expertise a head damage throughout service?
Sure, service connection for complications will be established even with no direct head damage. Circumstances comparable to post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD) or different service-connected medical situations can contribute to continual complications and be thought-about for incapacity ranking functions.
Query 4: What’s the distinction between a prostrating assault and a daily headache within the context of VA incapacity rankings?
Prostrating assaults signify extreme headache episodes requiring full mattress relaxation and considerably impairing every day perform. These assaults carry extra weight within the ranking course of in comparison with common complications, usually contributing to larger incapacity percentages.
Query 5: Can a veteran attraction a VA incapacity ranking determination for continual complications?
Sure, veterans have the precise to attraction a ranking determination they consider is inaccurate or unfair. The appeals course of entails submitting further proof or requesting a assessment by a special VA examiner. A number of ranges of attraction exist, offering alternatives to current additional data and search a reevaluation of the declare.
Query 6: The place can veterans discover further data and assets relating to VA incapacity claims for continual complications?
The VA web site gives complete data relating to incapacity advantages, together with particular particulars on headache claims. Veteran service organizations and accredited representatives may present help and steering all through the claims course of. Consulting with these assets can present invaluable help and experience in navigating the complexities of VA incapacity claims.
Understanding the VA incapacity ranking system for continual complications empowers veterans to hunt acceptable compensation for his or her service-connected situation. A radical understanding of the factors, required proof, and out there assets is essential for a profitable declare.
The subsequent part will talk about methods for successfully gathering and presenting medical proof to help VA incapacity claims for continual complications.
Suggestions for Navigating VA Incapacity Claims for Continual Complications
Efficiently navigating the VA incapacity declare course of for continual complications requires cautious preparation and an intensive understanding of the system. The following pointers present sensible steering for veterans in search of to optimize their claims and obtain acceptable compensation.
Tip 1: Keep Detailed Headache Diaries: Constantly documenting headache frequency, depth, period, and related signs supplies invaluable proof. Word any particular triggers, drugs used, and the impression on every day actions. This detailed document strengthens the declare by demonstrating the constant and pervasive nature of the situation.
Tip 2: Search Common Medical Care: Constant medical care establishes a documented historical past of the headache situation. Common visits with healthcare suppliers permit for ongoing monitoring, changes to therapy plans, and assortment of essential medical information mandatory for a robust declare.
Tip 3: Get hold of Complete Medical Information: Request copies of all medical information associated to the headache situation, together with diagnoses, therapy plans, imaging research, and specialist consultations. Complete information supply a whole image of the situation’s historical past and severity, strengthening the declare’s basis.
Tip 4: Safe Supporting Statements from Healthcare Suppliers: Healthcare suppliers can supply invaluable insights into the severity of complications and their impression on every day perform. Detailed statements from physicians or specialists, outlining the analysis, therapy, and prognosis, considerably bolster the declare.
Tip 5: Perceive the VA Ranking Schedule: Familiarize your self with the precise standards and ranking percentages outlined within the VA schedule for headache situations. Understanding the ranking system permits for practical expectations and knowledgeable decision-making all through the claims course of.
Tip 6: Seek the advice of with Accredited Representatives or Veteran Service Organizations: These assets supply invaluable experience and help in navigating the complexities of VA incapacity claims. They’ll present steering on gathering proof, finishing mandatory varieties, and understanding the appeals course of.
Tip 7: Be Thorough and Correct in All Submissions: Correct and full data is essential for a profitable declare. Rigorously assessment all varieties and submitted documentation to make sure accuracy and keep away from potential delays or denials.
Tip 8: Keep Open Communication with the VA: Reply promptly to any requests for data from the VA and preserve open communication all through the method. Proactive communication facilitates a smoother claims course of and minimizes potential delays.
By following the following tips, veterans can considerably improve their possibilities of a profitable VA incapacity declare for continual complications. A well-prepared and completely documented declare, supported by sturdy medical proof, ensures that the VA has the required data to make an knowledgeable determination and supply acceptable compensation for service-connected headache situations.
The next part will present concluding ideas on navigating the VA incapacity claims course of for continual complications.
Conclusion
Navigating the VA incapacity ranking system for continual complications requires a complete understanding of the factors, processes, and out there assets. The ranking assigned relies on components comparable to headache frequency, severity, and the ensuing practical impairment. Prostrating assaults, diagnostic standards, and supporting medical proof play essential roles in establishing service connection and figuring out the suitable incapacity proportion. The VA ranking schedule supplies a structured framework for evaluating these components, making certain constant and equitable compensation for veterans affected by service-connected complications. Thorough documentation, constant medical care, and collaboration with accredited representatives or veteran service organizations considerably contribute to a profitable declare.
Acquiring an correct and honest VA incapacity ranking for continual complications gives essential monetary help and acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans. A transparent understanding of the system empowers veterans to advocate successfully for his or her advantages and entry the assets they deserve. The pursuit of a simply and equitable consequence displays a dedication to honoring the service and sacrifice of these affected by continual headache situations.
